L'utilit\`a di una teoria inutile-Crittografia, firma digitale e teoria dei numeri

TL;DR

This paper explores the unexpected and crucial connection between number theory and cryptography, demonstrating how theoretical mathematics now underpins everyday digital security.

Contribution

It reveals the modern relationship between number theory and cryptography, highlighting their practical importance beyond traditional academic views.

Findings

Number theory is fundamental to modern cryptography.

Cryptography impacts daily digital activities.

Theoretical mathematics underpins practical security measures.

Abstract

The theory of numbers was supposed to be the less useful branch of mathematics. At the same time, cryptography was thought to be a military or a diplomatic issue. In this note we show how the two concepts are today strictly related and how this link affects our daily activities.