GLOSSARY
Terminology reference.
Definitions for the key technical terms used across this site, grouped by domain.
POST-QUANTUM CRYPTOGRAPHY
Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC)
Cryptographic algorithms believed to resist attacks by quantum computers.
ML-DSA
Module-Lattice-Based Digital Signature Algorithm, NIST-standardized, formerly CRYSTALS-Dilithium.
ML-KEM
Module-Lattice-Based Key Encapsulation Mechanism, NIST-standardized, derived from CRYSTALS-Kyber.
SLH-DSA
Stateless Hash-Based Digital Signature Algorithm, NIST-standardized, derived from SPHINCS+.
Shor's Algorithm
Quantum algorithm that factors integers and solves discrete log, threatening RSA and ECDSA.
Grover's Algorithm
Quantum search algorithm providing quadratic speedup, reducing symmetric key strength.
Harvest Now, Decrypt Later
Recording encrypted data now to decrypt once quantum capability matures.
Crypto Agility
The ability to swap cryptographic algorithms without re-architecting systems.
Hybrid Signatures
Signatures combining classical and post-quantum algorithms for gradual migration.
Quantum-Resistant
Designed to resist quantum attacks; not a guarantee of absolute immunity.
Lattice-Based Cryptography
A family of PQC schemes whose security rests on the hardness of lattice problems.
Key Encapsulation Mechanism (KEM)
A construction that securely exchanges symmetric keys using public-key cryptography.
BLOCKCHAIN ARCHITECTURE
EVM
Ethereum Virtual Machine — the smart contract execution environment.
Tendermint-BFT
Byzantine fault tolerant consensus with instant finality.
Layer 1
A base blockchain with its own consensus and settlement, not built on another chain.
Finality
The point at which a transaction is irreversible and cannot be reverted.
Validator
A node that participates in consensus by proposing and voting on blocks.
Precompile
A built-in smart contract at a fixed address exposing a specialized operation.
Mempool
The holding area for transactions before they are included in a block.
RPC Endpoint
A network endpoint accepting JSON-RPC calls for chain interaction.
AI-NATIVE INFRASTRUCTURE
ERC-8004
A draft Ethereum Standards Track ERC concerning trustless agents.
x402
An open payment standard for machine-to-machine HTTP 402 negotiation.
TEE
Trusted Execution Environment — hardware-isolated private computation.
zkML
Zero-Knowledge Machine Learning — proofs of inference integrity.
Autonomous Agent
A software agent that acts on-chain on its own behalf, holding identity and funds.
Machine-to-Machine Payment
Automated payment between software agents for services or resources.
Verifiable Computation
Cryptographic proof that a computation was executed correctly.
Agent Identity
An on-chain identity primitive allowing agents to be addressed and reputated.
ACQUISITION & DEPLOYMENT
White-Label Blockchain
A blockchain rebranded and deployed under a purchaser's own identity.
Sovereign Blockchain
A blockchain deployed under national or governmental control.
Source-Code Acquisition
The transfer of a complete codebase and documentation to a purchaser under license.
Data Room
A controlled-access repository of sensitive technical documentation for due diligence.
NDA
Non-Disclosure Agreement — a mutual confidentiality contract preceding data-room access.
Escrow
A third-party-held settlement mechanism protecting both buyer and seller in a transaction.
Permissioned Network
A blockchain where participation is restricted to approved operators.
Knowledge Transfer
Structured handover of system expertise from seller to acquirer.