Theoretical Cryptography

Definition ∞ Theoretical Cryptography is the branch of cryptography concerned with the mathematical foundations and abstract principles underlying secure communication and computation. It focuses on proving the security of cryptographic systems and algorithms based on computational complexity theory and mathematical hardness assumptions. This field establishes the rigorous, formal underpinnings for practical cryptographic applications, defining what is provably secure. It provides the bedrock for understanding the security guarantees of digital assets and blockchain technology.
Context ∞ Advances in Theoretical Cryptography are continuously shaping the landscape of digital security and privacy. Current discussions often focus on the implications of new cryptographic primitives, the security of post-quantum algorithms, and the formal verification of complex protocols. News articles that report on breakthroughs in cryptography or security analyses of blockchain systems frequently draw upon the rigorous frameworks established by theoretical cryptography.