| | |  | Computer Security | Home » » Cryptography For Dummies | | | | | | | Product Promotions: | | | | | Description: | | - Cryptography is the most effective way to achieve data security and is essential to e-commerce activities such as online shopping, stock trading, and banking
- This invaluable introduction to the basics of encryption covers everything from the terminology used in the field to specific technologies to the pros and cons of different implementations
- Discusses specific technologies that incorporate cryptography in their design, such as authentication methods, wireless encryption, e-commerce, and smart cards
- Based entirely on real-world issues and situations, the material provides instructions for already available technologies that readers can put to work immediately
- Expert author Chey Cobb is retired from the NRO, where she held a Top Secret security clearance, instructed employees of the CIA and NSA on computer security and helped develop the computer security policies used by all U.S. intelligence agencies
| | | Product Details: | | | Author:
| Chey Cobb | | Paperback:
| 336 pages | | Publisher:
| For Dummies | | Publication Date:
| January 30, 2004 | | Language:
| English | | ISBN:
| 0764541889 | | Product Length:
| 9.3 inches | | Product Width:
| 7.24 inches | | Product Height:
| 0.77 inches | | Product Weight:
| 1.09 pounds | | Package Length:
| 9.2 inches | | Package Width:
| 7.4 inches | | Package Height:
| 0.8 inches | | Package Weight:
| 1.05 pounds | | Average Customer Rating:
|  based on 9 reviews |
| | | | Customer Reviews: | |
Average Customer Review:
 ( 9 customer reviews )
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
22 of 26 found the following review helpful:
 Pretty Good Intro to CryptographySep 30, 2005
By E
I've stumbled across cryptography for about the past year, so recently I decided to go ahead and learn some basics (as I think the subject and InfoSec is really interesting). Most cryptography books out there are for the advanced and are mathematically rigorous. While I gladly welcome math, I needed an overview to bring me up to speed, prepping me for more intermediate (and eventually advanced) texts later.
I've never read a Dummies book dealing with computer technology before, because although they're written for absolute novices, the low-level writing style irritates me, usually takes too long to get to the "interesting stuff", and the "yippity-skippity!" attitude will eventually make me go seek a more advanced text. Basically, Dummies books "hold your hand", and if this is what you need, they're great! But if not, they can be rather slow for you (as for me).
However, Cryptography for Dummies is pretty good, aside from a few misses. By this being a Dummies book, the impression of this text being for complete neophytes is false - if you don't have any experience with basic computer science topics (e.g. binary, binary-to-decimal conversions, bits/bytes/words, etc.), the first couple chapters may be a little hard to understand, as the author assumes you at least know that stuff.
Aside from that, the author does a good job explaining the basic topics one needs to understand cryptography and its inner-workings. However, the author's writing style leaves much to be desired at times. At points, I found myself scratching my head, re-reading passages several times, trying to figure out what the author meant. At times when he should explain the nuances of something, he doesn't, leaving you to go, "HUH?" (A good example of this are the early parts where he talks about keys but doesn't explain what a key is or how they interact with other parts of a cryptographic system.)
There are other sections where the author leaves entire descriptions of things out, where you'll have to figure it out for yourself. Perhaps this is purposeful, so he won't get too far into the topic, as this book is basically an overview. Something else I noticed too is the vast amount of errors the book has! I'm not sure if Dummies has an 'Errata' section on its site.
While this book is by no means a complete text (probably not even a 1/3-complete text), overall, it's good for those who want an overview of the subject, and plan on venturing further, as I do.
21 of 26 found the following review helpful:
Good intro to cryptographyOct 03, 2004
By Ben Rothke
"Author of 'Computer Security: 20 Things Every Employee Should Know'"
Cryptography is one of the most intimidating aspects of computer security, conjuring up, as it does, such concepts as hash functions and public-key infrastructures. For the average user who wants to know about cryptography without gaining the proficiency of a cryptographer, Cryptography for Dummies is the perfect introduction.
The book details the core elements of cryptography that the average user needs to understand, leaving the theoretical topics to more long-winded texts. Emphasis is put on simplicity and straightforwardness, with as little gibberish as possible. Screen shots and illustrations are used effectively without being condescending or insulting.
As the book progresses, the chapters plumb more detail. Those wishing just a quick introduction should stop after part one. For the more ambitious, sections on public-key infrastructures, secured sockets layer, authentication systems, and virtual private networks lie ahead.
12 of 14 found the following review helpful:
 This book made it easier to do my jobJun 04, 2004
This book is an excellent introduction to the field. Perfect for someone who is concerned with information security within their organization, a nice starting place for someone considering a career in security, and very useful to the IS staff person who gets stuck with the job when there isn't money to pay for an expert. I do security training for end users and am considering using content from this book and Network Security For Dummies to develop a basic course. It's nice to have some of these concepts explained in plain English. Makes it easier to do my job.
18 of 23 found the following review helpful:
Great intro into CryptographyDec 01, 2004
By K. Conner
This book was excellent for getting you over that hill of understanding. If you don't have much back ground in cryptography or don't need to know the nitty-gritty details of how it all works then this is the book for you. The book is well indexed and fairly up to date. The only problem I found with this book is that sometimes it went back over some things already covered but, this is a minor issue. I used it extensively for doing an intro research paper on cryptography.
4 of 4 found the following review helpful:
Great intro to CryptoDec 03, 2007
By T. Martinez
This book will open the eyes of anyone who wants to learn about the subject. And the Author does a great job of making it a fun read too. The reason i bought this book, it to understand whats up with digital certificates. My eyes were opened when i found out that many certificates are not cross compatible with all apps... its hundreds of facts like this, that will help you to finally figure it out everything you need to know to make it happen for you. Especially with PGP (its free and it rocks)
See all 9 customer reviews on Amazon.com
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