MYTHOS ATTACK ELIMINATES PQC CANDIDATE HAWK

HAWK, which had survived extensive cryptanalysis throughout its testing period, has been removed from contention after researchers demonstrated a fatal vulnerability using the Mythos attack method. The third-round PQC candidates are being evaluated by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) as part of its effort to standardize quantum-resistant algorithms before quantum computers pose a practical threat to current encryption systems. The discovery underscores the ongoing challenge in vetting cryptographic algorithms at scale. HAWK's elimination leaves fewer candidates advancing in NIST's selection process, which is narrowing toward final standardized algorithms. Researchers continue analyzing remaining PQC candidates to identify similar weaknesses. The Mythos attack represents a significant development in post-quantum cryptography research, demonstrating that novel attack vectors can still emerge even after years of peer review.