zk-SNARK
What is zk-SNARK?
zk-SNARKA Zero-Knowledge Succinct Non-Interactive Argument of Knowledge: a small, fast-to-verify proof that a computation was performed correctly, without revealing its inputs.
A zk-SNARK (Zero-Knowledge Succinct Non-Interactive Argument of Knowledge) is a non-interactive proof system that produces proofs only a few hundred bytes long and verifiable in milliseconds, regardless of the underlying computation size. Constructions such as Groth16, PLONK, and Halo2 rely on elliptic-curve pairings or polynomial commitments and usually require a trusted setup, typically generated through a multi-party ceremony to avoid a single point of trust. zk-SNARKs power privacy coins (Zcash), Ethereum zk-rollups (zkSync, Polygon zkEVM, Scroll), and confidential identity systems. Their main trade-offs are heavier prover cost and reliance on cryptographic assumptions that may be vulnerable to quantum attacks unless lattice-based variants are used.
● Examples
- 01
Zcash uses zk-SNARKs to hide transaction sender, receiver, and amount on a public blockchain.
- 02
zkSync Era and Polygon zkEVM compress thousands of Ethereum transactions into one on-chain SNARK proof.
● Frequently asked questions
What is zk-SNARK?
A Zero-Knowledge Succinct Non-Interactive Argument of Knowledge: a small, fast-to-verify proof that a computation was performed correctly, without revealing its inputs. It belongs to the Cryptography category of cybersecurity.
What does zk-SNARK mean?
A Zero-Knowledge Succinct Non-Interactive Argument of Knowledge: a small, fast-to-verify proof that a computation was performed correctly, without revealing its inputs.
How do you defend against zk-SNARK?
Defences for zk-SNARK typically combine technical controls and operational practices, as detailed in the full definition above.
What are other names for zk-SNARK?
Common alternative names include: SNARK, Succinct Non-Interactive Argument of Knowledge.