Max Newman
Newman helped connect mathematical cryptanalysis to automated computation. The Newmanry’s work against Lorenz traffic is a key chapter in the co-evolution of security analysis and programmable electronic computing.
Max Newman was a British mathematician and cryptanalyst. At Bletchley Park he led the section later called the Newmanry, which developed mechanised methods for attacking Lorenz-encrypted German messages.
Computing in cryptanalysis
Newman’s group defined a demanding cryptanalytic problem and worked with engineers including Tommy Flowers to automate parts of its solution. The resulting Colossus machines were used operationally during the war.
In memoriam
Newman died in 1984. His academic and wartime work helped shape the early history of computing.
Timeline
- 1897Born in London, England.
- 1935Becomes a professor at the University of Manchester.
- 1942Leads a Bletchley Park section attacking Lorenz traffic.
- 1943Supports development of electronic methods that lead to Colossus.
- 1945Founds the Royal Society Computing Machine Laboratory at Manchester.
- 1984Dies in Cambridge, England.
Max Newman
- Type
- Person
- Era
- 1930s-1984
- Born
- 1897
- Died
- 1984
- Known for
- Newmanry; Colossus; Lorenz cryptanalysis; Computing research
- Tags
- cryptanalysis, colossus, computing, mathematics, bletchley-park
Created by Joas A Santos · Something wrong or want it removed? Open an issue.