A zero-knowledge proof, also known as a ZK protocol, is a verification process that involves a prover and a verifier. A zero-knowledge proof system allows the prover to demonstrate to the verifier their knowledge of a certain piece of information without actually disclosing the information. Completeness and soundness are the two fundamental requirements that a ZK proof must satisfy. The ability of the prover to demonstrate knowledge of the pertinent material to a high degree of likely accuracy is referred to as completeness.
The verifier must be able to conclusively verify whether the prover is in fact in possession of the information for the proof to be considered valid. The proof must achieve both completeness and soundness without the information in question ever being shared between the prover and the verifier to be truly zero-knowledge.
Cryptographers make use of these proof systems to boost security and privacy.
