fhe.rs - Utilize Rust for High-Performance Homomorphic Encryption with fhe.rs

Introduction to fhe.rs: A Rust-Based Homomorphic Encryption Library

fhe.rs is an innovative cryptographic library developed in Rust, dedicated to Ring-LWE-based homomorphic encryption. This library, an experimental creation by Tancrède Lepoint, brings advanced encryption capabilities typically seen in languages like C++ and Go into the Rust ecosystem. The library’s development and updates can be tracked on its GitHub repository.

Key Features

Advanced Encryption Scheme: At its core, fhe.rs boasts an implementation of a RNS-variant of the Brakerski-Fan-Vercauteren (BFV) homomorphic encryption scheme, which is known for its efficiency and security.
Performance Excellence: The library promises performances that meet or exceed those of existing state-of-the-art libraries developed in C++ and Go, making it a robust choice for applications that require strong encryption.

Development Status

It's important to note that fhe.rs is currently in the beta stage. Until the release of version 1.0.0, there might be breaking changes to its API. Consequently, users are advised to use the library at their own risk due to potential instability and lack of security audits.

Distinction from Similar Libraries

It is also worth mentioning that fhe.rs is separate from the tfhe-rs library, also known as concrete, from Zama's fully homomorphic encryption in Rust. More details about tfhe-rs can be found on its GitHub page.

Modular Crates

fhe.rs consists of four main public crates which serve different functions within the ecosystem:

fhe: This crate covers the core implementations of the homomorphic encryption schemes.
fhe-math: This crate provides the core mathematical operations required by the fhe crate to perform encryption tasks.
fhe-traits: It defines traits related to homomorphic encryption schemes, allowing for flexible and extensible encryption functionalities.
fhe-util: This package includes utility functions that support the fhe crate in simplifying operations and improving efficiency.

Installation Guide

To incorporate fhe.rs into a project, the following entries should be added to the Cargo.toml file of the Rust project:

[dependencies]
fhe = "0.1.0-beta.8"
fhe-traits = "0.1.0-beta.8"

System Requirements

To utilize fhe.rs, Rust version 1.73 or newer must be installed. This ensures you can leverage the latest features and improvements available in the Rust programming environment.

Security and Stability Considerations

It is crucial for potential users to be aware that fhe.rs has not been independently audited for security. Additionally, there is no commitment regarding the stability of the API or ABI until the library reaches its 1.0.0 release. Users are urged to proceed with caution and use the library with an understanding of these limitations.

By introducing fhe.rs, developers gain access to a promising tool for implementing homomorphic encryption within the Rust ecosystem, albeit with careful consideration of its current beta status and related caveats.