Microsoft Research releases Magnetar, a hash-based zkVM proving Rust and Go programs 10-39x faster

Microsoft Research has introduced Magnetar, a zero-knowledge virtual machine (zkVM) that addresses the efficiency, usability, and security challenges of verifiable computing. By proving the execution of RISC-V programs, Magnetar allows developers to write code in Rust, Go, or C and generate cryptographic proofs without rewriting applications as complex circuits.

Performance and Usability

Magnetar demonstrates significant speed improvements over prior systems. On a standard laptop, it proves 7.2 to 8.7 million processor instructions per second. Across 15 benchmark programs, including cryptographic hashing and EVM token transfers, Magnetar is 10 to 39 times faster on average than the fastest existing zkVMs. An optimized version reaches 9.5–12.8 million cycles per second. Proofs verify in approximately 12 milliseconds, enabling rapid validation without rerunning the original computation.

Post-Quantum Security

Unlike many competitors that rely on elliptic curves or lattice-based cryptography, Magnetar’s security rests solely on standard hash functions such as SHA-256 or SHA-3. This design choice eliminates the need for trusted setups and avoids vulnerabilities associated with quantum computing. By using primitives already trusted in current infrastructure, Magnetar removes the need for future cryptographic migrations, making it suitable for long-term regulated environments like finance and digital identity.