AI Attack on HAWK Algorithm Exposes Vulnerabilities in Post-Quantum Cryptography

A recent discovery has highlighted the importance of post-quantum protection in cryptography. Researchers at Anthropic used an AI model to attack the HAWK digital signature algorithm, which is being considered for future use in post-quantum cryptography. The research took around 60 hours and cost approximately $100,000.

The new attack reduces the complexity of finding a key for the weakest version of HAWK from about 2⁶⁴ to 2³⁸ operations. This is a significant reduction in security margin, making the electronic signature less reliable if the least protected version of the algorithm is used.

HAWK is a lattice-based solution, which means its security is based on mathematical problems considered hard even for quantum computers. However, the discovery has raised concerns about the potential vulnerabilities of post-quantum cryptography. Major industry players are directing tens of millions of dollars toward protective mechanisms, and some blockchain networks are already moving to practical testing of post-quantum algorithms.