Demystifying the RSA Algorithm: An Intuitive Introduction for Novices in Cybersecurity

Fuente: arXiv
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Auteurs principaux: Luo, Zhengping Jay, Liu, Ruowen, Mehta, Aarav, Ali, Md Liakat
Format: Preprint
Publié: 2023
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author Luo, Zhengping Jay
Liu, Ruowen
Mehta, Aarav
Ali, Md Liakat
author_facet Luo, Zhengping Jay
Liu, Ruowen
Mehta, Aarav
Ali, Md Liakat
contents Given the escalating importance of cybersecurity, it becomes increasingly beneficial for a diverse community to comprehend fundamental security mechanisms. Among these, the RSA algorithm stands out as a crucial component in public-key cryptosystems. However, understanding the RSA algorithm typically entails familiarity with number theory, modular arithmetic, and related concepts, which can often exceed the knowledge base of beginners entering the field of cybersecurity. In this study, we present an intuitively crafted, student-oriented introduction to the RSA algorithm. We assume that our readers possess only a basic background in mathematics and cybersecurity. Commencing with the three essential goals of public-key cryptosystems, we provide a step-by-step elucidation of how the RSA algorithm accomplishes these objectives. Additionally, we employ a toy example to further enhance practical understanding. Our assessment of student learning outcomes, conducted across two sections of the same course, reveals a discernible improvement in grades for the students.
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id arxiv_https___arxiv_org_abs_2308_02785
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publishDate 2023
record_format arxiv
spellingShingle Demystifying the RSA Algorithm: An Intuitive Introduction for Novices in Cybersecurity
Luo, Zhengping Jay
Liu, Ruowen
Mehta, Aarav
Ali, Md Liakat
Cryptography and Security
Discrete Mathematics
Given the escalating importance of cybersecurity, it becomes increasingly beneficial for a diverse community to comprehend fundamental security mechanisms. Among these, the RSA algorithm stands out as a crucial component in public-key cryptosystems. However, understanding the RSA algorithm typically entails familiarity with number theory, modular arithmetic, and related concepts, which can often exceed the knowledge base of beginners entering the field of cybersecurity. In this study, we present an intuitively crafted, student-oriented introduction to the RSA algorithm. We assume that our readers possess only a basic background in mathematics and cybersecurity. Commencing with the three essential goals of public-key cryptosystems, we provide a step-by-step elucidation of how the RSA algorithm accomplishes these objectives. Additionally, we employ a toy example to further enhance practical understanding. Our assessment of student learning outcomes, conducted across two sections of the same course, reveals a discernible improvement in grades for the students.
title Demystifying the RSA Algorithm: An Intuitive Introduction for Novices in Cybersecurity
topic Cryptography and Security
Discrete Mathematics
url https://arxiv.org/abs/2308.02785