kaufman(_at_)zk3(_dot_)dec(_dot_)com says:
Make it into a 1024 bit key, the minimum you need for real security,
I couldn't let this pass. With our current knowledge, 1024 is about
the maximum useful RSA key size, not the minimum. 512 bits is plenty
for most uses.
I would suggest that you have not been reading the crypto literature
of late. I will gladly provide references if you insist.
I know people who are using keys larger than 1024 bits -- they have no
trouble with them, since the RSA keys are only used to encrypt a
conventional key. I can't see a "maximum" useful size below about
5kbit, and that maximum will only rise.
Rumor I hear has it that the military uses 1024 bit keys and larger,
which makes me think that the open literature isn't wrong.
Perry