Zero-Knowledge Proofs

Privacy-protecting transaction verification.

What are ZK Proofs?

A zero-knowledge proof is a cryptographic method by which one party (the prover) can prove to the other party (the verifier) that the information they need to validate is correct without revealing any information other than the validity of it. In doing so, this keeps any related data private and helps prevent the risk of fraud.

For example, if someone needs to use your driver's license to check your age, a dApp built with ZK proofs can provide a credible validation without compromising your personal information, like your name or home address.

Keeping Crypto Out of Smart Contracts

Kadena’s distinct security architecture and integration of Zero-Knowledge proofs keep crypto out of smart contracts. This principle minimizes the risk of vulnerabilities within smart contract logic, while the use of Zero-Knowledge proofs for transaction validation further strengthens security without compromising integrity. With Kadena, developers can confidently focus on innovation, knowing their smart contracts are secure and reliable.

ZK on Kadena

Capabilities

Pact enables granting permissions to smart contracts without directly incorporating cryptographic elements into the smart contract. Kadena uses a signature verification code as a Service Provider Interface (SPI) plugin, so the smart contract only sees the capability for whatever functionality the signature is specified to guard, not the entire primitive.

Verifier Plugins

Verifier plugins illustrate a ZK proof’s existence by including the validity of the proof in a block and verifying it. The verifier plugin approach, enabled by the SPI, allows partners to submit the existence of a proof without all the data contained in the proof primitive.

Language Flexibility

Verifier plugins can be written differently in Pact than Ethereum smart contracts are written in Solidity, enabling lower pricing. ZK data is factored out, so you only have to work with the data that ZK validates, or the proof of the existence that a proof has been done, instead of including all of the data from a verifier primitive in the smart contract.

Succinctness

Zero-knowledge proofs (ZKPs) are succinct due to their small proof sizes, allowing for quick transmission and verification. The verification uses non-interactive computational effort, further simplifying the process. ZKPs provide universality and scalability while preserving privacy by disclosing only the correctness of the statement being proved.

Argument Partnership

Kadena has partnered with Argument, an innovative leader in the ZKP field, to build out a Zero-Knowledge Proof tech stack on Kadena’s blockchain that will pave the way for cross-chain zero-knowledge (ZK) proof messaging. The partnership’s roadmap includes the development of a ZK bridge from Ethereum to Kadena, a ZK light client, and Wormhole integration.

Milestones of the Partnership

ZK Bridge (Ethereum to Kadena)

The first partnership milestone focuses on building a ZK bridge from Ethereum to Kadena. This will include a ZK light client for Ethereum, implementing cryptographic circuits, and creating a platform for generating and verifying zero-knowledge proofs. This milestone also includes developing smart contracts for Lurk proof verification and enhancing the computational efficiency of ChainWeb's node software.

ZK Bridge (Kadena to Ethereum)

The second milestone extends these developments to facilitate a ZK bridge from Kadena to Ethereum, emphasizing the creation of verification tools and smart contracts tailored to Kadena and Ethereum environments.

ZK Bridge Applications

The third milestone aims to leverage the ZK bridge to create a broader range of applications, such as a Wormhole integration. This involves enhancing Chainweb’s capabilities to interpret Ethereum's Virtual Machine (EVM) and managing the state transfer between ChainWeb and Ethereum.

Opact wallet

Kadena-grantee Opact Wallet is a strong example of how ZK technology is being used on Kadena. Opact provides privacy and security for blockchain transactions while maintaining institutional compliance, as it prevents malicious activities such as money laundering and financing terrorism. Opact was developed by Hack-a-Chain, a Brazilian Web3 laboratory specialized in zero-knowledge and other advanced cryptographic techniques

Create an Opact Wallet

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