Project description
Efficient cryptographic systems with solid theoretical foundations
Our digital infrastructure heavily depends on centralised systems, which are susceptible to failures and cyber-attacks. Decentralised cryptographic systems, like blockchains and threshold cryptography, have garnered attention due to their resilience against such threats. However, discrepancies between scientific assumptions and real-world application can lead to security vulnerabilities. In this context, the ERC-funded DECRYPSYS project is dedicated to designing more efficient and secure cryptographic systems with robust theoretical foundations. It seeks to develop novel cryptographic protocols for complex tasks, addressing challenges posed by decentralised systems and quantum computing. All project outcomes will be publicly accessible to enhance the security of digital interactions.
Objective
Much of our digital infrastructure still relies on centralized systems, which are prone to failure and, more importantly, present appealing targets for criminals and other ill-intentioned parties. A successful attack on a centralized system can have huge repercussions in terms of loss of confidentiality, integrity and availability of data and services: alas, once private data leaks, it is impossible to put it back into the confidential domain.
The fragility of centralized systems is one of the reasons that the interest in decentralized cryptographic systems (such as Secure Multiparty Computation, Blockchains, and Threshold Cryptography) has surged in recent years. Decentralized systems are more resilient against external and internal threats: even if some fractions of the parties are corrupt and misbehave, it is still possible to guarantee crucial security properties such as data privacy and correctness of outcomes. However, as these systems get deployed and used by citizens and institutions, it becomes evident that many of the assumptions made in the scientific literature do not match the reality in which such systems are used: as security proofs might no longer hold, this opens the door for potentially catastrophic security consequences.
With this project I intend to take a step back and design cryptographic systems with solid theoretical foundations, with focus on ensuring that the abstract models in which cryptographic systems are designed and proven secure are a close match to the everchanging reality in which they get deployed, addressing e.g. the peculiar nature of decentralized systems and the challenges presented by advances in quantum computing. A successful outcome of the project will lead to novel, more efficient, and more secure cryptographic protocols for complex tasks. All the results of the projects will be made publicly available to help companies and society secure the critical infrastructures underlying their digital interactions.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- natural sciences computer and information sciences computer security cryptography
- social sciences law criminology
You need to log in or register to use this function
We are sorry... an unexpected error occurred during execution.
You need to be authenticated. Your session might have expired.
Thank you for your feedback. You will soon receive an email to confirm the submission. If you have selected to be notified about the reporting status, you will also be contacted when the reporting status will change.
Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
-
HORIZON.1.1 - European Research Council (ERC)
MAIN PROGRAMME
See all projects funded under this programme
Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-ERC - HORIZON ERC Grants
See all projects funded under this funding scheme
Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) ERC-2023-COG
See all projects funded under this callHost institution
Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
8000 Aarhus C
Denmark
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.