Abstract

A puzzle lies behind password authentication (PA) and blockchain proof of work (PoW). A cryptographic hash function is commonly used to implement them. The potential problem with secure hash functions is their complexity and rigidity. We explore the use of complex systems constructs such as a cellular automaton (CA) to provide puzzle functionality. The analysis shows that computational irreducibility and sensitivity to initial state phenomena are enough to create simple puzzle systems that can be used for PA and PoW. Moreover, we present puzzle schemata using CA and n-body problems.

Highlights

  • Our fundamental proposal is to profit from how difficult it is to predict the behavior of complex systems

  • Finding a correct provisional part is as costly as a search for correct input initial state inverse cag y, provisional state

  • First we assume that the computational irreducibility principle holds

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Summary

Introduction

Our fundamental proposal is to profit from how difficult it is to predict the behavior of complex systems. An analogous challenge is found in mathematics when attempting to define randomness and in computing when producing randomness. A mathematical perspective on randomness can be summarized as follows. The need for “pseudorandomness” in various parts of modern science, ranging from numerical simulation to cryptography, has challenged our limited understanding of this issue and our mathematical resources. [1] number theorists provide insights into how number theory can contribute to the issue of randomness [2]:. Vuckovac automata (CAs) to construct password authentication (PA) and blockchain proof of work (PoW) puzzles

The Password Authentication Puzzle
The Proof of Work Puzzle
General Puzzle
Cellular Automaton Puzzle
Proposed Puzzles and Provable Security
Discussion
Implementation Details
Full Text

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