ZKsync Trusted Execution Environment Proofs

Zksync may leverage Trusted Execution Environments (TEEs), specifically Intel's Software Guard Extensions (SGX), to enhance blockchain security and performance. While ZKsync already uses zero-knowledge (ZK) proofs to validate chain data, integrating TEEs adds an additional layer of security and efficiency. TEEs provide isolated, hardware-based environments for secure computation, protecting sensitive operations from external attacks and unauthorized access.

Key ideas

Multiprover Security Model: ZKsync combines ZK proofs and TEE-based proofs (multiprover architecture) for added security. TEEs can verify ZK computations and provide faster interoperability between ZK chains, acting as a security backup and performance booster.
Proof Verification and Attestation: Each TEE proof consists of a cryptographic signature of the block root hash and an SGX attestation report, which can be verified programmatically using the verify-era-proof-attestation tool. The article provides detailed instructions on how to use this tool with Docker to verify the authenticity of TEE proofs from a specific block onward.

Builders may consider adopting multiprover security (combining ZK proofs and TEEs) in blockchain or Web3 products to enhance both security and performance, especially for applications requiring confidential computing or interoperability.