# Cryptographic function that can 'pack' numbers

Is there a cryptographic algorithm that can 'pack' a bunch of strings/numbers and "confirm" if a string/numbers exists (later in the code) while keeping the output hidden?

For example, I have algorithm X, to which I can run something like:

// From Alice's side
algo1 = new X(key);

algo1.pack(100)
algo1.pack(200)
algo1.pack(300)

algo1.finalize()
print(algo1.output) // Prints a bunch of random bytes

//Later, somewhere in Bob's code
algo2 = new X(key, algo1.output);

algo2.has(111) // false
algo2.has(222) // false
algo2.has(100) // true
algo2.has(200) // true


I do realize this can be done with an encrypted database, but I am searching for a solution in an algorithm.

The purpose is data hiding: in case algo1.output as well as key are revealed to an attacker, they would still have to know the values in the set to get a truthful answer (100, 200 and 300 in the case above), which would protect the integrity of those values, even if the key and algo1.output are revealed

They would then have to rely on brute-force methods to extract those values, which could make it expensive for the attacker.

• See Socialist millionaire problem. Also the Accumulators. Note that = doesn't hide the output from Bob. It leaks the existence and inequality leaks the non-existence. – kelalaka Jun 16 at 9:49
• @kelalaka Maybe OP's issue can be solved with a one-way accumulator function, but I don't know if it is possible to initialize it with a 'key'... – jimmytann Jun 16 at 9:55
• In that code example, there does not appear to be any connection between the object called "algo" in the first half and the one called "algo" in the second half. Therefore what you seem to be asking for is trivially impossible, because there's no communication whatsoever. – Maeher Jun 16 at 10:12
• @Maeher Apologies. algo.output from Alice's code is sent to Bob's code. I clarified it above – JohnnyP Jun 16 at 11:48
• Thanks for the clarification. So what are the security properties you want? As it stands, a list of elements seems to serve the purpose. – Maeher Jun 16 at 12:53

It seems we can use commitment schemes with homomorphic hiding and binding properties here. Often these commitment schemes are used for secure multiparty computation, and zero knowledge proof generation purposes.

A commitment scheme is a cryptographic primitive that allows one to commit to a chosen value (or chosen statement) while keeping it hidden to others, with the ability to reveal the committed value later. Commitment schemes are designed so that a party cannot change the value or statement after they have committed to it: that is, commitment schemes are binding.

Commitment schemes are a way for one counterparty to commit to a value such that the value committed remains private, but can be revealed at a later time when the committing party divulges a necessary parameter of the commitment process. Strong commitment schemes must be both information hiding and computationally binding.

There are different types of commitment schemes.Pedersen commitment scheme is a popular one. There are other approaches such as Polynomial commitment schemes as well.