Read the excerpt from The Code Book. Without much hope of a theoretical breakthrough, cryptanalysts have been forced to look for

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Read the excerpt from The Code Book. Without much hope of a theoretical breakthrough, cryptanalysts have been forced to look for

a technological innovation. If there is no obvious way to reduce the number of steps required for factoring, then cryptanalysts need a technology that will perform these steps more quickly. Silicon chips will continue to get faster as the years pass, doubling in speed roughly every eighteen months, but this is not enough to make a real impact on the speed of factoring—cryptanalysts require a technology that is billions of times faster than current computers. Consequently, cryptanalysts are looking toward a radically new form of computer, the quantum computer. If scientists could build a quantum computer, it would be able to perform calculations with such enormous speed that it would make a modern supercomputer look like a broken abacus. The author’s purpose in this paragraph is to convince the readers to pursue a career in analysis. explain the need for faster technology in cryptanalysis. entertain with interesting stories about supercomputers. argue for more money to develop a quantum computer.

English

1 answer:

hammer [7.6K] · Answer 1 · 2026-03-12T00:44:06+03:00

Answer:

The aim of the author in this paragraph is toclarify the necessity for advanced technology in cryptanalysis.

Explanation:

Simon Singh's work entitled "The Code Book" offers a detailed overview of cryptography's history. It uncovers the mysteries of encryption, its past, and the advances in this field.

In the text, the author discusses how cryptographers require new and enhanced technology to achieve quicker results in the "speed of factoring". While silicon chips might assist, he believes it's insufficient, advocating instead for a "technology that is billions of times faster than current computers". The potential creation of a "quantum computer" would represent a major breakthrough, with a capability to perform calculations at speeds that would render a modern supercomputer virtually obsolete. Thus, the entire passage aims to highlight the importance of faster technology in cryptanalysis.