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Nature 446, 992-993 (26 April 2007) | doi:10.1038/446992a; Published online 25 April 2007
There is a Correction (3 May 2007) associated with this document.
Computing: The security of knowing nothing
Bernard Chazelle1
Abstract
'Zero-knowledge' proofs are all about knowing more, while knowing nothing. When married to cryptographic techniques, they are one avenue being explored towards improving the security of online transactions.
Modern scientists, not unlike medieval monks, keep their knowledge firmly grounded in trust and authority. Unless it is part of their job description to probe such matters, they take it on faith that Genghis Khan defeated the Khwarezmid Empire, that praying mantids moonlight as sexual cannibals, and that man landed on the Moon.
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