Patent ID: 8995658
Filing Date: 2015-03-31
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
1. A method comprising: receiving an output generated by a first component of a first node at a first time, wherein the output is based on a physical configuration of the first component, and wherein outputs generated by the first component vary over time; generating, with a controller of the first node, a key based on the first output; receiving, by the first node, a second key from a second node, wherein the second key is generated by the second node based on an output generated by a second component of the second node, the output generated by the second component being based on a physical configuration of the second component, wherein a first clock of the first node and a second clock of the second node are synchronized such that the first and second nodes are configured to generate time-matched keys based on outputs of the first and second components, respectively; comparing, with the controller of the first node, the first and second keys; in response to determining the first and second keys match, authenticating the second node or a communication from the second node; and in response to determining the first and second keys do not match, generating an indication indicative of potential tampering with the first node, the second node, or communication between the first and second nodes, or indicative of compromised communication between the first and second nodes.