secp256k1

secp256k1 is a Koblitz curve providing 128-bit security, most famous for its use in Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. Unlike secp256r1 (which uses a random seed), secp256k1 uses a special structure that allows faster computation with certain optimization techniques. This curve is defined in SEC 2 (Standards for Efficient Cryptography) and is widely trusted in the blockchain community. However, secp256k1 is rarely used in TLS, as browsers and servers prefer secp256r1 (NIST-approved) or X25519 (faster and safer). Its presence in TLS is primarily for interoperability with cryptocurrency and blockchain applications.