# Scalable, Transparent, and Post-Quantum Secure Zero-Knowledge Proofs (STARKs) Content type: Research Paper Summary: This paper introduces STARKs (Scalable, Transparent Arguments of Knowledge), a form of zero-knowledge proof that addresses the limitations of previous iterations, such as the requirement for a trusted setup and vulnerability to quantum computing attacks. STARKs offer significant improvements in computational speed and verification time, making them a preferred solution for scaling blockchain networks (specifically via ZK-Rollups). The paper describes the mathematical foundation using hash-based Key concepts: Eli Ben-Sasson, Iddo Bentov, Yinon Horesh, Michael Riabzev, starks, scaling, zero-knowledge, post-quantum, rollups, cryptography
Paperexpert

Scalable, Transparent, and Post-Quantum Secure Zero-Knowledge Proofs (STARKs)

Eli Ben-Sasson, Iddo Bentov, Yinon Horesh, Michael Riabzev

IACR ePrint ArchiveJanuary 2018

Abstract

This paper introduces STARKs (Scalable, Transparent Arguments of Knowledge), a form of zero-knowledge proof that addresses the limitations of previous iterations, such as the requirement for a trusted setup and vulnerability to quantum computing attacks. STARKs offer significant improvements in computational speed and verification time, making them a preferred solution for scaling blockchain networks (specifically via ZK-Rollups). The paper describes the mathematical foundation using hash-based cryptography, which removes the need for trusted initialization and enhances transparency. This work is critical for the evolution of Layer 2 solutions, enabling high-throughput transactions with strong security guarantees in a post-quantum environment, marking a key milestone in blockchain scalability research.

Key Findings

  • 1Introduced STARKs as a transparent, post-quantum secure ZK-proof method.
  • 2Eliminated the need for a 'trusted setup' required by earlier SNARKs.
  • 3Demonstrated high scalability for proof generation and verification.
  • 4Established a hash-based cryptographic alternative to elliptic curve-based proofs.

Topics

starksscalingzero-knowledgepost-quantumrollupscryptography
Download / View

Citation

Eli Ben-Sasson, Iddo Bentov, Yinon Horesh, Michael Riabzev (2018). Scalable, Transparent, and Post-Quantum Secure Zero-Knowledge Proofs (STARKs). IACR ePrint Archive. https://eprint.iacr.org/2018/046

BibTeX

@misc{scalabletransparent2018,
  title = {Scalable, Transparent, and Post-Quantum Secure Zero-Knowledge Proofs (STARKs)},
  author = {Eli Ben-Sasson and Iddo Bentov and Yinon Horesh and Michael Riabzev},
  year = {2018},
  howpublished = {\url{https://eprint.iacr.org/2018/046}},
}

Knowledge Explorer

Explore Related Concepts

See how Scalable, Transparent, and Post-Quantum Secure Zero-Knowledge Proofs (STARKs) connects to glossary terms, books, and other research in the Knowledge Graph.

Explore Connections