👉 Attack math involves analyzing the mathematical structure of an encryption algorithm to identify weaknesses or vulnerabilities that can be exploited by attackers. This process typically includes studying the algorithm's key schedule, encryption and decryption processes, and the relationships between plaintext, ciphertext, and keys. Attackers use various mathematical techniques, such as number theory, linear algebra, and algebraic attacks, to find patterns or shortcuts that can reduce the complexity of breaking the cipher. For example, in block ciphers like AES, attackers might exploit weaknesses in the substitution-permutation network or the S-boxes (substitution boxes) to derive keys or plaintexts. The goal is to find a mathematical path that allows an attacker to efficiently compute the secret key or recover plaintext from ciphertext without brute-forcing, making the encryption effectively unbreakable.