Public-Key Cryptography

Cryptography, secret writing, is probably as old as writing in general. Only recently it has become the object of extensive scientific studies. Vast new applications to data security constitute one explanation for this. Perhaps a still more important reason for the huge growth of scientific research on cryptography is the seminal idea of public-key cryptography and the resulting new vistas on the possibilities of communication. This book presents a view on public-key cryptography with classical cryptography as the starting point. An attempt has been made to cover some of the most recent developments and present novel features. The plaintext examples constitute a package of basic sauna knowledge. Cryptography, secret writing, is probably as old as writing itself. But only recently has it become the object of extensive scientific studies. Vast new applications to data security are one explanation for this. Perhaps a more important reason for the huge growth of scientific research on cryptography is the seminal idea of public-key cryptography and the resulting new vistas on the possibilities of communication. This book gives a broad overview of public-key cryptography, covering its essence and advantages, various public-key cryptosystems and protocols. It also gives a comprehensive introduction to classical cryptography and cryptanalysis. The book is self-contained and suitable both as a text and as a reference. It starts from the beginning but also includes some 1989 developments. The presentation is in many ways new, with some new results. The treatment is rigorous but avoids unnecessary formalism. The plaintext examples in the book form a package of basic sauna knowledge. 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. Outline of Contents: Classical Two-Way Cryptography The Idea of Public Keys Knapsack Systems RSA Other Bases of Cryptosystems Cryptographic Protocols: Surprising Vistas for Communication Appendix A. Tutorial in Complexity Theory Appendix B. Tutorial in Number Theory Problems Historical and Bibliographical Remarks References Index. Front Matter....Pages I-X Classical Two-Way Cryptography....Pages 1-54 The Idea of Public Keys....Pages 55-76 Knapsack Systems....Pages 77-124 RSA....Pages 125-157 Other Bases of Cryptosystems....Pages 159-179 Cryptographic Protocols: Surprising Vistas for Communication....Pages 181-218 Back Matter....Pages 219-247