Cryptography is a key technology in electronic security systems. Modern cryptograpic techniques have many uses, such as to digitally sign documents, for access control, to implement electronic money, and for copyright protection. Because of these important uses it is necessary that users be able to estimate the efficiency and security of cryptographic techniques. It is not sufficient for them to know only how the techniques work.

This book is written for readers who want to learn about modern cryptographic algorithms and their mathematical foundation but who do not have the necessary mathematical background. It is my goal to explain the basic techniques of modern cryptography, including the necessary mathematical results from linear algebra, algebra , number theory, and probability theory. I only assume basic mathematical knowledge.

This book explains the basic methods of modern cryptography. It is written for readers with only basic mathematical knowledge who are interested in modern cryptographic algorithms and their mathematical foundation. Several exercises are included following each chapter.

From the reviews: "Gives a clear and systematic introduction into the subject whose popularity is ever increasing, and can be recommended to all who would like to learn about cryptography." --ZENTRALBLATT MATH