Cryptology in the Classroom: Analyzing a Zero-Knowledge Protocol

  • Authors:
  • Cheryl Beaver

  • Affiliations:
  • -

  • Venue:
  • Cryptologia
  • Year:
  • 2009

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Abstract

From the simple example of Ali Baba proving he knows a magic word to complex digital signature schemes, the ideas behind zero-knowledge protocols can be used as fun cryptographic examples for undergraduate students at different levels. In this paper, I present an example of how to introduce the topic as an interactive classroom activity to an undergraduate mathematics class in a way that sets the stage for discussing several important topics of concern in this and other modern cryptographic applications.