The Role of Prime Numbers in Cryptography

Abstract

Prime numbers, the building blocks of arithmetic, play a crucial role in modern cryptography. This paper explores the fundamental properties of prime numbers and their applications in cryptographic algorithms such as RSA and Diffie-Hellman key exchange. We delve into the concept of prime factorization and its computational complexity, which underpins the security of these systems. By understanding the mathematical principles behind prime number-based cryptography, we can appreciate its significance in securing digital communications