Signcryption is a public key cryptography primitive that provides all of the functions of a digital signature and encryption.
Yuliang Zheng invented signcryption, and it is now an ISO standard, ISO/IEC 29150:2011.
A Complete Guide to Understanding This Blockchain Concept
Traditionally, sign then encrypt or encrypt then sign schemes are used to provide unforgeability, authentication, and non-repudiation, but with signcryption, all services of digital signatures and encryption are provided at a cost that is less than that of the sign then encrypt scheme.
Signcryption enables Cost (signature & encryption) << Cost (signature) + Cost (Encryption) in a single logical step.
Why This Matters for Blockchain Technology
Understanding Signcryption is not just an academic exercise — it has real-world implications for how blockchain systems are designed, deployed, and secured. Whether you are a developer building decentralized applications, a business leader evaluating blockchain adoption, or a curious learner exploring the technology, this knowledge provides a critical foundation.
Key Points to Remember
- Signcryption Signcryption is a public key cryptography primitive that provides all of the functions of a digital signature and encryption.
- Yuliang Zheng invented signcryption, and it is now an ISO standard, ISO/IEC 29150:2011.
- Traditionally, sign then encrypt or encrypt then sign schemes are used to provide unforgeability, authentication, and non-repudiation, but with signcryption, all services of digital signatures and encryption are provided at a cost that is less than that of the sign then encrypt scheme.
- Signcryption enables Cost (signature & encryption) << Cost (signature) + Cost (Encryption) in a single logical step.
Conclusion
Signcryption represents one of the many innovative layers that make blockchain technology so powerful and transformative. As distributed systems continue to evolve, a solid understanding of these core concepts becomes increasingly valuable — not just for developers, but for anyone building, investing in, or working alongside blockchain-powered systems.
Whether you are just starting your blockchain journey or deepening existing expertise, mastering these fundamentals gives you the tools to think clearly about decentralized systems and make smarter decisions in this rapidly evolving space.