Efficient encrypted network traffic management with zero-knowledge proof

Abstract In the digital age, the reliance on network communication for information exchange has surged, making encrypted network traffic a linchpin of secure digital interactions. However, while encryption safeguards data, it creates hurdles for network management and security surveillance. Conventional deep packet inspection (DPI) falters when faced with encrypted traffic, and existing studies in this area have drawbacks like reliance on trusted third parties and limited detection capabilities. To address these issues, we present a novel zero knowledge proof based encrypted traffic management( $$\mathbb {ZKP}$$ ZKP - $$\mathbb {PET}$$ PET ) scheme. By integrating a third-party verifier operating under the honest-but-curious (HBC) mode