Threshold Signatures

Threshold signatures are a cryptographic mechanism that allows a subset of a group to collectively sign a transaction, providing enhanced security and distributed trust.

Back to Other Signatures3-out-of-5 Threshold Signature

Overview

Threshold signatures are a cryptographic mechanism that allows a subset of a group to collectively sign a transaction, providing enhanced security and distributed trust.

Key Characteristics

  • Distributed Signing: Requires a minimum number of participants to authorize a transaction
  • Flexible Thresholds: Can be configured as k-out-of-n signatures (e.g., 3-out-of-5)
  • Multi-Party Computation: Enables complex collaborative signing scenarios

Detailed Examples

3-out-of-5 Threshold Signature

For a comprehensive example, refer to the dedicated tutorial:

Practical Use Cases

  1. Corporate Governance:
  2. Cross-Chain Interoperability:

Implementation Techniques

Ergo supports threshold signatures through its Sigma protocol framework, allowing:

  • Proving knowledge of at least k secrets out of n total secrets
  • Creating multi-party computational scenarios with robust security guarantees

Conceptual Implementation

val thresholdSignature = prove {
  atLeastKOutOfN(
    k = 3,  // Minimum signatures required
    n = 5,  // Total possible signers
    publicKeys = List(
      pubKey1, pubKey2, pubKey3, 
      pubKey4, pubKey5
    )
  )
}

Related Cryptographic Concepts

Technical Advantages

  • Reduced Single Point of Failure: No single participant can unilaterally control funds
  • Flexible Configuration: Adaptable to various security requirements
  • Privacy Preservation: Sigma protocols ensure minimal information leakage

References