A new paradigm for group cryptosystems using quick keys

In this paper we introduce a new approach to group key agreement. Our approach is based on the idea of an associative one way function (AOWF). We illustrate how such functions can be used to perform highly dynamic and fully contributory multiparty key agreement in group-oriented cryptosystems. We also show how such schemes could be used to create efficient group digital signature schemes. Since at present, we have no working examples of AOWFs, the protocols proposed here only have theoretical value. A similar scheme was also discussed in [Rabi Muhammad and Sherman Alan, Nov. 15 1993] and our work is an extension to it.