Avoiding traffic analysis and assuring data integrity using a quorum-based approach. (c2008)

Abstract

The aim of this research is to present a historical background of security techniques for avoiding traffic analysis as well as assuring data integrity throughout different implementations, theories, and real life scenarios that various scientists and engineers have researched and implemented previously. The thesis also introduces a new technique for assuring data integrity while avoiding traffic analysis and other types of similar attacks (eg: man-in-the-middle, data source fingerprinting, etc.). The new technique utilizes a quorum based approach to allow the client to validate the authenticity of the received data at his/her end by comparing different copies of the data in addition to standard identification techniques currently being used. The technique also accomplishes data transfer from source to destination using a distributed system, encryption, and a relatively new way for communication amongst system components.