Pairing-Based Cryptography

Definition ∞ Pairing-based cryptography is an advanced cryptographic technique that utilizes bilinear pairings on elliptic curves to construct sophisticated cryptographic primitives. This method enables the creation of complex security functions that are otherwise impractical or impossible to achieve with standard elliptic curve cryptography. It forms the basis for novel schemes.
Context ∞ This cryptographic approach is fundamental to several advanced blockchain technologies, including various forms of zero-knowledge proofs (ZKPs) and aggregate signatures. These capabilities are crucial for developing scalable and privacy-preserving protocols, with news often covering breakthroughs in ZKP systems that rely on these mathematical constructs.