A public key cryptosystem based on non-abelian finite groups

Abstract

We present a new approach to designing public-key cryptosystems based on covers and logarithmic signatures of non-abelian finite groups. Initially, we describe a generic version of the system for a large class of groups. We then propose a class of 2-groups and argue heuristically about the system's security. The system is scalable, and the proposed underlying group, represented as a matrix group, affords significant space and time efficiency. © 2008 International Association for Cryptologic Research.