Authenticated data structures for graph and geometric searching

Abstract

Authenticated data structures provide cryptographic proofs that their answers are as accurate as the author intended, even if the data structure is maintained by a remote host. We present techniques for authenticating data structures that represent graphs and collections of geometric objects. In our model, a data structure maintained by a trusted source is mirrored at distributed directories that answer queries and provide proof of correctness. Our work has applications to the authentication of network management systems and geographic information systems. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2003.