Applied cryptography : protocols, algorithms, and source code in C

Essentially a glossary. Repetitious, drawn-out, painful explanation of terms. Nothing serious, nothing in-depth. Sounds professional but hollow. The only strong point of this book is that it includes many, many terms; useful from a "talk" point of view, but useless from an "applied" point of view. "The explosive growth of public and private computer networks has resulted in a tremendous increase in the volume of sensitive and valuable data that is routinely stored and transmitted digitally. From computer messages speeding through global networks to vast sums of money transferred electronically, the greatest challenge in this new "digital world" is keeping this information out of the hands of unauthorized users who prey on vulnerable computer systems." "In Applied Cryptography, data security expert Bruce Schneier details how programmers can use cryptography - the technique of enciphering and deciphering messages - to maintain the privacy of computer data. Covering the latest developments in practical cryptographic techniques, the book shows programmers who design computer applications, networks, and storage systems how security can be built into the computer software and systems we use every day. Along with more than 100 pages of actual C source code of working cryptographic algorithms, this practical handbook explains data encryption protocols and techniques currently in use and likely to be used in the future; offers numerous present-day applications - from secure correspondence to anonymous messaging; includes numerous source code fragments and shows how to incorporate them into larger programs; and discusses related issues like patents, export law, and legal rulings."--Jacket This practical handbook is aimed at computer programmers who want to implement cryptography protocols in their software projects. It discusses cryptographic protocols, algorithms and implementation issues, and contains working C source code.