In message , John
Rumm writes
On 08/02/2013 19:31, Nick wrote:
In message , Rod Speed
writes


"ARW" wrote in message
...
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-21382663

Why is it only "thought" to be the largest prime number ever identified?

Because (large) prime numbers are used in all encryption systems. These
systems rely for security on no-one being able to predict where to find
'new' or existing primes.

Not sure how that answers the question!


However its worth noting that practical encryption systems don't need
need numbers with digits into the megabytes!
Agreed I put that extremely badly, but if you know where the ones used
for encryption are, then it's likely you know where they will find the
next Mersenne prime as well. As you wouldn't tell anyone if you did
know, I thought it answered the question.




--
Nick (=----)