PS3 Doubles as Hacking Machine

An Australian computer security expert has found that the PS3's computing power makes it a powerful tool for cryptography cracking. This does not mean that casual gamers can suddenly start hacking using the PS3 -- the cryptanalysis algorithms being used in the "Crackstation" are very sophisticated. But it raises the interesting concept of video game consolse (which pack significant processing punch) being used for other high-tech applications.

The analyst admits (no doubt tongue firmly in cheek) that he started the project so that his company would buy him a PS3. Sadly, our own similar requests (for "industry research" purposes) have not yet been successful.

Coverage at PC World.