A method is disclosed for asymmetric security in data communications
between two or more nodes. Asymmetric security within data communications
refers to sending and receiving messages at different security levels.
The method includes a receiving module, a transmission module, and a
communication module. The receiving module receives a first message at a
first security level from a first node. A security level may be defined
by implementation of one or more security features, including encryption,
digital signatures, and/or other security features. The transmission
module transmits a second message at a second security level to the first
node in response to receiving the first message. The first and second
messages may be communicated during a single communication session. The
communication module communicates the second security level to the first
node. The communication may be directly between two nodes or may occur
via a broker or other intermediate node.