answersLogoWhite

0

Prime numbers form the basis of most encryption algorithms, which are used to protect sensitive data such as credit card information, passwords, etc.

Any natural number greater than one can be written as a product of prime numbers. The prime factorization is unambiguous, that is, for any natural number N, there is exactly one product of prime numbers.

Multiplying prime factors is quick and easy. For example, the product of the two prime numbers 29 and 31 is 899. It is much harder to take 899, and find its prime factors. For very large numbers, such as 150-digit prime numbers, finding the prime factorisation is near impossible - and it is this difficulty that forms the basis of encryption algorithms.

User Avatar

Wiki User

15y ago

Still curious? Ask our experts.

Chat with our AI personalities

RafaRafa
There's no fun in playing it safe. Why not try something a little unhinged?
Chat with Rafa
MaxineMaxine
I respect you enough to keep it real.
Chat with Maxine
SteveSteve
Knowledge is a journey, you know? We'll get there.
Chat with Steve

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: What is the importance of prime numbers in network security?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Continue Learning about Math & Arithmetic