Conclusion

Abstract

In this work a formal definition of the general framework regarding homomorphic signature schemes is provided. Starting from such framework, it is also shown how linearly homomorphic signature schemes, homomorphic signature schemes for polynomial functions, fully homomorphic signature schemes, and homomorphic aggregate signature schemes are derived. Afterwards, the first up-to-dated survey about all the currently existing homomorphic signature schemes is provided, where each scheme is singularly described and analyzed. In addition three interesting use cases for homomorphic signature schemes were presented. These are: electronic voting, smart grids, and electronic health records. For each use case the minimal requirements a suitable homomorphic signature scheme should fulfill are discussed and the existing homomorphic signature schemes that properly address these requirements are presented. Based on these observations, directions for future work are suggested that would address the faults of the current state of the art.