Universal Security

Definition ∞ Universal security in cryptography refers to a security property where a system remains secure even if an adversary possesses unlimited computational power after an initial setup phase. This strong security guarantee is typically achieved through information-theoretic methods, meaning the security does not rely on unproven computational hardness assumptions. It offers a robust defense against any adversary, regardless of their resources.
Context ∞ The pursuit of universal security is a theoretical ideal in cryptography, often contrasted with computational security, which relies on the practical limits of adversaries. While pure universal security is challenging to achieve in practical systems, its principles guide the design of highly resilient cryptographic protocols. Research continues to explore how to approach this ideal in areas like quantum-safe cryptography and secure multi-party computation, ensuring long-term data protection.