Vitalik Buterin warned on October 7, 2026, that AI-driven mathematical research could significantly weaken lattice-based cryptography within two years. This category includes ML-DSA and fully homomorphic encryption (FHE). He also identified potential risks for the ECDSA algorithm.
Buterin suggests shifting toward hash-based signature schemes, such as WOTS and SPHINCS+, which rely on simpler mathematical foundations. He noted that while AI-assisted formal verification was previously seen as a defensive tool, it may now facilitate the discovery of cryptographic vulnerabilities.
For multisig operators, including DAOs and custody services, Buterin recommends rotating keys after each operation and minimizing on-chain public key exposure. He cautioned that rushed migrations to new protocols could introduce additional security risks.
The Ethereum co-founder emphasized that while lattice-based schemes are often considered resistant to quantum attacks, they may prove vulnerable to AI-accelerated cryptanalysis. No immediate market or protocol impacts were reported following his statement.
