Charm: A framework for Rapidly Prototyping Cryptosystems

We describe Charm, an extensible framework designed for rapid prototyping of cryptographic systems that utilize the latest advances in cryptography, such as identity and attribute-based encryption, as well as the traditional cryptographic functions. Charm is designed to minimize code complexity, promote code re-use, and to automate interoperability, while not compromising on efficiency. Charm was designed from the ground up to support the implementation of advanced cryptographic schemes. It includes support for multiple cryptographic settings, an extensive library of re-usable code, and a protocol engine to aid in the development of interactive protocols. Our framework also provides a series of specialized tools that enable different cryptosystems to interoperate. We implemented over twenty cryptographic schemes using Charm, including some new ones that to our knowledge have never been built in practice. This paper describes our modular architecture, which includes a built-in benchma...

• Type: Journal
• Year: 2011
• Where: IACR
• Authors: Joseph A. Akinyele, Matthew Green, Aviel D. Rubin
• Keywords: Code Complexity, Cryptographic Schemes, IACR 2011, Interactive Protocols