Distributed Public Key Cryptosystems
ABSTRACT
Distribution of a cryptographic function among a set of servers is a
crucial enhancement to basic cryptographic primitives. It enables
increased security due to the diffusion of secure memories and
increased availability due to redundancy; this increases the trust in
the overall system. Distribution also enables flexible management of
cryptographic primitives (signature or decryption service), since it
makes it possible for a complex organization to control and organize
sensitive functions while the organization changes.
Much activity has been taken place in the last few years
concentrating on designing efficient, flexible and secure
``distributed public key cryptosystems''. Furthermore, such systems
have even become a reality (due to actual user needs). We will review
the basic security notions, design issues, building blocks and
algorithms, as well as proof techniques that we have developed
recently in this area.