Lattice-based cryptography is a family of public-key schemes built on hard mathematical problems in lattices, which are structured grids of points in many dimensions. Typical security assumptions include finding short vectors or solving approximate closest-point problems, tasks believed to stay difficult even for large-scale computers.
This matters in cyber security because lattice schemes are strong candidates for post-quantum cryptography: they are designed to resist attacks from future quantum computers better than many classic systems. They also appear in signatures, encryption, and key exchange, where defenders value both security margins and efficiency. Attackers study the underlying lattice structure for hidden symmetries, special parameter choices, or shortcuts that reduce the work factor. Defenders respond by choosing conservative parameters, avoiding exploitable structure, and relying on well-reviewed standardized constructions.