CAREER: Obfuscation from a Complexity Theoretic Perspective

混淆方案是非常理想的工具，用于将程序转换为难以理解的程序，同时保留功能。然而，到目前为止，还缺乏具有良好安全保证的混淆方案。该项目的主要目标是解决这一差距，通过开发新的方法来设计基于标准的混淆方案，经过充分研究，假设。 另一个目标是使用混淆作为一个通用的工具，以实现广泛的加密和安全应用。这项研究将促进混淆方案的设计和应用，以及更普遍的密码学可行性，这有助于建立一个更安全和私密的网络空间。该研究集中在一种形式的混淆，称为不可识别性混淆（IO）。具体的研究问题包括寻找更简单的加密对象，代数结构，标准对象的推广，以及隐含IO的假设。该项目还研究了可以从标准假设中构建的内容，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使用的通用技术，以获得更简单，更有效的解决方案。该项目积极参与传播混淆知识，向本科生和研究生教授密码学，并支持STEM中的女性。这些活动将有助于建立一支技术熟练和多样化的劳动力队伍，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.