Keynotes: APKC

Post-Quantum Zero-Knowledge Proofs and Applications

   

Prof. Ron Steinfeld
Associate Professor
Monash University
Australia

Abstract: Lattice-based cryptography is one of the most promising candidates for designing post-quantum cryptographic algorithms that resist emerging quantum computing attacks. The recent NIST PQC standardization process is nearing its completion, with practical lattice-based algorithms for basic cryptographic functionalities (namely digital signature and public-key encryption) selected for standardization in the near future. However, practical lattice-based solutions for more advanced privacy-preserving protocols, in particular, Zero-Knowledge Proofs (ZKPs), have only emerged recently and are an active area of research.

We discuss some recent developments in design and analysis of practical lattice-based post-quantum ZKPs and their applications. In particular, we review some challenges that arise in designing ZKPs in the lattice setting and some recent progress on efficient lattice-based Schnorr-like proofs for important relations, such as binary/range proofs, one-out-of-many proofs and rounding proofs. We discuss applications and optimization of such proof systems as building blocks for practical advanced cryptographic protocols such as ring signatures and balance proofs for privacy-preserving cryptocurrency payment protocols. We also discuss our recent work on succinct designated-verifier ZKPs (DV-ZKSNARKS) for verifying correctness of general delegated computations.

 

Speaker’s Bio: Ron Steinfeld received his Ph.D. degree in Computer Science in 2003 from Monash University, Australia. Since 2020, he is an Associate Professor at the Department of Software Systems and Cybersecurity, Monash University, Australia.

Following his Ph.D. Ron worked as a postdoctoral research fellow in cryptography and information security at Macquarie University, Australia, holding the positions of Macquarie University Research Fellow in cryptography and information security (2007-2009), and ARC Australian Research Fellow in cryptography and information security (2009-2012). Ron completed his ARC Research Fellowship at Monash University (2012-2014), where he was Senior Lecturer until 2019. His main research interests are in the design and analysis of cryptographic algorithms and protocols, and in particular in the area of quantum-safe cryptography and its applications.

He has over 20 years of research experience in cryptography and information security. He has published more than 80 research papers in international refereed conferences and journals, more than 15 of which have each been cited over 100 times. He received the ASIACRYPT 2015 best paper award. He has served on the technical Program Committee of numerous international conferences in cryptography, is serving as the Program Co-Chair of ASIACRYPT 2023 and is an editorial board member of the journal ‘Designs Codes and Cryptography’, and has consulted in cryptography design for the software industry.