Monthly Technical Updates [Jan 2024]

zkPass
zkPass
Published in
3 min readFeb 6, 2024

Overview

The recent technical updates of zkPass focus on enhancing security measures, improving user interfaces, and introducing advanced cryptographic technologies. These enhancements span various components, including the protocol, Binance Attestation Service (BAS), Extension JS-SDK, and the development of zkPass and Omni zk-SBT. Each update aims to address specific challenges within blockchain technology and digital attestation, emphasizing privacy, efficiency, and interoperability.

Protocol Enhancements

  • Enhanced Security Protocol: We’ve added support for TLS mode, specifically TLS_ECDHE_ECDSA_WITH_AES_128_GCM_SHA256, to strengthen our network security.
  • Efficient Handshake Mechanism: Now supporting multiple handshake messages within a single record to optimize connection setups.
  • Dynamic Nullifier Adjustment: Modified the nullifier structure from a fixed two-block size to a dynamic length, accommodating long UUIDs for improved data handling.
  • Privacy-focused Schema Addition: Introduced a ‘private’ field in our schema design. This field utilizes new private data as raw commitment, laying the groundwork for enhanced Non-Interactive Zero-Knowledge (NIZK) proofs.
  • Off-Chain Storage Layer: Added a new layer for off-chain data storage, including the setup of greenfield instances for this purpose.
  • Node Segregation for Optimized Performance: Segregated nodes into two categories: proxy nodes, which focus on network bandwidth consumption, and zk-nodes, dedicated to generating vole-based zk proofs and verifications.
  • Staking Logic Integration: Incorporated a staking mechanism for nodes, complete with a staking contract, to incentivize network participation and security.

Binance Attestation Service (BAS) Updates

  • Front-End Revamp: Implemented a new user interface for the BAS, enhancing user experience and accessibility.
  • zk Attestation Contracts: Developed zk attestation proxy and resolver contracts, seamlessly integrated with the BAS attestation framework.
  • Chain-off zk Attestation: Achieved integration of off-chain zk attestations with greenfield projects, enhancing privacy and efficiency.
  • Enhanced Schema Integration: Integrated all schemas and proofs with bascan, extending support for LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube, enabling a wider range of attestation services.

Extension JS-SDK Improvements

  • Custom Schema Support: Extended the JS-SDK to support custom schema definitions, empowering developers to tailor data structures to their needs.
  • zkPass Schema Validator: Launched the zkPass Schema Validator Extension, a tool for developers to debug and validate custom schemas easily.
  • Developer Center Enhancements: Fully supported custom schema features on our developer center, complete with detailed documentation and step-by-step guides for schema creation.
  • GitHub Examples: Published schema examples on GitHub, providing developers with practical references for schema development.

zkPass Proof of Accredited Investorship with RICS Zero

  • Utilized the zkPass 3P-TLS protocol to securely process PDF documents from the IRS Transcript Delivery System, ensuring privacy and compliance.
  • Employed the zkPass data processing protocol alongside the RISC Zero backend to match user profiles with IRS documents, based on requested years and taxable income, enhancing the accuracy and security of accredited investor verification.

Omni zk-SBT Development

  • WASM Bridge for Circuit and Proof Generation: Built the circuit and proof generation in WASM, introducing a new bridge for JavaScript code to interact with WASM functions, improving interoperability and efficiency.
  • Universal BigNumber Compare Circuit: Added a universal BigNumber compare circuit to our toolkit, broadening our computational capabilities.
  • Merkle Tree Reconstruction: Reconstructed the Merkle tree structure for claims, optimizing data integrity and verification processes.
  • Claim Definition Redesign: Redefined the claim structure to include essential elements like nonce, claim data, public key, IV, and expiration date, enhancing claim security and usability.
  • Cross-Chain Functionality via LayerZero: Implemented a LayerZero contract for cross-chain functionality, enabling seamless interaction across different blockchain networks.

Operations and Maintenance Highlights

  • Routine Testing: Conducted weekly testing to ensure system reliability and performance.
  • Bug Resolution: Actively resolved identified bugs, maintaining system integrity.
  • Security Enhancements: Enforced rigorous security measures to protect against evolving threats.
  • Performance Optimizations: Implemented performance enhancements to ensure smooth and efficient system operation.

Research Innovations

  • Optimized GGM Tree: Experimented with an optimized GGM Tree using punctured function generation, significantly reducing the cost of Tree Expansion compared to non-optimized versions.
  • Advancements in Zero-Knowledge Proofs: Investigated Publicly Verifiable Zero-Knowledge and Post-Quantum Signatures from VOLE-in-the-Head, employing SpokenOT for efficient transfer of vole-based IZK to publicly verifiable NIZK.

Conclusion

The latest updates reflect a comprehensive effort to advance the platform’s capabilities in response to the evolving needs of the blockchain and digital attestation sectors. By implementing these improvements, the platform seeks to foster a more secure, user-friendly, and technologically robust environment for its users.

zkPass Links:

Website | Twitter | Discord | Medium | Github

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