Computational Probabilistic Non-interference

Abstract

In recent times information flow and non-interference have become very popular concepts for expressing both integrity and privacy properties. We present the first general definition of probabilistic non-interference in reactive systems which includes a computational case. This case is essential to cope with real cryptography since non-interference properties can usually only be guaranteed if the underlying cryptographic primitives have not been broken. This might happen, but only with negligible probability. Furthermore, our definition links noninterference with the common approach of simulatability that modern cryptography often uses. We show that our definition is maintained under simulatability, which allows secure composition of systems, and we present a general strategy how cryptographic primitives can be included in information flow proofs. As an example we present an abstract specification and a possible implementation of a cryptographic firewall guarding two honest users from their environment.KeywordsIEEE Computer SocietyIdeal SystemCryptographic PrimitiveService AttackConcrete ImplementationThese keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.