Enhancing Ethereum’s zk-Prover Capabilities: Vitalik Buterin Calls for Researchers to Join Poseidon Cryptographic Analysis Program

Vitalik Buterin, co-founder of Ethereum, has encouraged researchers to participate in the Poseidon cryptographic analysis program. The goal is to assess the security of the Poseidon hash function, which Ethereum is considering adopting to improve its zero-knowledge proof (zk-proof) capabilities.

The Poseidon Hash Function: A Potential Game-Changer for zk-Provers

Introduced in 2019, the Poseidon hash function is relatively new compared to well-established hash functions like SHA-256 and Keccak. While it hasn’t undergone the same level of testing as its predecessors, Poseidon has been specifically designed for use in zero-knowledge proofs and is already in use within layer-2 systems on the Ethereum network and other blockchain projects.

Vitalik Buterin emphasized the importance of evaluating Poseidon’s security properties, stating:

Highly encourage researchers to participate in the Poseidon cryptanalysis program. We are seriously considering migrating Ethereum to the Poseidon hash to optimize zk-prover friendliness, so having more information about its security properties is extremely high value.

The Ethereum Improvement Proposal (EIP) 5988: A Step Towards Enhanced Interoperability

In November 2022, the Ethereum Improvement Proposal (EIP) 5988 was introduced, suggesting the addition of a precompiled contract to the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) to implement the Poseidon hash function. This proposal aims to enhance interoperability between the EVM and zero-knowledge rollups.

Ethereum’s Broader Efforts to Enhance Performance

The exploration of the Poseidon hash function is just one part of Ethereum’s broader efforts to enhance the network’s performance. The upcoming Pectra upgrade, scheduled for April 8, aims to enhance Ethereum’s scalability, improve account abstraction, boost layer-2 efficiency, and increase validator rewards.

For those interested in staying up-to-date with the latest developments in the world of cryptocurrency, Global Crypto News provides in-depth coverage of the latest news and trends.

Tips for Researchers and Investors:

  • Stay informed about the latest developments in the world of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology.
  • Participate in research programs and initiatives to contribute to the growth and development of the industry.
  • Keep an eye on upcoming upgrades and updates, such as the Pectra upgrade, and their potential impact on the market.
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