Scientists from the U.S. Research Laboratory have devised a new way of utilizing the current computer technology to crack age-old integer factorization problems. This new method incorporates mammal brain functions into computing. Devices made can handle extreme power, weight, and size in constrained environments. With powerful computing power, the scientists can solve computationally-challenging problems faster in the battlefield. The arithmetic problems in question are much like the elementary operations kids come across in class. A composite integer X is expressed as a product of its prime components. For example, 22 can be expressed as 2×11 and 25 as 5×5. When the operation is carried out extremely fast for very large integers, it could break the current internet technology.
The method is used in the army to decrypt messages. Encrypted messages are based on a secure communication algorithm known as the RSA. The algorithm depends on the factorization of large integers which are transmitted to anyone who wishes to distribute an encrypted message. Once the integer is decrypted, the message is recovered. The challenge comes in when the size of the integer increases. An increase by a single digit approximately doubles the time required for decryption. The brain-like computers used by the team can speed up the process of factoring the integers. This is done using neuromorphic computers which are more advanced and operate differently compared to conventional computers.
Research source link:
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/03/180321174001.htm
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