VMware, Inc.
ZERO-KNOWLEDGE KEY ESCROW

Abstract:

Disclosed are various embodiments for implementing a key escrow system without disclosure of a client's encryption key to third parties. An encryption key is split into a plurality of key segments pursuant to a shared secret protocol. A plurality of peer client devices are then identified. Each peer client device in the plurality of peer client devices is then verified and the respective one of the plurality of key segments are sent to a respective one of the plurality of peer client devices. A response is then received from each respective one of the plurality of peer client devices, the response confirming receipt of the respective one of the plurality of key segments. A list identifying the plurality of peer client devices is finally provided to a key escrow service, the list comprising key-value pairs that identify each respective one of the plurality of peer client devices and the respective one of the plurality of key segments.