Definition ∞ An unparallelizable proof is a cryptographic proof system where the computation required to generate or verify the proof cannot be significantly accelerated by distributing the workload across multiple processors. This property ensures that the proof generation or verification process inherently demands a sequential execution time. It is often employed to enforce a minimum time expenditure. This prevents rapid, brute-force solutions.
Context ∞ Unparallelizable proofs are a specialized topic in news concerning advanced cryptography and the design of fair, time-bound protocols. Discussions often center on their application in verifiable delay functions and other mechanisms that aim to prevent brute-force attacks or manipulation through massive parallel computing. The concept is vital for protocols requiring a guaranteed minimum time commitment, independent of an adversary’s available computational resources.