Researcher Has Factored 896-Bit RSA Number
The breakthrough by Stephen A. Weis pushes the limits of classical factoring using advanced AI optimization.
Updated on Sept. 20, 2026 in Quantum Computing
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Stephen A. Weis has successfully factored an 896-bit RSA semiprime consisting of 270 decimal digits. This accomplishment follows a related milestone in early September, signaling rapid progress in cryptographic research.
Why it matters
Factoring large semiprimes is critical for testing the strength of digital encryption protocols. The accelerated pace of these breakthroughs indicates that traditional security measures may face increasing pressure as optimization techniques evolve.
The latest record-breaking effort involved factoring a 270-digit number. While the RSA-896 result marks a new high, modern digital security still widely relies on 2,048-bit RSA keys.
The players
Stephen A. Weis
The researcher who successfully executed the factoring of the 896-bit semiprime.
Eric Lu
The researcher who factored the RSA-260 number earlier in the month.
The details
The research utilized the general number field sieve combined with AI models to optimize classical factoring approaches. This method significantly improved efficiency compared to the factoring of RSA-260, which required 4,900 GPU-days of compute time.
Timeline
1991 to 2007: The RSA Factoring Challenge took place.
2020: The previous 829-bit RSA-250 record was set.
September 3, 2026: Eric Lu factored the RSA-260 number.
September 19, 2026: Stephen A. Weis factored the RSA-896 number.
The Tech Race
This research continues the computational trajectory established by the RSA Factoring Challenge, which ran from 1991 to 2007. The transition toward AI-optimized factoring suggests a significant shift in the arms race between encryption standards and computational capability.
These factoring advancements highlight the ongoing need for updates to global cryptographic infrastructure. While most consumer devices currently remain secure with 2,048-bit keys, the shortening gap in factoring time emphasizes the eventual requirement for larger key standards.
The takeaway
The rapid succession of factoring records underscores that classical encryption is under constant review by researchers. Users should remain aware that digital security is a dynamic field requiring periodic updates to long-standing encryption protocols.
Further reading
Learn more about the evolving landscape of cryptographic strength in our Quantum Computing section.
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