RSA Security's Official Guide to Cryptography [Paperback]

Steve Burnett (Author), Stephen Paine (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 007213139X | ISBN-13: 978-0072131390 | Publication Date: March 29, 2001 | Edition: 1

Want to keep your Web site safe? Learn how to implement cryptography, the most secure form of data encryption. Highly accessible, and packed with detailed case studies, this practical guide is written in conjunction with RSA Security--the most trusted name in e-security(tm). Part of the RSA Press Series.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Learn how cryptography works--from the leading authority in e-security. Cryptography is one of the smartest ways to protect the information on your network and reduce the risk of security breaches and attacks from hackers. And because implementing cryptography is a complex process, you need the practical advice and proven techniques contained inside this official guide. Written by insiders at RSA Security, this expert resource explains the differences between symmetric-key and public-key cryptography, how PKI and X.509 affect security, how the RSA algorithm works within protocols, and much more. You’ll also read actual case-studies detailing different types of security vulnerabilities and what types of cryptography applications would prevent attacks.

This book will show you how to:

• Distinguish different types of symmetric-key encryption algorithms and know where each is best used
• Find out how password-based encryption works
• Communicate safely over unsecure channels using public-key technology
• Use public-key technology for authentication and non-repudiation
• Get details on current PKI standards and technology--including vendor information
• Understand X.509 certificates and directory structures
• Get an operational overview of widely-used protocols--including IPSec, SSL, and SET
• Recognize how corporations use cryptography to improve security through real-world case studies
• View cryptography from different perspectives--corporations, developers, and users
• Effectively use digital signatures and hardware solutions--smart cards, tokens, key storage devices, and more

Improve security and protect your company's information with the most authoritative guide to cryptography available.

About the Author

Steve Burnett (San Mateo, CA) is an engineer with RSA Labs. Steve spent most of his professional career converting math into computer programs, first at Intergraphs and now with RSA Security. A frequent speaker at industry conferences, Steve is the lead engineer for RSA's BSAFE Crypto-C and Crypto-J products - general purpose Cryptography software development kits in C and Java.

Stephen Paine (San Mateo, CA) is a Systems Engineer at RSA Security where he explains concepts in security to corporations and developers worldwide. Stephen has worked in the security field for most of his career, first working with the security of digital communications and networks for the United States Marine Corps, as a Security Architect at SUN Microsystems, applying Cryptography and security to their ERP financial systems.

Product Details

• Paperback: 419 pages
• Publisher: McGraw-Hill Osborne Media; 1 edition (March 29, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 007213139X
• ISBN-13: 978-0072131390
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.4 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,371,778 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fast & Fun Crypto, May 1, 2001

By 

Brandon L. Richards "webslinger" (Foster City, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: RSA Security's Official Guide to Cryptography (Paperback)

Scientists have found a direct correlation between books on cryptography and a loss of consciousness. This book, however, managed to actually keep me out of a book coma and teach me a little something about crypto. The book seems very organized in the sense that it establishes the basics as a foundation and builds upon them. So if you're a newbie to crypto, you can follow along fairly easily. Or if you're a bit more cryptographically nerdy (and I mean that in the kindest sense,) there are the math theories, sample code, etc. The balance between the two seems to even out pretty well, making the book very helpful for both levels (and even those in between like myself). Particularly helpful are the comparisons of algorithms (pros & cons of each based on performance, security, interoperability, etc.) and the breakdown of the security protocols. There's a terrific overview of PKI (hot topic) that covers all the basics, not to mention the RSA Labs FAQ on CD comes with the book if you really want to immerse yourself in technical concrete. Overall, due to the excellent simplicity of complex concepts and the authors' ability to delve into the meat as appropriate, I give this book a 5.0 on the Richter scale. Well done!

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great introduction to cryptography, June 4, 2001

By 

jknupp "jknupp" (Middleton, WI) - See all my reviews

This review is from: RSA Security's Official Guide to Cryptography (Paperback)

A fantastic book for the IS professional interested in learning more about cryptography. This book is one of the better-written books I have read in a long time. The authors keep the content flowing without bogging you down in a lot of high-level mathematical theory or techno garbage. From history to the concepts behind different algorithms, the book presents the pros and cons of many different technologies. My one fear was that it would be nothing more than an advertisement for RSA's products. I couldn't have been more incorrect. I started this book on a two-hour flight, and five chapters into it I actually didn't want to put it down. A great read with lots of information.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Burnett/Paine hit the "nail on the head" with this book, March 8, 2002

By 

R. D. Fraser (Chicago, Il United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: RSA Security's Official Guide to Cryptography (Paperback)

This is a MUST HAVE book, I have not been able to put it down! the other engineers that I work with are so impressed by the attention to detail and clarity that they are also ordering this as I write. For anyone implementing high level security this is the best all around book I have picked up. The info in the appendix sections would be worth buying alone! It gives Technical leaning/learning folks a great primer (and I learned a lot from it too). If you are looking to clarify security models/risks buy this book!