How Do Different Types of ZKPs (E.g. zk-SNARKs Vs. zk-STARKs) Differ in Terms of Security, Scalability, and Privacy?
zk-SNARKs (Zero-Knowledge Succinct Non-Interactive Argument of Knowledge) have small proof sizes and fast verification times, making them efficient for blockchains. However, they require a trusted setup ceremony; if the secret parameters from this setup are compromised, the entire system's security is at risk. zk-STARKs (Zero-Knowledge Scalable Transparent Argument of Knowledge) require no trusted setup (they are "transparent") and are quantum-resistant.
However, their proof sizes are significantly larger than SNARKs, which can lead to higher on-chain data storage costs.
Glossar
Zk-Snarks
CryptographicProofSystem ⎊ This advanced cryptographic primitive allows a prover to convince a verifier that a statement is true using zero-knowledge proofs, meaning the verification requires minimal computation and no disclosure of the underlying data.
Trusted Setup
Cryptography ⎊ Trusted Setup refers to a critical, one-time procedure used to generate the initial cryptographic parameters, often called the Common Reference String (CRS), necessary for certain types of zero-knowledge proof systems, such as zk-SNARKs.
Quantum Resistance
Requirement ⎊ Quantum Resistance refers to the necessity for cryptographic systems, including those securing digital wallets and transaction signatures, to remain secure even when faced with the computational power of large-scale quantum computers.
Fast Verification
Attestation ⎊ The concept of Fast Verification, particularly within cryptocurrency derivatives, options trading, and financial derivatives, fundamentally revolves around expedited attestation of transaction validity and state integrity.
On-Chain Data Storage
Ledger ⎊ On-chain data storage, within the context of cryptocurrency derivatives, represents a persistent and immutable record of transactions and state changes directly embedded within a blockchain.
Snarks and Starks
Cryptography ⎊ SNARKs (Succinct Non-Interactive Arguments of Knowledge) and STARKs (Scalable Transparent Arguments of Knowledge) are advanced forms of zero-knowledge cryptography used to construct proofs that verify the correctness of a computation without revealing the underlying data.