Time-based encryption key derivation

A non-transitory computer readable medium having program instructions stored therein that are executable by an apparatus to cause the apparatus to perform operations comprising:

• maintaining, by a first circuit of the apparatus, a local time value in a local clock;
• determining a synchronized time value by applying a determined offset to the local time value, wherein the synchronized time value is an expected time value of a reference clock, and wherein the offset is determined using previously received synchronization communications;
• generating a first encryption key by calculating a key derivation function based on the synchronized time value;
• encrypting a portion of a packet using the first encryption key, wherein the portion of the packet is to be communicated to a second circuit;
• and
• providing the synchronized time value used to generate the first encryption key for inclusion in the packet.

A method, comprising:

• maintaining, by a local clock of a first circuit, a local time value;
• determining, by the first circuit, a synchronized time value by applying a determined offset to the local time value, wherein the synchronized time value is an expected time value of a reference clock, and wherein the offset is determined using previously received synchronization communications;
• generating, by the first circuit, a first encryption key by calculating a key derivation function based on the synchronized time value;
• encrypting, by the first circuit, a portion of a packet using the first encryption key, wherein the portion of the packet is to be communicated to a second circuit;
• and
• providing, by the first circuit, the synchronized time value used to generate the first encryption key for inclusion in the packet.