Modulus Switching

Definition ∞ Modulus switching is a technique in lattice-based cryptography that reduces the size of the modulus in encrypted data to control noise growth. This process is particularly relevant in fully homomorphic encryption (FHE) schemes, where computations on ciphertexts progressively add noise, potentially corrupting the encrypted result. By switching to a smaller modulus, the noise level relative to the modulus is reduced, allowing for more computations before a decryption error occurs. It is a critical component for maintaining the computational viability and security of FHE protocols.
Context ∞ Modulus switching is a specialized topic in cryptographic research, frequently discussed in academic papers and advanced blockchain development forums. The current research focuses on refining modulus switching methods to optimize the balance between computational efficiency and security parameters within homomorphic encryption. Continued advancements in this area are vital for the practical deployment of privacy-preserving technologies in decentralized systems, enabling complex private smart contract executions.