From AI Insider · AI Insider · · 1m 30s
AI Could Break Encryption Without Quantum Computers
AI finds new way to crack encryption faster than quantum computers.
In brief
AI finds new way to crack encryption faster than quantum computers. AI research shows new method to break encryption without quantum computers, requiring less time and money than previously thought. Originally reported by AI Insider.
New Encryption Threat
A new mathematical method could make previously impractical attacks feasible using AI.
Public-Key Cryptography
Online payments use public-key cryptography, which requires two related digital keys: one public and one secret.
Quantum Computers
Quantum computers could defeat public-key methods, but better mathematical methods with ai could also change the odds.
OpenAI's Report
OpenAI reported on 26 october 2026 that its ai refuted the exponential time hypothesis.
“On 26 October 2026, OpenAI reported that its ai had refuted the Exponential Time Hypothesis”
Exponential Time Hypothesis
The hypothesis states that no general method can avoid exponential growth in work for the hardest cases.
“The hypothesis does not require checking them all. It says that no general method can avoid exponential growth in the work needed for the hardest cases”
AI Breaks HAWK
Researchers used ai to recover a secret signing key in a small experimental version of hawkey.
“Researchers recovered a secret signing key in a small experimental version”
HAWK Withdrawn
Hawkey's developers withdrew it on 29 july 2026 after ai research showed a vulnerability.
“HAWK’s developers withdrew it on 29 July”
NIST Stance
NIST says the finding does not affect its finalised post-quantum standards.
“NIST, the us standards agency says the finding does not affect its finalised post-quantum standards”
BSI Warning
Germany's cybersecurity authority advised against using classic mceliece for new developments on 1 october 2026.
“On 1 October, Germany’s cybersecurity authority, BSI, advised against choosing Classic McEliece”
Quantum Key Distribution
Quantum key distribution offers a way to establish a shared secret using quantum physics.
“Quantum key distribution, or qkd, offers another way to establish a shared secret”
QKD Limitations
Qkd needs dedicated equipment and optical connections, and does not replace digital signatures.
“QKD needs dedicated equipment and suitable optical connections. It needs a separate way to verify the participants”
Business Recommendations
Businesses should adopt standardised post-quantum cryptography and prepare for changes without replacing entire systems.
“Businesses should continue adopting standardised pqc and build the ability to change protection without replacing entire systems”
At a glance
AI research shows new method to break encryption without quantum computers, requiring less time and money than previously thought.
