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Black-Box Separations

Definition

Black-box separations in cryptography identify when one cryptographic primitive cannot be constructed from another using only its input/output behavior. This concept signifies a fundamental impossibility result, demonstrating that certain security properties require more than merely observing the external operations of a component. It establishes limits on what can be achieved with generic constructions, guiding the design of secure protocols. Understanding these separations helps researchers determine if a new cryptographic scheme truly relies on novel assumptions or if it can be reduced to existing ones.