Definition[]
Break means
| “ | [t]o successfully perform cryptanalysis and thus succeed in decrypting data or performing some other cryptographic function, without initially having knowledge of the key that the function requires.[1] | ” |
Overview[]
"This term applies to encrypted data or, more generally, to a cryptographic algorithm or cryptographic system. Also, while the most common use is to refer to completely breaking an algorithm, the term is also used when a method is found that substantially reduces the work factor."[2]