| CPC H04L 9/0637 (2013.01) [H04L 9/0819 (2013.01); H04L 9/14 (2013.01)] | 21 Claims |

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1. A computer-implemented method for processing a first ciphertext, C1, wherein the first ciphertext is data encrypted with a plurality of keys, k1 . . . kn, the method comprising:
receiving a first key, k1, wherein the first key is one of the plurality of keys;
receiving the first ciphertext, C1;
performing an exclusive OR operation on the first ciphertext, C1, and the first key, k1, to produce a second ciphertext, C2, such that the second ciphertext, C2, is the data encrypted with the plurality of keys, k2 . . . kn, and not with the first key, k1;
receiving a further key, k2;
receiving the second ciphertext, C2; and
after a predetermined time period equal to or less than a crypto period of the keys in the plurality of keys, performing an exclusive OR operation on the second ciphertext, C2, and the further key, k2, to produce a third ciphertext, C3, such that the third ciphertext, C3, is the data encrypted with the plurality of keys, k3 . . . kn, and not with the first and further keys k1, k2.
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