> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.theblockchainlibrary.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Scalable, Transparent, and Post-Quantum Secure Zero-Knowledge Proofs (STARKs)

> This paper introduces STARKs (Scalable, Transparent Arguments of Knowledge), a form of zero-knowledge proof that addresses the limitations of previous iteration

# Scalable, Transparent, and Post-Quantum Secure Zero-Knowledge Proofs (STARKs)

This paper introduces STARKs (Scalable, Transparent Arguments of Knowledge), a form of zero-knowledge proof that addresses the limitations of previous iteration

## Abstract

This paper introduces STARKs (Scalable, Transparent Arguments of Knowledge), a form of zero-knowledge proof that addresses the limitations of previous iterations, such as the requirement for a trusted setup and vulnerability to quantum computing attacks. STARKs offer significant improvements in computational speed and verification time, making them a preferred solution for scaling blockchain networks (specifically via ZK-Rollups). The paper describes the mathematical foundation using hash-based cryptography, which removes the need for trusted initialization and enhances transparency. This work is critical for the evolution of Layer 2 solutions, enabling high-throughput transactions with strong security guarantees in a post-quantum environment, marking a key milestone in blockchain scalability research.

**Authors:** Eli Ben-Sasson, Iddo Bentov, Yinon Horesh, Michael Riabzev

**Publication:** IACR ePrint Archive

**Publication date:** 2018-01-01

## Key findings

* Introduced STARKs as a transparent, post-quantum secure ZK-proof method.
* Eliminated the need for a 'trusted setup' required by earlier SNARKs.
* Demonstrated high scalability for proof generation and verification.
* Established a hash-based cryptographic alternative to elliptic curve-based proofs.

## Citation

Eli Ben-Sasson, Iddo Bentov, Yinon Horesh, Michael Riabzev (2018). Scalable, Transparent, and Post-Quantum Secure Zero-Knowledge Proofs (STARKs). IACR ePrint Archive. [https://eprint.iacr.org/2018/046](https://eprint.iacr.org/2018/046)

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**Canonical knowledge ID:** `research:scalable-transparent-and-post-quantum-secure-zero-knowledge-proofs-starks`