METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROTECTING THE TRANSFER OF DATA

摘要

According to one embodiment, a method of descrambling digital multimedia content starts by sending an out-of-band request for encrypted control data to a headend. A descrambler integrated circuit may then receive digital program data in a scrambled, format and the encrypted control data. The encrypted control data may then be decrypted entirely within the descrambler integrated circuit using a multiple-step decryption process starting with a unique key permanently stored in the descrambler integrate circuit and using the partial decryption of control data from the previous decryption step to generate a key to decrypt subsequent encrypted control data. The scrambled digital program data may then be descrambled in the descrambler integrated circuit using the decrypted control data from the last decryption step. Other embodiments are described.

主权项

1. An apparatus comprising;
at least one computer memory that is not a transitory signal and that comprises instructions executable by at least, one processor for:
sending an out-of-band request for encrypted control data to a headend;receiving digital program data in a scrambled format by a descrambler integrated circuit;receiving the encrypted control data by the descrambler integrated circuit;decrypting the encrypted control data entirely within the descrambler integrated circuit using a multiple-step decryption process starting with a unique key permanently stored in the descrambler integrated circuit and using decryption of control data from a previous decryption step to generate a key to decrypt subsequent encrypted control data; anddescrambling the scrambled digital program data in the descrambler integrated circuit using the decrypted control data from the last decryption step.