An apparatus and system are 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 apparatus 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.