Decrypted Secrets: Methods and Maxims of Cryptology

Cryptology, for millennia a "secret science", is rapidly gaining in pr actical importance for the protection of communication channels, datab ases, and software. Beside its role in computerized information system s (public key systems), more and more applications within computer sys tems and networks are appearing, which also extend to access rights an d source file protection. The first part of this book treats secret co des and their uses - cryptography. The second part deals with the proc ess of covertly decrypting a secret code - cryptanalysis - where in pa rticular advice on assessing methods is given. The book presupposes on ly elementary mathematical knowledge. Spiced with a wealth of exciting , amusing, and sometimes personal stories from the history of cryptolo gy, it will also interest general readers. Decrypted Secrets has becom e a standard book on cryptology. The new edition has been revised and extended in many details.