A system and method for generating and transmitting false packets along with a
true packet to thereby hide or obscure the actual message traffic. A new extension
header having a plurality of fields is positioned in the hierarchy of Internet
protocol headers that control passage of the false packets and the true packet
through the network. A sending host computer generates a plurality of false packets
for each true packet and transmits the false packets and the true packet containing
the Internet protocol headers and the extension header over the network. The new
extension header is decrypted and re-encrypted each host that handles a message
packet that uses the new extension header to control the random re-encryption of
the true packet body at random hosts and the random generation of false packets
at each host visited by a true packet, at the recipient of the true packet, and
at any hosts that receive a false packet.
