System for securely broadcasting data signals and system for decrypting encrypted data signals

摘要

A system for broadcasting data signals in a secure manner comprises means for encrypting the data signals using a first key, means for broadcasting the encrypted data signals to subscribers, means for decrypting the encrypted data signals at each of the subscribers using the first key, and means for encrypting the first key using a second key. The second key is different for each group of subscribers having a common interest in a type of programs. The system further comprises means for broadcasting the encrypted first key to all subscribers and means for decrypting the encrypted first key at each of the subscribers using the second key. The second key is a combination of a key common to all subscribers and a difference key which is unique per type of programs. Means are provided for encrypting the common key and for broadcasting the encrypted common key to all subscribers, the subscribers having means for decrypting the encrypted common key at each of the subscribers.