Which type of attack targets statistical weaknesses in a cryptosystem?

The correct answer is a statistical attack, which specifically targets weaknesses in the algorithms or methods used for encryption by analyzing patterns in the ciphertext and plaintext. This type of attack leverages statistical analysis to exploit the inherent biases or weaknesses in the cryptographic scheme, which may result in revealing information about the encrypted data.

Statistical attacks often involve collecting large amounts of ciphertext and analyzing the frequency of certain combinations or patterns, enabling an attacker to deduce information that could lead to compromising the encryption. This form of attack is particularly effective against older or less secure cryptographic algorithms that do not adequately randomize the output or have predictable behaviors.

In contrast, other types of attacks listed do not focus on statistical vulnerabilities. Quantum attacks seek to leverage quantum computing capabilities to break cryptographic systems, primarily those relying on classic computational methods. Brute force attacks involve trying every possible key until the correct one is found without any statistical analysis. Phishing attacks are social engineering techniques aimed at tricking users into revealing sensitive information, rather than addressing cryptographic weaknesses directly. Understanding these distinctions reinforces the importance of robust cryptographic practices that defend against statistical vulnerabilities.