On the Role of Definitions in and Beyond Cryptography


Author: Phillip Rogaway

Reference: ASIAN'04, The Ninth Asian Computing Science Conference. Lecture Notes in Computer Science, vol. 3321. Springer-Verlag, 2004.

Abstract: More than new algorithms, proofs, or technologies, it is the emergence of definitions that has changed the landscape of cryptography. We describe how definitions work in modern cryptography, giving a number of examples, and we provide observations, opinions, and suggestions about the art and science of crafting them.

Comment: This is the invited paper correpsonding to an invited talk. It is not a traditional research paper, and is rather heavy in personal opinion and viewpoint. Some may like it, and some may hate it. Read at your own risk.

Availability: pdf or ps


Rogaway's home page.