NTT Research has once again established its prominence in the field of cryptography and information security through its significant presence at the Theory of Cryptography Conference (TCC) 2024, one of the most prestigious gatherings for cryptographic research. This year, the conference is hosted at SDA Bocconi in Milan, Italy, and features a robust program of groundbreaking research, including 11 papers co-authored by scientists from NTT Research’s Cryptography & Information Security (CIS) Lab and one paper from the NTT Social Informatics Laboratories (SO Lab) in Tokyo. These contributions span a variety of topics, reflecting the cutting-edge work of NTT Research in advancing cryptographic theory and practice.
The event, co-chaired by NTT Research Senior Scientist and Reichman University Associate Professor Elette Boyle, highlights the dynamic research environment fostered at NTT Research. With a program that includes 16 sessions, 68 accepted papers, and multiple keynote addresses, the conference provides a platform to explore the latest paradigms in cryptography. NTT Research’s contributions this year particularly stand out in areas such as quantum cryptography, proof systems, and attribute-based encryption (ABE). This breadth of focus underscores the organization’s leadership in addressing both theoretical and practical challenges in cryptography.
Among the notable contributors, Dr. Brent Waters and Dr. Vipul Goyal, Senior Scientists at the CIS Lab, each co-authored four papers, showcasing their deep expertise and influence in the field. Dr. Waters’ contributions on proofs and ABE emphasize the importance of foundational work in cryptographic systems, while Dr. Goyal’s focus on quantum-related topics addresses the existential threat quantum computing poses to existing cryptographic protocols. These efforts are complemented by collaborations with prominent researchers from institutions like Kyoto University and Northeastern University, reflecting the global and interdisciplinary nature of the research.
The CIS Lab’s contributions also delve into secret sharing, authentication, and consensus protocols, underscoring the diverse range of cryptographic problems tackled by NTT Research scientists. This work not only advances theoretical knowledge but also has practical implications for the security of modern digital systems. For example, attribute-based encryption, introduced by Dr. Waters in 2005, has evolved into a commercially viable security solution, exemplifying the translational impact of theoretical research.
TCC 2024 also features two distinguished invited talks by Andrej Bogdanov and Shuichi Hirahara, addressing topics at the intersection of cryptographic hardness, statistical inference, and meta-complexity. Additionally, Salil Vadhan’s Test-of-Time Award talk, dedicated to the memory of Luca Trevisan, explores multicalibration as a transformative tool for cryptographers, further emphasizing the conference’s role in honoring and propelling innovative ideas.
Through its prolific output and active engagement, NTT Research continues to demonstrate its pivotal role in shaping the future of cryptography, ensuring secure and reliable digital infrastructures in an era of rapid technological change. This year’s contributions at TCC exemplify the organization’s commitment to advancing cryptographic science and its practical applications.
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