Product of two large primes are at the core of many encryption algorithms, as factoring the product is very hard for numbers with a few hundred digits. The two prime factors are associated with the encryption keys (public and private keys). Here we describe a new approach to factoring a big number that is the product of two primes of roughly the same size. It is designed especially to handle this problem and identify flaws in encryption algorithms.  …

We discuss a simple trick to significantly accelerate the convergence of an algorithm when the error term decreases in absolute value over successive iterations, with the error term oscillating (not necessarily periodically) between positive and negative values. 

We first illustrate the technique on a well known and simple case: the computation of log 2 using its well know, slow-converging series. We then discuss a very interesting and more complex case, before finally focusing on a…

One of the main challenges in data science projects is managing stakeholder expectations. Often those in the business will have little idea of the complexity and timescales of seemingly simple tasks.

Sourcing Data

Consider sourcing data. In some organisations, with a non-collaborative culture, something as simple as getting a file of data from IT can take weeks. Add on time to check the data, spend time with someone to explain it, handle revisions and…