Implementing the Secure Protocol for Exchanging the Symmetric Key of FPGA-based Embedded Systems

Abstract

Cryptographic  solution  for  protecting  data which  pass  through  an  insecure  public  network  is widely  applied.  To  ensure  the  data  confidentiality  and availability,  the  secret  key  must  be  exchanged  securely between  parties before  beginning  a  transaction  session. This paper presents a protocol to enhance the flexibility and  secrecy  of  symmetric  key  exchange  over  the Internet. Our approach uses an asymmetric encryption algorithm  to  protect  symmetric  encryption  keys  from thefts and tampers over a transmission line. In addition, this  paper  presents  a  protocol  to  ensure  the  integrity, confidentiality  of  the  symmetric  key,  and  the  freshness of  a  transaction  session.  Experimental  results  from  a prototype system based on FPGA are also revealed.