One-Honest-Verifier

Definition ∞ The one-honest-verifier assumption is a security model in decentralized systems where the system’s integrity relies on at least one participant honestly performing verification tasks. This means that even if many other participants are malicious, the presence of a single honest verifier can still ensure correct operation or detect fraud. It simplifies trust assumptions compared to requiring a majority of honest actors. This model is critical for certain cryptographic protocols.
Context ∞ The one-honest-verifier assumption is a concept discussed in advanced blockchain security and zero-knowledge proof protocols. In crypto news, it might appear in technical discussions about the security guarantees of specific layer-2 scaling solutions or decentralized oracle networks. These systems aim to achieve high levels of trust and efficiency by minimizing the number of honest parties required for correct operation. Understanding this assumption is key to assessing the robustness of novel cryptographic designs.