#6147. Improved constant-sum encodings for hash-based signatures

September 2026publication date
Proposal available till 10-05-2025
4 total number of authors per manuscript0 $

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Journal’s subject area:
Computer Networks and Communications;
Software;
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Abstract:
The Winternitz one-time signature scheme is one of the cornerstones of hash-based signatures. Cruz, Kaji, and Yatani (CKY) propose to use a constant-sum encoding function with this scheme to obtain signature verification at lower and predictable costs in exchange for increased costs of key generation and signature verification. We give a novel description of this scheme called Wots-cs that greatly reduces the costs associated with key and signature generation, as well as signature verification. We achieve this by introducing new deterministic constant-sum encoding algorithms that accept larger sets of parameters than the original proposal. In addition, we provide a security proof of our scheme that relies on weaker assumptions than the CKY variant, reducing signature sizes by 50 %. Finally, we compare our work with Wots+ for parameters with the same signature size, and experiment with Xmss to discuss the impact of the encoding and possible applications.
Keywords:
Hash-based signatures; Post-quantum cryptography; Winternitz one-time signature scheme; XMSS

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