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Trapdoor Hash Function

Definition

A trapdoor hash function is a type of cryptographic hash function that is easy to compute in one direction but extremely difficult to reverse without a secret piece of information. It possesses a “trapdoor” or secret key that allows for the efficient reversal of the hashing process, meaning one can find an input that produces a specific hash output. Without this secret, finding such an input is computationally infeasible, similar to a regular one-way hash function. This asymmetry is crucial for certain cryptographic applications, particularly in digital signatures and zero-knowledge proofs.