Could AI break the cryptography protecting everything from crypto wallets and banking to private messages? Recent advances in AI-driven mathematical research have sparked new warnings about the security of today’s encryption systems, but how much of the concern is supported by evidence?

a16z crypto’s Liz Harkavy is joined by Stanford cryptographer Dan Boneh, a16z crypto General Partner Eddy Lazzarin, and Research Partner Justin Thaler to separate what we know from what remains speculation. They explain why modern cryptography relies on mathematical assumptions, what OpenAI’s recent results do and don’t demonstrate, and how the potential threat from AI differs from quantum computing.

They also discuss why existing security practices and cryptographic alternatives offer reasons for confidence, the importance of building systems that can adapt if an assumption fails, and how AI could ultimately help researchers and developers make software more secure.

Resources:

Watch the original a16z crypto discussion: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k_CoOoDsZ5Y

Follow Eddy Lazzarin on X: https://x.com/eddylazzarin

Follow Dan Boneh: https://x.com/danboneh

Follow Justin Thaler: https://x.com/SuccinctJT

Follow Liz Harkavy: https://x.com/liz_harkavy

Learn more about a16z crypto: https://a16zcrypto.com/

 

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