Daminha Blog

This blog introduces the notion of message recovery attacks, defines the corresponding security game, and proves that semantic security implies message recovery security via a black-box reduction. A semantic adversary is constructed by wrapping around a message recovery adversary, showing that any success in message recovery would contradict semantic security. This sets the stage for future reductions that interrelate various cryptographic security notions. [Read More]

This blog post explores the concept of Perfect Security in cryptography, which guarantees that observing a ciphertext provides no additional information about the original message. We establish a fundamental theorem stating that Perfect Security is equivalent to the statistical independence of ciphertexts and plaintexts. However, Shannon’s Theorem proves that achieving Perfect Security requires the secret key to be at least as long as the message, making practical implementations infeasible beyond small-scale use cases like the One-Time Pad. [Read More]

In the rapidly evolving world of cryptography, verifying large-degree polynomials efficiently is a challenge. The FRI protocol solves this by enabling the prover to demonstrate that a given polynomial is close to a low-degree one through a series of recursive folding steps. By halving the polynomial’s degree progressively, the FRI protocol reduces computational complexity while preserving the security of the verification process. The prover commits to the polynomial’s evaluations using Merkle trees, ensuring both integrity and consistency, which are verified through collinearity checks. In this blog, we take a deep dive into the mechanics of the FRI protocol, from the commitment phase where the degree is halved to the query phase where the verifier checks consistency. Whether you are a blockchain enthusiast, cryptography expert, or just curious about the future of digital proofs, understanding the FRI protocol will give you a glimpse into the future of secure, scalable cryptographic verification. [Read More]

This blog provides a comprehensive overview of zk-Rollups and zkEVMs, highlighting their advantages in scalability, data compression, and enhanced privacy. Despite their potential, challenges such as developer unfriendliness and lack of composability hinder widespread adoption. By examining two primary approaches for building decentralized applications (DApps) on zk-Rollups—application-specific circuits and universal EVM circuits—we shed light on the ongoing evolution of Ethereum technology. Ultimately, the zkEVM represents a significant leap forward, merging familiar smart contract execution with the groundbreaking capabilities of zero-knowledge proofs. [Read More]

This blog delves into the vulnerabilities associated with the MicroLogix 1400 PLC, particularly focusing on CVE-2021-22659. Through a detailed analysis, I outline the phases of potential attacks, the underlying Modbus protocol, and the steps necessary for effective remediation. By understanding the intricacies of this vulnerability and employing robust security measures, organizations can better protect their operational technology environments. With the insights gained from the OPSWAT Fellowship Program, this work serves as a crucial resource for enhancing cybersecurity in industrial settings. [Read More]

Dive into the fascinating world of blockchain technology with this engaging exploration of its foundational elements! From understanding the robust structure of Merkle trees that underpins data verification to unraveling the complexities of the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM), this blog offers a thorough overview of how decentralized applications and smart contracts operate. Discover how Ethereum revolutionizes trust and security through its unique consensus mechanisms and the role of Ether as its lifeblood. As you embark on this journey, you’ll gain insights that not only enhance your understanding of Ethereum but also prepare you for the cutting-edge innovations of zkEVM. Join me as we unlock the potential of blockchain and envision the future of decentralized technologies! [Read More]

In this detailed blog post, we explore the insidious world of phishing attacks carried out via Zalo chat. Through a step-by-step demonstration, we reveal how attackers craft convincing disguised files, use social engineering to lure victims, and employ Canarytokens to track unauthorized access and gather critical data like public IP addresses. Discover the techniques behind this sophisticated form of cyber deception and learn how to protect yourself from falling victim to such attacks. [Read More]

In this blog, we unravel the complex process of verifying circuit constraints within SNARKs, a cornerstone of modern cryptographic protocols. You’ll learn how correctness is ensured across inputs, gate computations, and wiring within a circuit, all without compromising the secrecy of the information involved. By understanding these mechanisms, you gain insights into the robust security that underpins technologies like blockchain. Whether you’re a cryptography enthusiast or a professional in the field, this blog offers a deep dive into the mathematical and logical foundations that make zero-knowledge proofs so powerful. [Read More]

This blog delves into the critical role of arithmetic circuits in zero-knowledge proofs, using the game of Sudoku as an analogy to explain complex concepts. From understanding how Sudoku verification relates to the famous P vs NP problem, to exploring the broader implications of arithmetic circuits in cryptographic protocols, the blog offers a clear and engaging overview. Perfect for readers interested in the intersection of computer science, mathematics, and privacy. [Read More]

This blog explores the foundational concepts in cryptography, focusing on the roles of polynomials, pairings, and commitment schemes. It explains how polynomials contribute to data integrity through erasure coding and interpolation, introduces the concept of pairings with their critical properties of bilinearity and non-degeneracy, and guides readers through the setup and importance of polynomial commitment schemes. Building on previous discussions of Zero-Knowledge Proofs, this blog provides an accessible yet comprehensive guide to these essential cryptographic tools. [Read More]