Title: Assumptions and conditions for mix networks: analysis, clarification and improvement

Authors: Kun Peng

Addresses: PGPR, National University of Singapore, Singapore

Abstract: Mix network is a popular anonymous communication channel. It is based on a technique called shuffling and so its security depends on security of shuffling. However, security of efficient shuffling protocols depends on various conditions and assumptions and they do not always handle those conditions and assumptions in the best way. Some of them employ unnecessary too strong assumptions and some of them ignore important conditions. In this paper, the conditions and assumptions are deeply and comprehensively analysed. Unspectaculor and ignored conditions are highlighted and clarified; too strong assumptions are replaced with more practical ones; counter examples and attacks are proposed against security of a shuffling schemes failing to meet necessary conditions. As a result, with the conditions and assumptions illustrated, clarified and optimised, design of mix network can be better guided and security of mix network based on them can be formally and comprehensively assessed.

Keywords: mix networks; shuffling protocols; network security.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSN.2014.065719

International Journal of Security and Networks, 2014 Vol.9 No.3, pp.133 - 143

Received: 25 Oct 2012
Accepted: 03 Oct 2013
Published online: 10 Nov 2014 *

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