Even though we may not be aware of it, cryptography is part of our lives in many of the digital functions that we use every single day. Dual factor authentication is an example of this. These kinds of tools are based on mathematics and computer science. Designing and implementing them requires high level skills in both disciplines. At the same time, these tools are central for our protection in a data democracy.

Different data-security logics

Some forms of cryptography work with a ciphertext that hides information and a plaintext, in which information is revealed. In distributive cryptographic systems like Secure Multiparty Computation (MPC), information is not hidden and revealed, but fragmented and distributed. This allows you to share an analysis of information without ever disclosing your information to anyone.

Same words, different meanings

Cryptography deals with technical questions about what constitutes “trust”, and what counts as “private”, “secure” and “ideal”. But each of these words are common in our everyday language, interactions and relationships. In cryptography, however, they take on different meanings. Cryptographers and mathematicians work with provable definitions. An ideal cryptographic scheme is therefore not an opinion or wishful thinking but a specific definition of the best possible mathematical solution, against which all other solutions are measured. Similarly, cryptographic “trust” is closer to what we might call “proof.” And “private” and “secure” are often more about how probable an attack on your data is – either from the inside or from outsiders who wish to break in, than a subjective quality.

“People should do math for the love of math. Of course, there is an imperative to do no harm, but the problem is that you never know whether a new technological discovery will be used for good or evil. If we only define a research project by what we think will be good for society, we are closing off a lot of knowledge. Not all math should be done for the good of society.”

-university cryptographer

Math is beautiful

But cryptography is also about the pursuit of neat, simple, universal solutions. Such solutions are often deemed “beautiful”. The more tinkering a solution requires, the less “beautiful” it is. The pursuit of beautiful solutions can sometimes stand in the way of practical implementation in the actual world, but the drive for beautiful solutions can also open the door for discoveries we never dreamed could exist.

“In some cases, the solution also looks elegant and that also gives me this satisfaction. You’re able to come up with this really nice solution. That doesn’t happen really often, but when it happens, it is amazing.”

-university cryptographer

Defining “the good life” requires democratic discussion of values

The Cryptic Commons is a forum where you can learn about cryptography and the role it plays in our society. It invites you to learn, to form your own opinion and to contribute. 

Philosopher Jürgen Habermas argues that “by reducing practical questions about the good life to technical problems for experts, contemporary elites eliminate the need for democratic discussion of values” (1970). However we define the “good life”, diverse voices are sorely needed in the debate. Thus, the Cryptic Commons is about understanding the connections between the social and mathematical definitions, but also about identifying where translation between the two is not possible. 

To learn more about Secure Multiparty Computation (MPC), we recommend that you read “How to Share a Secret” (1979) by Adi Shamir. 

Even though we may not be aware of it, cryptography is part of our lives in many of the digital functions that we use every single day. Dual factor authentication is an example of this. These kinds of tools are based on mathematics and computer science. Designing and implementing them requires high level skills in both disciplines. At the same time, these tools are central for our protection in a data democracy.

Different data-security logics

Some forms of cryptography work with a ciphertext that hides information and a plaintext, in which information is revealed. In distributive cryptographic systems like Secure Multiparty Computation (MPC), information is not hidden and revealed, but fragmented and distributed. This allows you to share an analysis of information without ever disclosing your information to anyone.

Same words, different meanings

Cryptography deals with technical questions about what constitutes “trust”, and what counts as “private”, “secure” and “ideal”. But each of these words are common in our everyday language, interactions and relationships. In cryptography, however, they take on different meanings. Cryptographers and mathematicians work with provable definitions. An ideal cryptographic scheme is therefore not an opinion or wishful thinking but a specific definition of the best possible mathematical solution, against which all other solutions are measured. Similarly, cryptographic “trust” is closer to what we might call “proof.” And “private” and “secure” are often more about how probable an attack on your data is – either from the inside or from outsiders who wish to break in, than a subjective quality.

“People should do math for the love of math. Of course, there is an imperative to do no harm, but the problem is that you never know whether a new technological discovery will be used for good or evil. If we only define a research project by what we think will be good for society, we are closing off a lot of knowledge. Not all math should be done for the good of society.”

-university cryptographer

Math is beautiful

But cryptography is also about the pursuit of neat, simple, universal solutions. Such solutions are often deemed “beautiful”. The more tinkering a solution requires, the less “beautiful” it is. The pursuit of beautiful solutions can sometimes stand in the way of practical implementation in the actual world, but the drive for beautiful solutions can also open the door for discoveries we never dreamed could exist.

“In some cases, the solution also looks elegant and that also gives me this satisfaction. You’re able to come up with this really nice solution. That doesn’t happen really often, but when it happens, it is amazing.”

-university cryptographer

Defining “the good life” requires democratic discussion of values

The Cryptic Commons is a forum where you can learn about cryptography and the role it plays in our society. It invites you to learn, to form your own opinion and to contribute. 

Philosopher Jürgen Habermas argues that “by reducing practical questions about the good life to technical problems for experts, contemporary elites eliminate the need for democratic discussion of values” (1970). However we define the “good life”, diverse voices are sorely needed in the debate. Thus, the Cryptic Commons is about understanding the connections between the social and mathematical definitions, but also about identifying where translation between the two is not possible. 

To learn more about Secure Multiparty Computation (MPC), we recommend that you read “How to Share a Secret” (1979) by Adi Shamir.