Zero Knowledge Proofs (ZKPs) are cryptographic protocols that allow one party to prove to another that they have a certain piece of information, without revealing what that information actually is. The two main categories of ZKPs are Interactive and Non-Interactive, which differ in the way they are executed and the level of trust required between the parties involved.
Interactive Zero Knowledge Proof (iZKP)
An Interactive Zero Knowledge Proof requires interaction between the prover and the verifier to ensure that the proof of knowledge is carried out correctly. In an iZKP, the prover and the verifier engage in a series of rounds, exchanging messages to prove that the prover has the knowledge in question.
One of the most commonly used iZKPs is the Fiat-Shamir heuristic, in which a random value is generated and used as a challenge to the prover. The prover must then use their secret knowledge to produce a response to the challenge, which the verifier can then verify as correct. If the response is correct, the verifier accepts the proof and the interaction is complete.
One of the key advantages of iZKPs is that they are highly flexible and can be used to prove knowledge of many different types of information. For example, they can be used to prove that someone knows a secret value, such as a password, or to prove that they have a certain level of authority over a digital asset, such as a cryptocurrency.
Another advantage of iZKPs is that they are very secure. The use of random challenges and the requirement for interaction between the prover and the verifier make it extremely difficult for an attacker to compromise the proof.
However, iZKPs also have some disadvantages. One of the main drawbacks is that they require a high level of trust between the prover and the verifier. If either party is compromised, the security of the proof can be compromised. Additionally, iZKPs can be time-consuming and require a significant amount of computational resources, which can make them impractical for use in some applications.
Non-Interactive Zero Knowledge Proof (niZKP)
Non-Interactive Zero Knowledge Proofs, on the other hand, are ZKPs that do not require interaction between the prover and the verifier. Instead, the prover creates a proof that can be verified by the verifier without any interaction.
One of the most common niZKPs is the SNARK, which stands for Succinct Non-Interactive Argument of Knowledge. SNARKs use advanced mathematical algorithms to create a proof that can be verified by the verifier without any interaction. The proof is typically a short, highly compressed representation of the information that the prover wants to prove, and the verifier can use this representation to confirm that the proof is valid.
The main advantage of niZKPs is that they are much more efficient and scalable than iZKPs. Because there is no interaction between the prover and the verifier, niZKPs can be verified much faster and with fewer computational resources. Additionally, because they do not require interaction, niZKPs are well suited for use in decentralized systems, such as blockchain networks, where trust between parties is difficult to establish.
Like iZKPs, niZKPs also have their own disadvantages. One of the main drawbacks is that they are less flexible than iZKPs, and can only be used to prove knowledge of certain types of information. Additionally, niZKPs can be more difficult to implement and may require a higher level of technical expertise.
Final Thoughts
Interactive Zero Knowledge Proof and Non-Interactive Zero Knowledge Proofs are both important tools in the field of cryptography, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Interactive ZKPs are highly flexible and secure, but can be time-consuming and require a high level of trust between the parties involved. Non-Interactive ZKPs, on the other hand, are more efficient and scalable, but may be less flexible and may require a higher level of technical expertise.
When choosing between iZKPs and niZKPs, it is important to consider the specific needs of your application and to weigh the trade-offs between flexibility, security, efficiency, and ease of implementation. Whether you choose an iZKP or a niZKP, however, you can be sure that you are using a powerful and secure tool to protect your information and to ensure the privacy and security of your data.
