Nillion NMC: A Secure Processing Layer for Web3 | Miguel de Vega

Feb 28, 2022

Miguel de Vega, the mastermind behind Nillion's Nil Message Compute (NMC) and an expert in Secure Multi-Party Computation (SMPC), discusses groundbreaking advancements in decentralized data processing. He explains how Nillion’s system leverages non-blockchain technology for secure, speedy computation. The conversation includes the evolution of zero-knowledge proofs, enhancing private data security, and the potential of decentralized password management. Miguel also delves into Nillion’s role in blockchain interoperability and innovative data security solutions.

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ANECDOTE

Miguel's Background

Miguel de Vega's background is in engineering and math, working at Siemens and Nokia.
He transitioned into the crypto world through zero-knowledge proofs while working with Rob Leslie.

INSIGHT

Zero-Knowledge Proofs

Zero-knowledge proofs allow one party to prove a statement about their data without revealing the data itself.
They are used in blockchain for private tokens and off-chain computations.

ANECDOTE

Shift to SMPC

De Vega and Leslie shifted to Secure Multi-Party Computation (SMPC) to address anti-money laundering (AML) challenges for a bank.
SMPC allows multiple parties to compute on data without revealing their individual inputs, addressing privacy regulations.

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In Episode 234 of Hidden Forces, Demetri Kofinas speaks with Dr. Miguel de Vega, the creator of Nillion’s new cryptographic primitive, Nil Message Compute (NMC). Nillion allows a decentralized network of nodes to work together using a non-blockchain technology known as Secure Multi-Party Computation (SMPC) to store and process information at essentially centralized server speed, all while remaining information-theoretic secure (ITS). This unique feature represents a significant breakthrough in decentralized systems, allowing Nillion to operate the first decentralized and permissionless public SMPC network at scale. Its security and performance characteristics enable Nillion to not only serve as a secure processing layer for Web3, but also as a source of off-chain computation, as a decentralized private enclave, and as an enabler of interoperability between ledgers.

Today’s conversation is meant to give you an early introduction to this potentially transformative technology. Demetri will also be hosting a Hidden Forces panel event with Chief Scientist and inventor of Nillion, Dr. Miguel de Vega and other members of the team at Ideal Glass Studios in New York City’s Greenwich Village on Thursday, March 31st, where you can learn more about the project, meet key members of the founding team, and socialize with other listeners and guests of the podcast. Doors open at 6 PM EDT and the panel will begin promptly at 7 PM.

You can RSVP for the event HERE and access a special advanced copy of the Nillion whitepaper HERE.

You can get early access to the episode, as well as the episode transcript and intelligence report to this week’s conversation by going directly to the episode page at HiddenForces.io and clicking on "premium extras." All subscribers gain access to our premium feed, which can be easily added to your favorite podcast application.

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Producer & Host: Demetri Kofinas

Editor & Engineer: Stylianos Nicolaou

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Episode Recorded on 02/18/2022