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MIT's Bitcoin-Inspired 'Enigma' Lets Computers Mine Encrypted Data

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Re: MIT's Bitcoin-Inspired 'Enigma' Lets Computers Mine Encrypted Data

#51

Earlier quoted context omitted.

This isn't fully homomorphic encryption though only somewhat homomorphic encryption. Addition and things that can be done with routines that only use addition would be able to be performed on the encrypted data, but other operations would not. Or at least having skimmed the white paper, and having some background in this, that was my take away. EDIT: Your explanation of homomorphic encryption is a good way to explain…

Ah, thanks for the edit. I've read about homomorphic computing a while ago, and I was getting excited, but there's still no fully homomorphic implementation, is that right? Is there at least proof that it is possible? This would be amazing technology.

I believe there is a proof of concept which if implemented would be trillions of time slower, so lets say kinda? 100x slower as is the case with this method would be amazing if they managed to get make it fully homomorphic eventually and keep that speed.

Re: MIT's Bitcoin-Inspired 'Enigma' Lets Computers Mine Encrypted Data

#52
post #18

Earlier quoted context omitted.

This is actually a form of encryption (See - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Threshold_cryptosystem ). It is encrypted in the sense that combining any number of pieces smaller than the defined threshold won't leak even a single bit of information.

The difference is encryption is usually associated with obscuring data with a key that you keep secret. In this system you broadcast out all the pieces needed to reconstruct the data. No secrets, just inconvenience due to distribution. It is not very inconvenient for an adversary that is already collecting all of your communications.

I would assume that one could just use asymmetric crypto to send the parts of the data to the different parties?
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