Proof System Security

Definition ∞ Proof system security refers to the assurance that a cryptographic proof system reliably prevents a malicious prover from generating a valid proof for a false statement. Simultaneously, it guarantees that a legitimate prover can always generate a valid proof for a true statement. This critical property, known as soundness, is fundamental for the integrity and trustworthiness of zero-knowledge proofs and other cryptographic constructions.
Context ∞ Proof system security is a paramount concern in blockchain and decentralized application development, particularly for zero-knowledge proofs used in scaling solutions and privacy protocols. News reports often scrutinize the cryptographic assumptions and audit results of new proof systems. Their security directly impacts the reliability and trust in the underlying digital asset infrastructure.