# AI Could Break Encryption Without Quantum Computers

> AI finds new way to crack encryption faster than quantum computers.
- Title: AI Could Break Encryption Without Quantum Computers | Shortify
- Summary: AI finds new way to crack encryption faster than quantum computers. AI research shows new method to break encryption without quantum computers, requiring…
- Keywords: encryption, quantum, post-quantum cryptography, hawkey, openai, nist, bsi, technology, Break, Without, Computers, AI Insider
- Source: AI Insider — https://theaiinsider.tech/2026/10/27/guest-post-the-next-threat-to-encryption-may-not-need-a-quantum-computer
- Author: AI Insider
- Published: 2026-10-27T16:39:49+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: ai, encryption, quantum, post-quantum cryptography, hawkey, openai, nist, bsi, technology
## 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## HAWK Withdrawn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
## Key takeaway

AI research shows new method to break encryption without quantum computers, requiring less time and money than previously thought.