RSA : Overview

Question 1

Why is the RSA currently considered secure?

Answer 1

Due to the infeasibility of modern computers to factoring large prime numbers.

Question 2

Define factoring

Answer 2

Establishing the prime numbers used to generate a product.

Question 3

RSA : Pros

Answer 3

• Can’t derive the private key from the public key.
• Key is between 2048 and 4096 bits long.

Question 4

RSA : Cons

Answer 4

• Computationally expensive.
• Masquerading can be done if no certificate is present.
• Theoretically could derive P and Q from N, although yet to be done.
• If partial plain text is acquired, may be able to decrypt.