Contributor Corner

The Fiat-Shamir heuristic, introduced in 1986, allows transforming multi-round interactive proof systems into non-interactive protocols secured by hash functions. It became an important building block enabling the broad adoption of digital signatures, cryptocurrencies, authentication and zero-knowledge protocols.

Cryptography, derived from the Greek words 'kryptos' meaning hidden, and 'graphein' meaning to write, is the practice of securing communication. It involves techniques for transforming information to make it unintelligible to all except those who possess special knowledge, often referred to as ‘keys’. The fundamental purpose of cryptography has always been to ensure confidentiality, integrity, and authenticity of information, though its role in history is multifaceted. It has been a tool for asserting power, a weapon in warfare, a shield for protecting personal privacy, and a means to secure financial transactions. Each advancement in cryptographic techniques has been a response to new challenges, whether they be in the form of political machinations, wartime strategies, or digital threats. As we journey through the history of cryptography, we will witness the growth of this art from its modest beginnings to the sophisticated methods of the modern era.

At the dawn of the 20th century, the world stood on the brink of a technological revolution that would forever change cryptography. The limitations of manual encryption, with its susceptibility to human error and time-consuming processes, became increasingly untenable in the face of rapid global communication and the looming threat of worldwide conflict.

The mid-20th century heralded a seismic shift in cryptography, a discipline that had, until then, evolved over millennia but remained grounded in manual, mechanical processes. The aftermath of World War II and the onset of the Cold War presented complex challenges and demands for secure communication, leading to a revolution that would fundamentally transform cryptography: the emergence of digital computers.

The Fascinating Origins of Zero-Knowledge Proofs: How a Breakthrough in Cryptography Paved the Way for Secure Interactions