Overview
Mathematics for systems security is an online Devpost hackathon for aspiring cryptographers and builders who want to design mathematical methods for protecting secrets. Participants create either a cryptographic algorithm that encrypts a master key or an AI agent that keeps its inputs encrypted, so that external APIs never gain access to master keys.
The event is fully online and has no physical location. The JSON-LD data lists a start date of October 16, 2026. The submission deadline is November 1, 2026 at 5:00 pm (+03). The schedule also lists a period beginning November 1 at 9:00 am EST that runs until the deadline. At the time the page was captured, 29 participants had joined.
Tracks
Participants choose one track only.
- Cryptographer track: Build a cryptographic algorithm that securely encrypts the master key and protects against side channel attacks. The algorithm will be tested for remaining attack surfaces. Number theory and linear algebra earn extra points. Using a low level language such as Rust or C earns an extra point because it reduces performance overhead and the vulnerability window. Participants may not use pre existing algorithms to encrypt plaintext.
- AI pipeline secret sharing track: Build an agent that uses host provided LLM APIs such as AWS Bedrock, OpenAI, or Gemini. Inputs must be encrypted before they reach the agent, and the master key must stay unknown to the agent so that compromised data is not stored on the provider's servers. Python is allowed, provided the mathematical encryption runs at a low level. Fully homomorphic encryption is optional. Pre built mechanisms such as Shamir's Secret Sharing may be used.
Who should attend
The hackathon is open to students who are above the age of majority in their country of residence. Companies and professional organizations are excluded. Participants may come from all countries and territories, except for standard exceptions. The full rules are available on the page.
What to submit
Cryptographer track: Submit a project description with clean LaTeX formatting. The description should explain the algorithm, how it protects the secret, and which vulnerability windows it mitigates. Deploying the algorithm in an applicable environment earns an extra point but is not required. A YouTube video is strongly recommended.
AI pipeline track: Submit a video demonstration showing the agent receiving encrypted inputs and how those inputs remain encrypted. Video is optional but strongly recommended. A website hosted on the loopback machine or a Terminal User Interface can be used to interact with the agent and earns a point for visual aesthetics.
Judging criteria
Cryptographer track (10 points):
- Survives rigorous cryptanalysis (3 points)
- Shows distinction from other pre made algorithms (2 points)
- Minimizes attack surface area (3 points)
- Clean LaTeX formatting (2 points)
AI pipeline track (7 points):
- Clean UI with straightforward UX (3 points)
- Thorough and straightforward video submission (2 points)
- Evidence of using host provided LLM agents through an API (2 points)
The page names Omar as the judge.
Prizes
The hackathon offers six non-cash prizes:
- Certificate of participation, given to all registered participants (999 winners)
- Certified cryptographer, for algorithms that survive rigorous cryptanalysis (1 winner)
- Certified cybersecurity mitigator, for strong use of cryptography in AI pipelines (1 winner)
- Best cryptographic algorithm, for the cryptographer track (1 winner)
- Best AI pipelines project, for the AI pipeline track (1 winner)
- Best overall project, for grand prize winners who earn full points in each track criteria (1 winner)
Topics
The event is tagged with Software Engineering, Communication, Cybersecurity, and Machine Learning/AI.
FAQ
Can I join more than one track? No. Participants may sign up in one track only.
Who can I contact with questions? The page directs questions to the hackathon manager by email.
