Abstract: Functional encryption keys can be selected based on a set of criteria that facilitates efficient decryption of ciphertexts. The method includes electronically storing one or more decryption key metadata parameters for a plurality of candidate decryption keys for a functional encryption ciphertext, storing a functional encryption ciphertext, extracting a scheme type of functional input from the ciphertext, extracting a functional input from the ciphertext, searching the metadata parameters to identify a set of candidate keys matching the scheme type of the ciphertext, searching the set of candidate keys to identify a key matching the extracted functional input, and selecting one of the identified candidate keys matching the scheme type and the extracted functional input as a decryption key for the functional encryption ciphertext.

Abstract: Functional encryption (FE) ciphertext is transformed into partially-decrypted (PD) ciphertext. The PD ciphertext has a shorter bit length than the FE ciphertext, or the decryption time of the PD ciphertext is less than the decryption time of the FE ciphertext. The FE ciphertext can be an attribute-based encryption ciphertext. The transformation can be performed with a transformation key generated by an authority with a master key or by a user with a decryption key. The transformation can also be performed, without a transformation key, based on unencrypted components of the FE ciphertext and on auxiliary information associated with the unencrypted components of the FE ciphertext. The PD ciphertext can require less transmission time across a network than the FE ciphertext. The PD ciphertext can require less time to decrypt than the FE ciphertext, particularly when the computational resources performing the decryption are limited.

Abstract: Functional encryption (FE) ciphertext is transformed into partially-decrypted (PD) ciphertext. The PD ciphertext has a shorter bit length than the FE ciphertext, or the decryption time of the PD ciphertext is less than the decryption time of the FE ciphertext. The FE ciphertext can be an attribute-based encryption ciphertext. The transformation can be performed with a transformation key generated by an authority with a master key or by a user with a decryption key. The transformation can also be performed, without a transformation key, based on unencrypted components of the FE ciphertext and on auxiliary information associated with the unencrypted components of the FE ciphertext. The PD ciphertext can require less transmission time across a network than the FE ciphertext. The PD ciphertext can require less time to decrypt than the FE ciphertext, particularly when the computational resources performing the decryption are limited.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for sharing sensitive data. A trusted operating system is configured to securely execute boot instructions for one or more hardware component. A virtual operating system in communication with the trusted operating system is configured with one or more security policies defining access rights associated with the one or more hardware component.

Abstract: A protector device and method for using the same that prevents a bow from striking the edge of the stringed instrument in a waist region of the instrument, substantially eliminating potential harm to the instrument, such as nicks, dents, scratches, cracks and the like due to inadvertent bow strikes. A crescent-shaped device constructed and arranged to be detachably secured to a waist portion of a bowed stringed instrument sound box. The device is dimensioned such that, when installed on the stringed instrument, it prevents a bow from contacting the edge of the instrument in the belly region during normal use of the instrument. The apparatus may be a unitary member or may be a multi-layered device. In one embodiment, the protector device includes a flexible elongate outer shell and an elongate inner cushion attached to the outer shell. The apparatus is configured to be installed within the stringed instrument waist adjacent to the edge of the belly.