Anthropic’s AI model reduced HAWK’s smallest key strength by half, raising concerns over quantum-resistant cryptography migration timelines for blockchain networks.
Anthropic’s Claude Mythos Preview AI model identified a flaw in the HAWK digital-signature scheme, cutting its smallest key strength from 2^64 to 2^38 operations. The attack required 60 hours and $100,000 in computing costs, undermining a candidate for post-quantum cryptography adoption in banking and web security.
HAWK, a proposed replacement for current digital signatures, had passed two years of expert review before the AI-driven breach. While Bitcoin and Ethereum signatures remain unaffected, the incident highlights accelerating advancements in cryptanalytic attacks as networks debate quantum-resistant upgrades.
The findings underscore the urgency for blockchain developers to accelerate migration plans, as classical attack methods improve faster than anticipated. Larger HAWK key sizes, once considered secure, now appear less viable for long-term protection.