| | |  | Computer Security | Home » » Cryptography: A Very Short Introduction | | | | | | | Product Promotions: | | | | | Description: | | This book is a clear and informative introduction to cryptography and data protection--subjects of considerable social and political importance. It explains what algorithms do, how they are used, the risks associated with using them, and why governments should be concerned. Important areas are highlighted, such as Stream Ciphers, block ciphers, public key algorithms, digital signatures, and applications such as e-commerce. This book highlights the explosive impact of cryptography on modern society, with, for example, the evolution of the internet and the introduction of more sophisticated banking methods. | | | Product Details: | | | Author:
| Fred Piper | | Paperback:
| 160 pages | | Publisher:
| Oxford University Press | | Publication Date:
| July 15, 2002 | | Language:
| English | | ISBN:
| 0192803158 | | Product Length:
| 7.02 inches | | Product Width:
| 4.52 inches | | Product Height:
| 0.36 inches | | Product Weight:
| 0.31 pounds | | Package Length:
| 6.77 inches | | Package Width:
| 4.33 inches | | Package Height:
| 0.47 inches | | Package Weight:
| 0.26 pounds | | Average Customer Rating:
|  based on 4 reviews |
| | | | Customer Reviews: | |
Average Customer Review:
 ( 4 customer reviews )
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
17 of 18 found the following review helpful:
covers the main ideas, with little maths neededOct 11, 2005
By W Boudville
The book is good as befits its subtitle. Indeed, a very short introduction, with only a minimal evocation of maths background. But there is enough qualitative explanation so that you can understand the broad historical development. From the Caesar Cipher to a Simple Substitution Cipher to a Vigenere Square Cipher. Then, the text goes into modern ideas, all of which involve using computers to encrypt and decrypt. Notably the invention of the public key system. Truly quite different from all that preceded it.
There is also a brief foray into quantum computing. Here, it is mostly conceptual; discussing the possible potential, since current implementations are very rudimentary. The text has no mention of man in the middle attacks and how to guard against these. Pity. Because while this is a very hard attack to perform, if it can done, then it is very hard to defend against. One of the promises of quantum computing is that it inherently offers a simple detection, based on quantum interference by the attacker.
10 of 10 found the following review helpful:
 excellent readNov 26, 2008
By Brian R. Goulet
this book is exactly what it says it is and is excellent at that task. i highly recommend this book to a sys-admin that wants to understand the basics of encryption without being an expert, anyone interested in cryptograms, or anyone with just a casual interest in the history, and concepts of cryptography.
this book is not designed for mathematicians or security experts looking deep inner workings of algorithms.
the book is easy to follow without the need for a technical or mathematics background and gives occasional problems for the reader to solve which will be of interest to anyone who enjoys cryptograms.
as a network engineer, i found this an enjoyable pleasure read which shed some light on the encryption protocols employed on some of the gear i manage.
A very useful introductionMay 07, 2012
By SLK
"Spends time outdoors"
If you want an accurate introduction to the concepts and vocabulary of cryptography, this is the book for you. The authors are clearly knowledgeable but manage to make the information provided accessable to the beginner. There are simple examples to acquaint you with some of the principles of coding and breaking codes. This is a complex subject and some of the ideas will take you into deep water. There is an excellent bibliography that one can refer to for more technical details. The book would benefit from a glossary of acronyms as some of the terminology was hard to keep straight. There could have been a little less discussion of key management. Over all a very useful and informative book.
Good at first partNov 15, 2011
By Guang Wu
This book is good at first part, which provides the basic understanding on cryptography. But it is not understandable for the second part on modern algorithms and public key. I still cannot understand the advantage of modern algorithms over the ancient cryptography.
The chapter Key Management seems to long for such a small issue, while the modern algorithms seems to short for such a big issue.
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