What Happens if RSA Encryption Is Broken?

  • Thread starter David Carroll
  • Start date
In summary, the conversation discusses the potential consequences of someone solving the RSA problem and finding a more efficient algorithm for factoring integers. It is mentioned that society would likely increase the standard for encryption if this were to occur. However, the conversation also explores the idea of a world without encryption and how communication would be affected. It is noted that symmetric encryption would not be compromised in this scenario.
  • #1
David Carroll
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What would happen if, say for example, someone were to solve the RSA problem and found some mega-thrifty algorithm to factorize integers? How would society be effected? Would the internet even be safe any longer? Or other forms of communication?
 
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  • #2
Well, if someone cracked 1024, I'd supposed everyone would raise the standard to 2048 and so on. But if the internet existed without any encryption, I like to think that the world would be like the one portrayed in Mirror's Edge, where people would use the sneakernet. Of course, there are other encryption algorithms other than RSA, for instance, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NTRUEncrypt.
 
  • #3
Being able to efficiently factor large semiprime integers would only compromise Asymmetric crypto. Symmetric crypto would not be affected.
 

FAQ: What Happens if RSA Encryption Is Broken?

What is RSA and why is it important?

RSA is a widely used public-key encryption algorithm that is used to secure sensitive data and communications. It is important because it allows for secure communication over the internet and protects against cyber attacks.

What would happen if RSA was solved?

If RSA was solved, it would mean that the encryption algorithm could be easily broken by hackers or malicious actors. This would compromise the security of all data and communications that rely on RSA for protection.

What are the potential consequences of RSA being solved?

The potential consequences of RSA being solved could include a significant increase in cyber attacks, data breaches, and identity theft. It could also lead to a loss of trust in online security and a disruption of many industries that rely on secure communication.

Is there a solution if RSA is solved?

If RSA is solved, the solution would be to switch to a different encryption algorithm that is not vulnerable. This would require a significant effort and coordination to implement, but it is possible to mitigate the consequences of RSA being solved.

What are scientists doing to prevent RSA from being solved?

Scientists and researchers are constantly working on improving and developing new encryption algorithms that are more secure and resistant to attacks. They are also working on finding solutions to potential vulnerabilities in existing algorithms, including RSA.

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