What is a potential risk of weak encryption?

Weak encryption poses a significant risk because it makes encrypted data vulnerable to attacks. When encryption algorithms lack strength, they can be compromised relatively easily through techniques such as brute force attacks, where an attacker systematically guesses the encryption key, or through more sophisticated methods that exploit specific weaknesses within the algorithm. Unauthorized access can result in data breaches, allowing sensitive information to be intercepted and exploited by malicious actors. This undermines the confidentiality and integrity of the data, exposing organizations to severe financial, legal, and reputational damage.

While other options touch on different aspects of encryption, they don't address the primary concern associated with weak encryption. For instance, requirements for compute power, processing delays, or data redundancy can arise from various factors and do not directly correlate with the inherent weakness of an encryption method. The key issue surrounding weak encryption revolves around its ability to protect data, making it essential to use robust encryption standards to ensure that sensitive information remains secure.