One-way Accumulators: A Decentralized Alternative to Digital Signatures (Extended Abstract)

Abstract

Josh Benaloh t and Michael de Mare 2 Clarkson University 2 Giordano Automation Abstract. This paper describes a simple candidate one-way hash function which satisfies a quasi-commutative property that allows it to be used as an accumulator. This property allows protocols to be developed in which the need for a trusted central authority can be eliminated. Spaceefficient distributed protocols are given for document time stamping and for membership testing, and many other applications are possible.