# A Future Of Verifiable Trust

## Introduction

Traditional trust systems have relied on institutional integrity, which has proven fallible. Recent scandals have highlighted the need for a new approach. Sign Protocol aims to restore trust through verifiable methodologies.

## Verifiable Trust

Verifiable Trust replaces blind trust with a system that ensures:

* **Soundness and Verifiability**: Information is well-defined, confirmed, and verifiable.
* **Hardness and Immutability**: Information is tamper-proof and finalized. Cryptographic solutions and blockchain systems ensure this.
* **Reliability and High Availability**: Information is always accessible for validation. Redundant data storage and blockchain incentives support this.

EthSign uses Attestations to deliver Verifiable Trust, forming the basis of Sign Protocol.

## Strategy: Web First, Then Global

The web serves as a testing ground for trust systems. EthSign's Next platform enables digital contract signing with cryptographic signatures and blockchain storage. Sign Protocol extends verification to all web interactions.

## Attestation Ecosystem

An attestation ecosystem coordinates operators, infrastructure, and methodologies to verify authenticity and integrity. It consists of four layers:

* **Trust Layer**: Societal infrastructures and institutions.
* **Application Layer**: Apps and services using verified trust.
* **Infrastructure Layer**: Processes attestation data for applications.
* **Attestation Layer**: Manages attestations and their elements.

<figure><img src="https://3152654701-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2Fw182g9YzR34mTxEBTKXX%2Fuploads%2F6JIVbDt4H0fcymf7gh96%2FAttestation_Ecosystem_1.png?alt=media&#x26;token=c1b0a320-d1c9-4ed2-92b0-8a60ae612824" alt="Attestation Ecosystem Diagram"><figcaption><p>Figure: Hierarchical structure of the attestation ecosystem layers.</p></figcaption></figure>

## Summary

Sign Protocol is a platform-independent attestation protocol with tools and infrastructure to create a robust attestation ecosystem. It leverages blockchains, decentralized storage, and social networks to enhance digital trust systems.