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.

"Discusses different methods for creating secret codes"--Provided by publisher.

"Discusses different methods for speaking secret codes"--Provided by publisher.

We all have something to hide, don't we? From nosy neighbors, cops, tax collectors, burglars, and other riffraff who have no respect for privacy. The books in this section contain specific instructions for hiding guns, gold, sexual implements, survival foods, or anything else you want to be Yours. There are also books for general privacy -- how to keep it. This section is a must for every private citizen. "A rather good introduction to the subject of keeping what you write secret from others". -- Factsheet Five We live in an information age; information is bought, sold and stolen like any other good. Businesses and individuals are learning to keep their secrets safe with this practical, illustrated guide to building and busting codes. Learn how to construct simple or complex codes. Learn how computers are used to make and break codes. Learn why the most unbreakable code isn't always the best. Ideal for those interested in professional personal privacy.

Ever since humans first began to communicate, we’ve had secrets to keep — secrets of state, war, business, or the heart. From the moment the first secret message was sent, others were busy trying to decipher it. By rearranging, substituting, or transposing symbols, any message can be encoded or decoded — if you know how. Secrets of Making and Breaking Codes is a practical field manual designed to teach you the basic mechanics of enciphering and deciphering communications. The author has used his extensive knowledge of and experience in electronic communications and languages — as well as his decades of fascination with secret codes — to demystify the field of cryptology. Hamilton Nickels uses plain, uncomplicated English and simple, workable systems that rely on neither advanced mathematics, nor on ethereal philosophies. This is the only hands-on guide to both the simplest cipher schemes — that need little more than scratch paper and a pencil to crack — as well as more sophisticated codes that use one-time code books, pocket calculators, and the most advanced computer-based systems used by the military and diplomatic corps of most governments. Letting the wrong eyes see a secret message can often make the difference between victory and defeat, success and failure, life and death. Secrets of Making and Breaking Codes will make mastering codes easier.

"As gripping as a good thriller." --The Washington Post Unpack the science of secrecy and discover the methods behind cryptography--the encoding and decoding of information--in this clear and easy-to-understand young adult adaptation of the national bestseller that's perfect for this age of WikiLeaks, the Sony hack, and other events that reveal the extent to which our technology is never quite as secure as we want to believe. Coders and codebreakers alike will be fascinated by history's most mesmerizing stories of intrigue and cunning--from Julius Caesar and his Caeser cipher to the Allies' use of the Enigma machine to decode German messages during World War II. Accessible, compelling, and timely, The Code Book is sure to make readers see the past--and the future--in a whole new way. "Singh's power of explaining complex ideas is as dazzling as ever." --The Guardian