The hottest Cryptography Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Technology Topics
Fprox’s Substack 62 implied HN points 11 Jan 25
  1. The Number Theoretic Transform (NTT) can speed up polynomial multiplications, which are important for modern cryptography. Optimizing how this process works leads to significant performance improvements.
  2. Using assembly language can help tailor code for specific hardware, allowing more direct control over how instructions are executed, which can greatly enhance speed.
  3. Combining multiple steps of the NTT process into fewer loops and minimizing unnecessary calculations can lead to much lower execution times, achieving targets that seemed difficult at first.
Fprox’s Substack 62 implied HN points 25 Dec 24
  1. There are two main techniques for swapping pairs of elements using RISC-V Vector: one uses slidedown and slideup operations, and the other uses narrowing and widening arithmetic. Each has its own method for rearranging elements.
  2. The slidedown and slideup technique tends to be faster because it uses fewer operations and avoids extra complexity, making it more efficient for swapping elements in practice.
  3. In testing, the slidedown method consistently showed lower latency in tasks compared to the widening approach, indicating it might be the better choice for optimizing performance in applications like NTT implementations.
Fprox’s Substack 83 implied HN points 07 Dec 24
  1. The Number Theoretic Transform (NTT) helps speed up polynomial multiplication, which is important in cryptography. It uses a smart method to do complicated calculations faster than traditional methods.
  2. Using RISC-V Vector (RVV) technology can further improve the speed of NTT operations. This means that by using special hardware instructions, operations can be completed much quicker.
  3. Benchmarks show that a well-optimized NTT using RVV can be substantially faster than basic polynomial multiplication, making it crucial for applications in secure communications.
Rings of Saturn 14 implied HN points 08 Dec 24
  1. The article talks about finding cheat codes for the game Skeleton Warriors on the Saturn and PlayStation consoles. It highlights how some of these codes were previously unknown and required research and coding to uncover.
  2. The author used a combination of brute force methods and mathematical approaches to determine the missing cheat codes. They collaborated with a cryptographer to solve complex hashing problems involved in the game.
  3. Mick West, a cofounder of Neversoft, contributed to the findings by sharing source code and insights about how the cheats work in the game. This shows a connection between game development and player discovery.
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DeFi Education 679 implied HN points 31 May 22
  1. Decentralized cloud computing is changing how we store and process data. It allows users to control their own data without relying on big companies.
  2. This approach can lead to better security and privacy for users. It’s often seen as a more trustable alternative to centralized systems.
  3. As the market for tokens is evolving, exploring decentralized projects can unveil exciting new opportunities in tech and finance. Staying informed can help you find the next big thing.
Rod’s Blog 39 implied HN points 19 Feb 24
  1. Quantum computing poses a serious threat to conventional cryptography due to powerful quantum algorithms like Shor's and Grover's, which can compromise commonly used encryption schemes.
  2. Preparing for quantum computing challenges now can lead to the development of quantum-resistant cryptography, using both classical and quantum techniques to withstand quantum attacks and enhance security.
  3. Quantum cryptography offers innovative possibilities like quantum key distribution and quantum secure communication, driving collaboration and innovation across various fields to enhance security and privacy.
Nonsense on Stilts 1 HN point 04 Sep 24
  1. You can create a fake key and a fake message to trick someone into thinking they decrypted a message. This lets you mislead anyone watching your communication.
  2. It's important to plan what the fake message will be before sending the real one, so both parties know what to expect if asked.
  3. This technique could be used for serious purposes, like hiding important communications, or just for fun in games and stories.
Let Us Face the Future 119 implied HN points 19 Oct 23
  1. Application-level security is crucial and there is a trend towards 'shift-up' in data security.
  2. Compliance with NIST standards is a significant factor for adoption in regulated industries.
  3. The NIST PQC standardization process will drive wider adoption of cryptographic tools.
Bzogramming 30 implied HN points 07 Jan 24
  1. Physics has alternative framings like Lagrangian and Hamiltonian mechanics, which could inspire new ways of viewing computation.
  2. Reversible computing, preserving information by having bijective gates, is crucial for energy efficiency and future computing technologies.
  3. Studying constraint solvers and NP-complete problems can lead to insights for accelerating search algorithms and developing new computing approaches.
Steve Kirsch's newsletter 4 implied HN points 01 Feb 25
  1. Usernames and passwords are outdated. A new method of digital identity would make online security simpler and safer.
  2. You can manage your identity without needing to remember complicated passwords or codes. Just an alias is all you need.
  3. There’s a need for experts in cryptography and cloud security to help create a more secure and self-sovereign identity system.
Deep-Tech Newsletter 19 implied HN points 19 Oct 23
  1. Post-Quantum Cryptography is crucial in securing digital communications against potential threats from quantum computers
  2. Enhancing transparency in standardization processes, inclusive collaboration, independent audits, and regular updates can build trust in cryptographic standards
  3. Collaboration between intelligence agencies and the private sector is vital for protecting critical infrastructure, fostering innovation, and addressing borderless cyber threats
Lukasz Olejnik on Cyber, Privacy and Tech Policy Critique 19 implied HN points 24 Apr 23
  1. Google plans to use generative AI for dynamic ads, raising concerns about transparency and data protection.
  2. New cryptographic standards are compared to a jigsaw puzzle, emphasizing the complexity and precision required.
  3. The EU is establishing a 'cyber solidarity' reserve to address cybersecurity threats, with a focus on supporting countries like Ukraine.
Coinsights 38 implied HN points 22 Feb 23
  1. EVM supports two types of accounts: Externally Owned Accounts (EOAs) and Contract Accounts (smart contracts)
  2. EOAs are controlled by private keys and can initiate transactions, while smart contracts run on code and cannot initiate transactions
  3. Smart Contract Wallets (SCWs) enhance wallet experience by utilizing the customizability of smart contracts
Decoding Coding 19 implied HN points 09 Feb 23
  1. Random numbers are important in computer science for things like cryptography, simulations, and game mechanics. They help create unpredictability and realism in these applications.
  2. There are two main types of random number generators: True Random Number Generators (TRNGs) that use real-world entropy, and Pseudo Random Number Generators (PRNGs) that produce predictable outcomes based on a starting value.
  3. Algorithms like Linear Congruential Generators (LCGs) and Mersenne Twister are commonly used for generating pseudo-random numbers in various applications due to their efficiency and quality.
Thái | Hacker | Kỹ sư tin tặc 1 HN point 26 Jun 24
  1. Diophantus, an ancient Greek mathematician, is known for solving equations with two unknowns and his work formed the basis for modern cryptographic algorithms like ECC.
  2. The lost works of Diophantus, preserved during historical upheavals, resurfaced over centuries, impacting later mathematicians like Fermat, who posed the famous Last Theorem.
  3. The journey from Tycho, who pioneered data science with precise astronomical observations, to Kepler discovering that planetary orbits are ellipses, connects to the development of elliptic curves in mathematics.
Quantum Formalism 19 implied HN points 28 Jun 22
  1. The lecture 09 replay covering the application of cyclic groups and DLP in cryptography is available on YouTube.
  2. Future plans include a mini-course series on cryptography focusing on DLP cryptographic systems for security assurance.
  3. Joining the Discord Community is encouraged for organizing group study sessions and accessing live study session links.
Thái | Hacker | Kỹ sư tin tặc 39 implied HN points 27 Dec 19
  1. When faced with challenges involving prime numbers, clever algorithms can help quickly eliminate composite numbers and pinpoint the secret numbers.
  2. The difficulty of a problem depends on the randomness of number selection within a matrix and the position of prime numbers.
  3. Designing a fair random number generation system is crucial for ensuring transparency, not only in intellectual competitions but also in traditional gambling industries.
Thái | Hacker | Kỹ sư tin tặc 139 implied HN points 02 May 12
  1. Information security is a broad field with many areas of expertise, so it's important to choose a focus that interests you.
  2. Key roles in information security include product security, operations security, applied security, and threat analysis.
  3. To excel in information security, developing strong programming skills, mastering tools like IDA Pro, and understanding concepts in areas like cryptography and network security are essential.
Thái | Hacker | Kỹ sư tin tặc 19 implied HN points 23 Mar 08
  1. The post discusses the concept of encryption through a rap called "Alice and Bob". It highlights the importance of protecting messages and data.
  2. Various encryption techniques and algorithms like DES, Twofish, and Blowfish are mentioned in the rap, emphasizing the significance of secure communication.
  3. The rap also touches on the importance of random number generation, RSA encryption, and hashing functions like SHA-1 for maintaining data integrity and security.
Thái | Hacker | Kỹ sư tin tặc 0 implied HN points 11 Apr 17
  1. Validate domain parameters to ensure security in (EC)DSA and (EC)DH. In real-world applications, parameters are typically generated internally or selected from standard options.
  2. In (EC)DSA, if Mallory can manipulate domain parameters, key recovery becomes a potential issue. ECDSA could be vulnerable if the base point and curve are not properly validated.
  3. For (EC)DH security, thorough validation of domain parameters is crucial, especially in scenarios where parameters are chosen by a potentially untrusted source like in SSL handshake.
Thái | Hacker | Kỹ sư tin tặc 0 implied HN points 06 Apr 16
  1. HMAC is vulnerable to birthday attacks, which can lead to forged signatures with lower cost.
  2. The second attack, duplicate signature attack, is security-relevant as it can produce two messages with the same tag, exploiting a server's validation system.
  3. Birthday attacks on HMAC can often be parallelized, and using HMAC-SHA256 is recommended for increased security.
Thái | Hacker | Kỹ sư tin tặc 0 implied HN points 02 Mar 16
  1. Diffie & Hellman won the Nobel prize in computer science for their groundbreaking work in cryptography.
  2. Their invention of Diffie-Hellman is a crucial component of internet security, used when connecting to major platforms like Google and Facebook.
  3. Despite its complexity, the math trick behind Diffie-Hellman is surprisingly simple and has remained unsolved for over 40 years.
Thái | Hacker | Kỹ sư tin tặc 0 implied HN points 03 Feb 16
  1. The Diffie-Hellman bug in socat involved a vulnerability where the hard-coded DH p parameter was not prime, making the key exchange weaker and potentially insecure.
  2. Knowing the factors of the p parameter can allow one to solve the discrete log problem (DLP) on Z_p through the Chinese Remainder Theorem, which can be a powerful cryptanalysis tool.
  3. To exploit the bug, one can factor p completely, reduce DLP on Z_p to a smaller group, use Pollard's rho or index calculus, sniff socat traffic, and profit - highlighting the potential risks and methods involved in exploiting this vulnerability.
Thái | Hacker | Kỹ sư tin tặc 0 implied HN points 15 Jan 16
  1. The math/rsa bug in Go impacted crypto/tls and crypto/openpgp, prompting the need to change RSA private keys.
  2. Go uses Montgomery reduction and Chinese Remainder Theorem to speed up modular operations, but a small mistake led to leaking RSA private keys.
  3. By exploiting the bug, one can potentially obtain the RSA private key values and learn how multiple modular results can help determine values like 'q'.
Thái | Hacker | Kỹ sư tin tặc 0 implied HN points 04 Sep 20
  1. The history of elliptic curves dates back to the work of prominent mathematicians like Kepler, Newton, and Leibniz, who laid the foundation for further exploration.
  2. Various mathematicians such as Bernoulli, Liouville, and Legendre made significant contributions to understanding elliptic integrals and functions, paving the way for further advancements in mathematics.
  3. Elliptic curves have not only played a crucial role in mathematics but also in modern cryptography, where figures like Diffie-Hellman and NSA have explored their encryption capabilities.
Quantum Formalism 0 implied HN points 20 Jun 22
  1. Group Theory Crash Course: Catch up on missed live sessions with available recordings on YouTube.
  2. Discord Community: Join the Discord Server for group study sessions and community engagement.
  3. QF Mathematics Mentorship: Utilize the new six-month mathematics mentorship program, connecting with PhD-level mathematicians for guidance.
Quantum Formalism 0 implied HN points 05 Jul 22
  1. The US National Institute of Standards and Technology announced post-quantum cryptography standardisation proposals, marking a historic day in modern cryptography.
  2. Cryptography courses will now include post-quantum cryptography standards in the curriculum, with a focus on the selected standards.
  3. The Quantum Formalism community encourages participation in lectures, Discord community engagements, and sponsorships for events like LOGML Summer School, emphasizing the importance of advanced Geometry in Machine Learning.
CyberSecurityMew 0 implied HN points 20 Jun 23
  1. Sansec announced the acquisition of 66.9349% shares of Jiangnan Keyou on June 19, 2023, aiming to improve resource integration and leverage synergies.
  2. China's regulatory framework for cryptography has been improving with laws like the 'Password Law' and revised 'Regulations on the Administration of Commercial Cryptography,' accelerating the industry's development.
  3. Upon completion of the acquisition, Jiangnan Keyou will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sansec.
CyberSecurityMew 0 implied HN points 08 Jan 24
  1. Beijing Infosec made a strategic investment in Yunjizhi Technology on January 8, 2024, initiating a partnership in the data security industry.
  2. Infosec specializes in commercial cryptography products for sectors like finance, government, and enterprises, while Yunjizhi offers structured and unstructured data security products and services.
  3. Through collaboration, Infosec and Yunjizhi aim to tackle data security challenges, introduce innovative technologies, and advance the industry's development.
Splitting Infinity 0 implied HN points 26 Sep 23
  1. The value of industry in orbit will be enormous, with falling launch prices enabling new possibilities for Earth in areas such as communications and ecosystem management.
  2. Satellites can revolutionize communications by providing fast, ubiquitous space internet and increasing the speed and accessibility of various applications like stock exchanges and online gaming.
  3. Satellites have great potential for enhancing security through the use of cryptography, as they offer secure platforms for encryption methods like quantum cryptography and relativistic cryptography.
Splitting Infinity 0 implied HN points 15 Oct 23
  1. Public goods are resources that are nonexcludable and nonrivalrous, and modern technology is making some private goods resemble public goods.
  2. Mechanisms for funding public goods face challenges like the free-rider problem and impossibility theorems regarding efficiency, incentive compatibility, individual rationality, and budget balance.
  3. Different mechanisms like assurance contracts, Vickrey-Clarke-Groves mechanism, quadratic funding, lotteries, and the Lindahl process aim to address the public goods funding problem, each with its own strengths and challenges.
The ZenMode 0 implied HN points 25 Feb 24
  1. Encryption is like a secret code that keeps your information safe and private using algorithms and keys.
  2. End-to-end encryption ensures that only the sender and recipient can access and read messages, offering a high level of security and privacy.
  3. Signal Protocol, with features like the Double Ratchet Algorithm, is widely used in popular messaging apps to provide strong security for user communications.
Thái | Hacker | Kỹ sư tin tặc 0 implied HN points 16 Oct 19
  1. Cascading multiple encryption algorithms in a specific order, known as a cascade, may not always improve security as commonly thought.
  2. Analyzing a cascade of MAC and digital signature algorithms can reveal potential vulnerabilities in data protection methods.
  3. Using a combination of GMAC with a digital signature for file integrity may not guarantee security as intended, leading to potential security flaws.