Commitment schemes are cryptographic methods that allow one person to commit to a chosen value while keeping it hidden, with the option to reveal the value later. These schemes ensure that the value cannot be changed after the commitment is made, providing both secrecy and integrity. They are often used in digital protocols to prevent…
Bilinear pairing cryptography is a type of cryptography that uses special mathematical functions called bilinear pairings to enable advanced security features. These functions allow two different cryptographic elements to be combined in a way that helps create secure protocols for sharing information. It is commonly used to build systems that require secure collaboration or identity…
Post-quantum encryption refers to cryptographic methods designed to remain secure even if powerful quantum computers become available. Quantum computers could potentially break many of the encryption systems currently in use, making traditional cryptography vulnerable. Post-quantum encryption aims to protect sensitive data from being deciphered by future quantum attacks, ensuring long-term security for digital communications and…
Lattice-based cryptography is a type of encryption that builds security on the mathematical structure of lattices, which are grid-like arrangements of points in space. This approach is considered strong against attacks from both classical and quantum computers, making it a leading candidate for future-proof security. Lattice-based methods can be used for creating secure digital signatures,…
Key agreement protocols are methods that allow two or more parties to create a shared secret key over a public communication channel. This shared key can then be used to encrypt messages, ensuring that only the intended recipients can read them. These protocols are important for secure online activities, such as banking or private messaging,…
Hash-Based Message Authentication is a method used to check if a message has been altered and to confirm who sent it. It works by combining the message with a secret key and then applying a hash function, creating a unique code called a message authentication code (MAC). If the message changes, the code will not…
Elliptic Curve Digital Signatures are a type of digital signature that uses the mathematics of elliptic curves to verify the authenticity of digital messages or documents. They provide a way to prove that a message was created by a specific person, without revealing their private information. This method is popular because it offers strong security…
Distributed consensus protocols are methods that help a group of computers agree on a single value or decision, even if some of them fail or send incorrect information. These protocols are essential for keeping distributed systems reliable and consistent, especially when the computers are spread out and cannot always trust each other. They are widely…
Anonymous credential systems are digital tools that let users prove they have certain rights or attributes, such as being over 18 or being a student, without revealing their full identity. These systems use cryptographic techniques to let users show only the necessary information, protecting their privacy. They are often used to help keep personal data…
Oblivious RAM is a technology that hides the pattern of data access in computer memory, so that anyone observing cannot tell which data is being read or written. This prevents attackers from learning sensitive information based on how and when data is accessed, even if they can see all memory requests. It is particularly useful…