Do algoritmo RSA à sala de aula: a criptografia como ferramenta de ensino

Abstract

RSA cryptography is based on the difficulty of factoring large composite numbers into prime factors. As a relevant topic for high school education, its practical application connects to fundamental mathematical concepts. Its study explores topics such as prime numbers, the Euclidean division, and properties of exponentiation, thus promoting an interdisciplinary learning experience between mathematics and computer science. In the classroom, the topic can be introduced through its historical evolution, followed by accessible and simplified examples that demonstrate the generation of public and private keys, the process of encoding and decoding messages, and the simulation of secure information exchange among students. This approach helps them understand the importance of arithmetic in protecting computer data. Additionally, the curricular components covered stimulate critical thinking, problem-solving, and other related topics.