SEASON 2 MODULE 1
What is Zero-Knowledge (like, actually)? w/ David Wong
In this module, Nicolas Mohnblatt and David Wong dig into the term “Zero Knowledge” and discuss what this property actually is, when it is being used (or not) and what characteristics some systems need in order to be considered truly ZK. They then highlight the different types of ZK — perfect, statistical, and computational –, discuss the distinction between dishonest and honest verifiers, and the preference for adaptive models over non-adaptive ones. Additionally, they explore methods for generating hiding commitments from techniques such as KZG, Pedersen, and hashes, and conclude with an overview of the zero-knowledge analysis of PLONK.
What you’ll learn:
- 00:00 – Introduction
- 01:03 – ZK, SNARKs, Proving… High-level overview
- 04:53 – Defining ZK and the concept of Simulator
- 08:41 – A concrete example of a Simulator with the Schnorr Identity Protocol
- 14:06 – Honest vs. dishonest Verifier
- 19:28 – Non-interactive to interactive protocol with Fiat-Shamir
- 24:50 – The 3 flavors of ZK
- 29:52 – Application to the PLONK protocol
- 46:37 – Managing KZG and its trusted setup
- 50:00 – The ZK flavor of PLONK
- 57:02 – Summary
Below is an accompanying reading list:
- Common Reference String (CRS) model definition – ZK Jargon Decoder
- Roots of Unity definition – ZK Jargon Decoder
- How (Not) to Simulate PLONK by Marek Sefranek (TU Wien)
- Building a SNARK (Part I) – Module 2 of ZK Whiteboard Sessions Season 1
- Building a SNARK (Part II) – Module 3 of ZK Whiteboard Sessions Season 1
ZK Whiteboard Sessions is an educational series on all things zero knowledge. Presented by ZK Hack.
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