Homomorphic encryption, also known as "functional encryption," is a type of encryption that allows computations to be performed on ciphertexts, and the result is decrypted to produce the correct output as if it were performed on the plaintext. This capability is particularly useful for cloud computing and distributed computing, where data security is a major concern.
Basic Concepts
- Public Key Cryptography: Traditional encryption methods use public and private keys. Homomorphic encryption uses a different approach.
- Ciphertext: Encrypted data that can be decrypted with the appropriate key.
- Homomorphic Properties: The ability to perform operations on encrypted data without decrypting it.
Types of Homomorphic Encryption
- Somewhat Homomorphic Encryption (SHE): Allows a limited number of operations on ciphertexts.
- Fully Homomorphic Encryption (FHE): Allows any number of operations on ciphertexts, making it more versatile.
Applications
- Cloud Computing: Protecting data while it is being processed or stored in the cloud.
- Distributed Computing: Secure sharing of data among multiple parties.
- Machine Learning: Protecting sensitive data during training and inference.
Challenges
- Efficiency: Homomorphic encryption is computationally intensive, which can impact performance.
- Key Management: Ensuring the security of encryption keys is a significant challenge.
Further Reading
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Homomorphic Encryption Diagram