1. Operations performed in defeating cryptographic protection without an initial knowledge of the key employed in providing the protection. 2. The study of mathematical techniques for attempting to defeat cryptographic techniques and/or information systems security. This includes the process of looking for errors or weaknesses in the implementation of an algorithm or of the algorithm itself. Source: NIST SP 800-57 Part 1 Rev 3
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1. Operations performed in defeating cryptographic protection without an initial knowledge of the key employed in providing the protection. 2. The study of mathematical techniques for attempting to defeat cryptographic techniques and/or information systems security. This includes the process of looking for errors or weaknesses in the implementation of an algorithm or of the algorithm itself. Source: NIST SP 800-57 Part 1 Rev 3
Cite this term
Election Security Glossary. (2026). Cryptanalysis. In Election Security Glossary. Retrieved August 22, 2026, from https://electionsecurityglossary.com/glossary/cryptanalysis
Sources
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High consensus
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Multi-source
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