Affine One-Wayness Secures Post-Quantum Temporal Verification through Polynomial Iteration ∞ Research

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Briefing

Distributed systems inherently struggle with establishing robust, transparent mechanisms for verifiable temporal ordering without relying on centralized authorities or perfectly synchronized clocks. This research introduces Affine One-Wayness (AOW), a novel cryptographic primitive that leverages iterative polynomial evaluation over finite fields to provide post-quantum temporal verification. This foundational breakthrough enables Byzantine-resistant event ordering and distributed synchronization with provable security guarantees, significantly enhancing the foundational reliability and integrity of future decentralized architectures.

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Context

Ensuring verifiable temporal ordering in distributed systems has long presented a foundational challenge, particularly in environments lacking central authorities or perfectly synchronized clocks. Traditional methods often rely on trust assumptions or are vulnerable to advanced attacks, leaving a critical gap for robust, transparent mechanisms that can withstand both classical and emerging quantum threats. The absence of such a primitive limits the true decentralization and security of event sequencing.

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Analysis

Affine One-Wayness (AOW) functions as a cryptographic primitive by leveraging iterative polynomial evaluation over finite fields. It creates strong temporal binding guarantees, meaning it can prove the sequence of events over time. Its security is tightly linked to the computational hardness of the discrete logarithm problem in high-genus hyperelliptic curves and the Affine Iterated Inversion Problem. This approach fundamentally differs by offering a transparent setup and formal security proofs against both classical and quantum adversaries, integrating efficiently with STARK proof systems for scalable, zero-knowledge verification of sequential computations.

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Parameters

Core Concept ∞ Affine One-Wayness (AOW)
Key Mechanism ∞ Iterative Polynomial Evaluation
Security Basis ∞ Hyperelliptic Curve Discrete Logarithm Problem
Integration ∞ STARK Proof Systems
Key Author ∞ MINKA MI NGUIDJOI Thierry Emmanuel

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Outlook

This research opens new avenues for developing Byzantine-resistant event ordering and distributed synchronization protocols. In the next 3-5 years, AOW could underpin critical infrastructure requiring provable temporal integrity, such as secure blockchain transaction finality, verifiable supply chain tracking, and resilient distributed ledger technologies. Further research will likely focus on optimizing its integration with various zero-knowledge proof systems and exploring its applicability in other post-quantum cryptographic constructions.

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Verdict

Affine One-Wayness represents a pivotal advancement, establishing a post-quantum cryptographic primitive essential for verifiable temporal ordering in future decentralized systems.

Signal Acquired from ∞ iacr.org