Quantum Advances, Hybrid Signatures and SNARKs to the Rescue with Dan Boneh

About this episode

In this episode, Anna Rose interviews Dan Boneh about quantum computing, post-quantum cryptography, and the evolving role of zero knowledge proofs.

In this 400th episode, Anna Rose welcomes back Dan Boneh , professor of computer science and electrical engineering at Stanford University, for a wide-ranging conversation on quantum computing, post-quantum cryptography, and the evolving role of ZK. They discuss Google's recent quantum algorithm announcement—what the paper actually showed, why it was proven in zero knowledge, and the cryptographic ideas embedded in the work. Dan shares his perspective on quantum timelines, the risks of rushing the post-quantum transition, and why algebraic signatures deserve more attention than hash-based ones in the blockchain world. The conversation covers hybrid signature schemes, the web's quiet transition to post-quantum cryptography, and the intersection of AI and ZK. Dan also highlights witness encryption, explains why encrypted mempools are generating new research questions, and closes with an update on the Ethereum Foundation's Proximity Prize. Related Links Episode 100 with Dan Boneh Episode 256 with Dan Boneh Episode 345 with Dan Boneh Episode 390 lean Ethereum Miniseries Kick-off with Anna & Nico Episode 359 Lattice-based ZK Systems with Vadim Lyubashevsky Episode 364 AI and ZK…

People in this episode

Host: Anna Rose

Guest: Dan Boneh

Topics covered

• quantum computing
• post-quantum cryptography
• zero knowledge
• hybrid signatures
• blockchain
• AI and ZK

Keywords

• quantum advances
• hybrid signatures
• SNARKs
• post-quantum transition
• encrypted mempools
• Ethereum Foundation
• cryptographic ideas
• AI
• blockchain

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Stanford University, Google, Ethereum Foundation

Products: Acorn, Oratomic

Books & works: Google Quantum Paper, Proximity Prize Survey Paper (ePrint), Project 11 on Bitcoin's Post-Quantum Migration, ZK Security and AI Auditors, Lean Ethereum Series Lattices with Vadim Lyubashevsky

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