Functional encryption

Abstract

Functional encryption gives users fine-grained access to the encrypted data and permits the computation of specific functions on the protected plaintexts. Namely, data is encrypted using a public key, while restricted keys that correspond to particular functions are generated. This prevents the computer from computing anything other than the function specified by the restricted decrypting key. Functional encryption can handle more sophisticated data sharing involving an untrusted cloud. Finally, functional encryption is to become an increasingly valuable tool in the context of growing concern for privacy and the ubiquitous use of data.