Cryptography: A Very Short Introduction (Very Short Introductions) [Paperback]

Fred Piper (Author), Sean Murphy (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0192803158 | ISBN-13: 978-0192803153 | Publication Date: July 15, 2002 | Edition: 1st

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.

Editorial Reviews

Review

`a perfect pocket primer for anybody interested in cryptography.' Simon Singh

About the Author

Fred Piper has been a Professor of Mathematics at the University of London since 1975 and has worked in security since 1979. In 1985 he formed a company, Codes & Ciphers Ltd., which offers consultancy advice in all aspects of information security.He has lectured worldwide on a wide range of topics in information security, both academically and comercially. Sean Murphy is currently a Reader in the Information Security Group. His research interests centre on cryptology, especially encryption algorithms. He published some of the early papers on differential cryptanalysis, and has written papers on a variety of cryptographic algorithms such as DES, FEAL, IDEA, SAFER and Twofish.

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA; 1st edition (July 15, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0192803158
• ISBN-13: 978-0192803153
• Product Dimensions: 7 x 4.5 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #163,561 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #21 in Books > Business & Investing > Skills > Secretarial Aids & Training
  • #36 in Books > Computers & Technology > Programming > Algorithms > Cryptography

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars covers the main ideas, with little maths needed, October 10, 2005

By 

W Boudville (Terra, Sol 3) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Cryptography: A Very Short Introduction (Very Short Introductions) (Paperback)

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 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars excellent read, November 26, 2008

By 

Brian R. Goulet - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Cryptography: A Very Short Introduction (Very Short Introductions) (Kindle Edition)

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.

4.0 out of 5 stars Good at first part, November 14, 2011

By 

Guang Wu (China) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Cryptography: A Very Short Introduction (Very Short Introductions) (Paperback)

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.