The math was there. Euler Function etc...
With some random POD it could be done.
Asymmetrical cryptography makes possible secure exchange of information with out shared password.
What it has been invented earlier?
It would not be as strong as with use of computers but on the other hand, the attacker side would have to use hand calculations to do brute forcing.
Ease of use could be enhanced by math tables with exponents and modal divisions.
Base of 26 would be sufficient for a-z plus _ . Exponents of above 5 are impractical. Which leaves you with "1; 2; 3; 5;".
But modular divisions are not impractical especially with math /crypto tables.
For example public key (mod (x) and exponent) could by printed on business cards, in newspapers told by mouth to mouth.
Another approach is binary
How would first mechanical computers affect this? How about famed "differential engine"?
With some random POD it could be done.
Asymmetrical cryptography makes possible secure exchange of information with out shared password.
What it has been invented earlier?
It would not be as strong as with use of computers but on the other hand, the attacker side would have to use hand calculations to do brute forcing.
Ease of use could be enhanced by math tables with exponents and modal divisions.
Base of 26 would be sufficient for a-z plus _ . Exponents of above 5 are impractical. Which leaves you with "1; 2; 3; 5;".
But modular divisions are not impractical especially with math /crypto tables.
For example public key (mod (x) and exponent) could by printed on business cards, in newspapers told by mouth to mouth.
Another approach is binary
How would first mechanical computers affect this? How about famed "differential engine"?