CAREER: Obfuscation from a Complexity Theoretic Perspective

混淆方案是在保留功能的同时将程序转换为难以理解的程序的非常理想的工具。然而，到目前为止，还缺乏具有可靠安全保证的混淆方案。该项目的主要目标是通过开发基于标准的、经过充分研究的假设设计混淆方案的新方法来解决这一差距。另一个目标是使用混淆作为一种通用工具来支持广泛的加密和安全应用程序。这项研究将推进混淆方案的设计和应用状态，以及更广泛的加密可行性，这有助于建立一个更加安全和私密的网络空间。这项研究的重点是混淆的一种形式，称为不可区分混淆（IO）。具体的研究问题包括寻找更简单的加密对象、代数结构、标准对象的泛化以及隐含IO的假设。该项目还研究了从标准假设中可以建立什么，并开发了克服应用IO的现有技术障碍的新技术，以及消除IO使用的一般技术，以便为特定应用获得更简单和更有效的解决方案。该项目积极传播混淆知识，向本科生和研究生教授密码学，并支持女性参与STEM。这些活动将有助于建立一支熟练和多样化的劳动力队伍，并丰富科学界。

Obfuscation schemes are highly desirable tools for transforming programs into unintelligible ones while preserving functionality. However, so far, there lack obfuscation schemes with well-founded security guarantees. The main objective of this project is addressing this gap, by developing new approaches for designing obfuscation schemes based on standard, well-studied, assumptions. Another objective is using obfuscation as a versatile tool to enable a wide range of cryptographic and security applications. This research will advance the state of design and application of obfuscation schemes, and more generally cryptographic feasibility, which contribute to building a more secure and private cyberspace. The research focuses on a form of obfuscation, called Indistinguishability Obfuscation (IO). Specific research problems include finding simpler cryptographic objects, algebraic structures, generalization of standard objects, and assumptions that imply IO. The project also investigates what can be built from standard assumptions, and develops new techniques that overcome existing technical barriers in applying IO, as well as general techniques for removing the use of IO to obtain simpler and more efficient solutions for specific applications. This project actively engages in disseminating knowledge of obfuscation, teaching cryptography to undergraduate and graduate students, and supporting women in STEM. These activities will contribute to building a skilled and diverse workforce and enriching the scientific community.