Securing data transfers with relativity

A graph with its 3-colouring. For each edge, we check that the two connected vertices are of different colours. All rights reserved - A team from the University of Geneva has implemented a new way to secure data transfers based on the physical principle of relativity. The volume of data transferred is constantly increasing, but the absolute security of these exchanges cannot be guaranteed, as shown by cases of hacking frequently reported in the news. To counter hacking, a team from the University of Geneva , Switzerland, has developed a new system based on the concept of "zero-knowledge proofs", the security of which is based on the physical principle of relativity: information cannot travel faster than the speed of light. Thus, one of the fundamental principles of modern physics allows for secure data transfer. This system allows users to identify themselves in complete confidentiality without disclosing any personal information, promising applications in the field of cryptocurrencies and blockchain. These results can be read in the journal Nature . When a person - the so called 'prover' - wants to confirm their identity, for example when they want to withdraw money from an ATM, they must provide their personal data to the verifier, in our example the bank, which processes this information (e.g. the identification number and the pin code). As long as only the prover and the verifier know this data, confidentiality is guaranteed. If others get hold of this information, for example by hacking into the bank's server, security is compromised. Zero-knowledge proof as a solution To counter this problem, the prover should ideally be able to confirm their identity, without revealing any information at all about their personal data. But is this even possible?