Differences among Summation Polynomials over Various Forms of Elliptic Curves

Abstract

The security of elliptic curve cryptography is closely related to the computational complexity of the elliptic curve discrete logarithm problem (ECDLP). Today, the best practical attacks against ECDLP are exponential-time generic discrete logarithm algorithms such as Pollard's rho method. A recent line of inquiry in index calculus for ECDLP started by Semaev, Gaudry, and Diem has shown that, under certain heuristic assumptions, such algorithms could lead to subexponential attacks to ECDLP. In this study, we investigate the computational complexity of ECDLP for elliptic curves in various forms — including Hessian, Montgomery, (twisted) Edwards, and Weierstrass representations — using index calculus. Using index calculus, we aim to determine whether there is any significant difference in the computational complexity of ECDLP for elliptic curves in various forms. We provide empirical evidence and insight showing an affirmative answer in this paper.