Re:How the NSA Got So Smart So Fast
by derekp7 on Thursday June 13, 2013 @12:41PM
(#5874995)
I'm sure they can handle number 2 quite easily. The factors of any large prime number are the number itself and 1. What I think you meant, though, is can they factor the product of two large prime numbers (where the original primes are unknown to them). If that can be solved (without quantum computers), then I believe that actually opens up a whole range of solutions to other problems not related to cryptography.
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What I think you meant, though, is can they factor the product of two large prime numbers (where the original primes are unknown to them)
D'oh... yes, of course, that's what I meant to say. Sorry, too much on my mind right now!