Public-Key Cryptography

Cryptography, secret writing, is enjoying a scientific renaissance following the seminal discovery in 1977 of public-key cryptography and applications in computers and communications. This book gives a broad overview of public-key cryptography - its essence and advantages, various public-key cryptosystems, and protocols - as well as a comprehensive introduction to classical cryptography and cryptoanalysis. The second edition has been revised and enlarged especially in its treatment of cryptographic protocols. From a review of the first edition: " This is a comprehensive review . . . there can be no doubt that this will be accepted as a standard text. At the same time, it is clearly and entertainingly written . . . and can certainly stand alone. " Alex M. Andrew, Kybernetes, March 1992

1. Classical Two-Way Cryptography. - 2. The Idea of Public Keys. - 3. Knapsack Systems. - 4. RSA. - 5. Other Bases of Cryptosystems. - 6. Cryptographic Protocols: Surprising Vistas for Communication. - Appendix A. Tutorial in Complexity Theory. - Appendix B. Tutorial in Number Theory. - Problems. - Historical and Bibliographical Remarks. - References.