System and method for facilitating secure communication of data over a communications network

摘要

A method implemented by a key broker for facilitating secure communication of data over a communications network 5 comprises receiving an encryption key request message from an owner of the data. The key request message comprises one or more decryption key distribution conditions. Responsive to receiving the encryption key request message, the key broker generates a cryptographic key pair 10 comprising an encryption key K1 and a decryption key K2. The decryption key K2 is stored in association with the decryption key distribution conditions. The encryption key K1 is communicated to the data owner which is utilisable thereby for encrypting the data to be 15 communicated over the network. The decryption key K2 is communicated to a data recipient for use in decrypting the encrypted data, responsive to determining that the one or more decryption key distribution conditions have been met. 20 (Figure 1)