Secret sharing schemes are methods used to split a secret, such as a password or encryption key, into several parts or shares. Each share is given to a different person or system. Only when a certain number of these shares are combined can the original secret be reconstructed. This approach helps protect sensitive information by…
Broadcast encryption is a method that allows a broadcaster to send encrypted information so that only specific, authorised users can decrypt and access it. This technique is often used when a message needs to be sent to a group, but not everyone should be able to read it. The broadcaster manages keys so that only…
Verifiable computation is a method that allows someone to ask a third party to perform a calculation, then check that the result is correct without having to redo the entire work themselves. This is especially useful when the person verifying does not have the resources or time to carry out the computation independently. The process…
Proof of History is a cryptographic method used to create a historical record that proves an event has occurred at a specific time. It works by producing a series of hashes, each building on the previous one, making it easy to verify the sequence and timing of events. This approach allows computers in a network…
Proof of Space is a method for proving that a participant has allocated a certain amount of storage space to a task or process. It is used as an alternative to proof of work in some blockchain and distributed systems, where instead of requiring computational power, participants show they have set aside disk space. This…
Blockchain is a digital system for recording transactions in a way that makes them secure, transparent, and nearly impossible to alter. Each block contains a list of transactions, and these blocks are linked together in a chain, forming a permanent record. Cryptography is the use of mathematical techniques to protect information, making sure only authorised…
Gasless transactions are blockchain transactions where users do not need to pay transaction fees, commonly known as gas. Instead, a third party, such as a sponsor or a smart contract, covers the fees on the user’s behalf. This makes it easier for newcomers to use blockchain applications without needing to hold cryptocurrency for fees.
Decentralised Name Services are systems that allow users to register and manage human-readable names, like website addresses, using blockchain technology. These names replace complex strings such as wallet addresses or technical identifiers, making it easier for people to interact with digital services. Because the system is decentralised, no single entity controls the database, reducing the…
Threshold cryptography is a method of securing sensitive information or operations by splitting a secret into multiple parts. A minimum number of these parts, known as the threshold, must be combined to reconstruct the original secret or perform a secure action. This approach protects against loss or compromise by ensuring that no single person or…
Decentralised key management is a way to handle digital keys, such as those for encryption or signing, without relying on a single central authority. Instead, the responsibility for creating, storing, and sharing keys is spread across multiple people or systems, making it harder for any one person or group to compromise the entire system. This…