[Cryptography] WhatsApp: Why asymmetric key instead of symmetric keys?

[Dave Horsfall]

On Thu, 28 Apr 2016, Ray Dillinger wrote:

> Physicists:
> "A large-scale quantum supercomputer is very doubtful."
> 
> Mathematicians:
> "A mathematical insight of such magnitude is very doubtful."
> 
> Engineers:
> "Sabotage, or just plain mistakes, in software, firmware, or
> hardware are EXTREMELY plausible."

I am reminded of a quote from the late great Arthur C. Clarke, somewhat as 
follows:

When an elderly but respected scientist says that something is impossible, 
he is very likely wrong.  When an equally respected but elderly scientist 
says that something is possible, he is very likely right.

-- 
Dave Horsfall DTM (VK2KFU)  "Those who don't understand security will suffer."