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This paper deals with new problems which arise in the application of cryptography to computer commu-nication systems with large numbers of users. Fore-most among these is the key distribution problem. We suggest two techniques for dealing with this problem. The first employs current technology and requires sub-version of several separate key distribution nodes to compromise the systems security. Its disadvantage is a high overhead for single message connections. The second technique is still in the conceptual phase, but promises to eliminate completely the need for a secure key distribution channel, by making the senders key-ing information public. It is also shown how such a public key cryptosystem would allow the development of an authentication system which generates an un-forgeable, message dependent digital signature.
Diffie et al. (Thu,) studied this question.