Anthropic AI Model Finds Flaws in Tough-to-Crack Encryption Algorithms
TLDR ● Covered by 4 sources
Anthropic's Claude Mythos Preview AI model discovered vulnerabilities in a simplified Advanced Encryption Standard algorithm and independently designed an attack that runs 200 to 1,000 times faster than previous human-developed methods. The model worked on the problem autonomously for approximately one week before producing its solution. This demonstrates AI's capacity to identify and exploit cryptographic weaknesses, raising questions about AI-assisted cryptanalysis and the security implications for encryption research.
Why it matters
Claude Mythos Preview found flaws in a watered-down version of an Advanced Encryption Standard algorithm, achieving an assault 200 to 1,000 times faster than previous human research. The attack was devised almost entirely autonomously, with the model working on the problem for about a week before engineering its solution.
