1. A method for generating an encryption key for use by a host device to encrypt data for access by multiple devices connected on a network, said method comprising:
- generating a content identification for said data;
- retrieving a network address that is unique to said multiple devices;
- using both said content identification and said network address to produce said encryption key;
- encrypting said data with said encryption key to produce a ciphertext; and
- attaching only said content identification portion of said encryption key to said ciphertext for transmission to said multiple devices identified by said network address over said network.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein said using comprises:
- hashing said content identification to produce a first hashed variable;
- hashing said network address to produce a second hashed variable; and
- coalescing said first hashed variable and said second hashed variable to produce said encryption key.
3. The method of claim 1 wherein generating a content identification comprises:
- generating a random variable by said host device.
4. The method of claim 3 further comprising:
- attaching said random variable absent said network address to said ciphertext for transmission to said multiple devices identified by said network address over said network.
5. The encryption method of claim 4 for further use decrypting said ciphertext, the method comprising:
- retrieving said random variable attached to said ciphertext;
- coalescing said random variable and said network address to produce said encryption key; and
- decrypting said ciphertext with said encryption key to produce said data.
6. The encryption method of claim 3 further comprising:
- encrypting said data with said encryption key to produce a ciphertext; and
- transmitting said ciphertext and said random variable to said multiple devices identified by said network address over said network.
7. The encryption method of claim 6 for further use decrypting said ciphertext, the method comprising:
- retrieving said random variable;
- coalescing said random variable and said network address to produce said encryption key; and
- decrypting said ciphertext with said encryption key to produce said data.
8. A method for encrypting data for distribution to a selected plurality of devices that are connected to a network chat has a network address, wherein said network address includes an address common to said selected plurality of devices, the method comprising:
- retrieving said network address;
- generating a random variable for said data;
- generating an encryption key from said network address and said random variable;
- encrypting said data using said encryption key to produce a ciphertext; and
- transmitting said ciphertext and only said random variable portion of said encryption key to said selected plurality of devices, identified by said network address, over said network.
9. The method of claim 8 wherein said selected plurality of devices are connected to said network as a subnet that is distinguished from said network by a subnet address.
10. The method of claim 9 further comprising:
- attaching said random variable to said ciphertext for transmission to said selected plurality of devices.
11. The encryption method of claim 10 for further use decrypting said ciphertext, the method comprising:
- retrieving said random variable attached to said ciphertext;
- coalescing said random variable and said subnet address to produce said encryption key; and
- decrypting said ciphertext with said encryption key to produce said data.
12. The encryption method of claim 9 further comprising:
- transmitting said random variable to said selected plurality of devices identified by said subnet address over said network.
13. The encryption method of claim 12 for further use decrypting said block of ciphertext, the method comprising:
- retrieving said random variable;
- coalescing said random variable and said subnet address to produce said encryption key; and
- decrypting said ciphertext with said encryption key to produce said data.
