AWhat changed
Merkle describes selecting a shared key over a publicly readable but integrity-protected channel using many deliberately solvable encrypted puzzles, producing a quadratic passive-search work gap in the stated classical model.
Scientific scope
Merkle describes selecting a shared key over a publicly readable but integrity-protected channel using many deliberately solvable encrypted puzzles, producing a quadratic passive-search work gap in the stated classical model. The puzzle protocol uses the stated computational work and random-choice model. Its honest/adversarial work gap is not an unconditional secrecy theorem or modern practical public-key deployment recommendation. Eavesdropping, active interference and cryptographic assumptions require separate analysis. Earlier conception, publication and later schemes should not be counted as separate discoveries.
Evidence
Source-linked, scoped account of the original work. The published scope states the scientific assumptions and remaining verification limits. WRS has not independently certified the full proof, experimental result or system benchmark.
Contributors
- Ralph C. Merkle · SCIENCE: Original source-listed scientific author of this scoped work; byline does not determine effort fractions.
- Merkle 1978: Secure communications over insecure channels
- Brassard/Hoyer/Kalach/Kaplan/Laplante/Salvail: Key establishment a la Merkle in a quantum world
Provisional WRS assessment, edition 2026-10-16.1. Independent expert calibration is pending. This grade does not certify correctness or assign ownership.
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