AbstractsComputer Science

Man Versus Machine: Can Computers Crack Cryptography?

by Brandon Ward




Institution: Regis University
Department:
Year: 2015
Keywords: cryptography
Posted: 02/05/2017
Record ID: 2128398
Full text PDF: http://epublications.regis.edu/theses/656


Abstract

After starting the project with the hopes of developing a program able to crack substitution ciphers via artificial life concepts, some deeper questions were arrived at. What is the line between the man and the machine? Can computers ever be capable of sentient thought? What does it mean for us as a species as we continually develop better ways to compute hard problems fast? Ultimately, I may not have the answer to these problems, but science might. I have to conclude that for now cryptography is safe, but will it always be safe? With the advent of the quantum computing era just over the horizon, the definition of a smart and intelligent computer is about to change drastically, and achievements in computing such as Deep Blue are going to become more commonplace than ever. Advisors/Committee Members: Seibert, James.