This unique book explains the basic issues of classical and modern cryptography, and provides a self contained essential mathematical background in number theory, abstract algebra, and probability—with surveys of relevant parts of complexity theory and other things. A user-friendly, down-to-earth tone presents concretely motivated introductions to these topics. More detailed chapter topics include simple ciphers; applying ideas from probability; substitutions, transpositions, permutations; modern symmetric ciphers; the integers; prime numbers; powers and roots modulo primes; powers and roots for composite moduli; weakly multiplicative functions; quadratic symbols, quadratic reciprocity; pseudoprimes; groups; sketches of protocols; rings, fields, polynomials; cyclotomic polynomials, primitive roots; pseudo-random number generators; proofs concerning pseudoprimality; factorization attacks finite fields; and elliptic curves. For personnel in computer security, system administration, and information systems. |
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21 of 21 found the following review helpful:
 A great book for anyone just starting to learn about codesAug 27, 2000
This book is great for anyone just starting to learn about cryptology. It doesn't expect you to understand large amounts of mathematics, and goes through the necessary mathematics to understand the subject and problems presented. Additionally, this book has an answer key for selected problems (not just a few, but many problems), which makes it great for the person wanting to teach themselves the subject at their own pace. Also, it makes for a good reference for the person already familiar with cryptology. Finally, it is a great book for the experienced mathematician that wants to see modern/abstract algebra applied to a modern day subject.
7 of 7 found the following review helpful:
 A good approachFeb 23, 2003
By L.W.H
This is a math book. It tells you cryptography-related abstract algebra, number theory, etc. The good thing is it doesn't assume you have much math background.On the other hand, it has a lot of errors. Some are just typos, some not. Personally, I think if a math book has a single math error (wrong lemma, incorrect logic, ...), it is not a qualified math book. Unfortunately, this book has more than one. The reason I still give it four stars is that I like its approach. Without math, cryptography is not cryptography. If you don't have enough math background, this book really helps you get started. There are simply not many choices on the market of this kind. After reading this, you can go to more rigorous, advanced ones, such as Koblitz's series. An alternative (more rigorous, less abstract algebra) is Bauer's. All Koblitz's and Bauer's are excellent.
2 of 2 found the following review helpful:
Actually 4.6Apr 27, 2003
By rob
I like the book quite a bit because of the actual down-to-earth language Garrett uses. It is very nice since I'm using it on my own time. There some errors in the book, however. He also selects only about 25% of the questions to anwer in the key. He could show about 50% and give an explanation on how to find the answer. Other than that, there is nothing wrong with the book and those problems shouldn't keep you from buying it.
2 of 2 found the following review helpful:
 Has potential but needs alot of workDec 09, 2002
Had this book for an introductory cryptography course. While this book has alot of potential, it was found to contain many, many errors (typographical and mathematical). I would also encourage the author to include many more examples when introducing new concepts. The theory is provided but every section seems to lack any sort of application of the learned theory. Finally, there are some weak solutions in the back to a selection of exercises, it would have been nice to see complete solutions as opposed to the numbers. The numbers mean nothing if one cannot figure out how to draw a similar conclusion.
1 of 1 found the following review helpful:
Great buy!Apr 27, 2003
By rob
Other than a few 1st edition errors and too small of an anwer key, the book is definitely worth the money. It has a very down-to-earth style which is great if you're using the book on your own like me. I'm using this book for the Siemman's Westinghouse Scholarship Competition, and I think it is a great book for anyone interested in Cryptology, whether they like math or not.
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based on 11 reviews
