This textbook presents a fascinating review of cryptography and cryptanalysis, from the earliest known cryptographic systems of 2,500 years ago up to modern computer-based systems.

The text relates the earliest use of the monoalphabetic cipher in the ancient world, the development of the unbreakable Vigenère cipher, and an account of how cryptology entered the arsenal of military intelligence during the American Revolutionary War. Moving on to the American Civil War, the book explains the solution of the Vigenère ciphers used by the Confederates and the use of telegraph codes, before investigating the development of cipher machines throughout World War I and II, including development of the first digital computer, Colossus. The exposition then explores cryptology in the computer age, from public-key cryptography and web security to criminal cyber-attacks and cyber-warfare. The role of cryptography in the Internet of Things is also discussed, along with the potential impact of quantum computing.

Topics and features:

• Presents a history of cryptology from ancient Rome to the present day, with a focus on cryptology in the 20th and 21st centuries
• Provides engaging examples illustrating use of cryptographic algorithms in different historical periods
• Reviews algorithms and devices used to create secret messages, and the various methods for breaking such messages
• Describes notable contributions to cryptology by Herbert Yardley, William and Elizebeth Smith Friedman, Lester Hill, Agnes Meyer Driscoll, and Claude Shannon
• Examines unsolved mysteries in cryptology, such as the Voynich Manuscript, the Beale Ciphers, the Kryptos sculpture, and the Zodiac killer ciphers
  This engaging work is ideal as both a primary text for courses on the history of cryptology, and as a supplementary text for advanced undergraduate courses on cryptology and computer security. No prior background in mathematics is assumed, beyond what would be encountered in an introductory course on discrete mathematics.

Presents a unique combination of accessible cryptographic algorithms and history Reviews famous unsolved cipher messages Includes test cryptograms at the end of many of the chapters, with solutions provided

Autorentext

John F. Dooley is the William and Marilyn Ingersoll Professor Emeritus of Computer Science at Knox College in Galesburg, Illinois. An expert with extensive industry experience, he also is a regular contributor to the journal Cryptologia, as well as author of other books including the popular Springer title Codes, Ciphers and Spies: Tales of Military Intelligence in World War I.

Inhalt

1. A Revolutionary Cipher.- 2. Crypto Before 1500: A Bit of Magic.- 3. The Black Chambers: 1500 1776.- 4. Crypto Goes to War: The American Revolution.- 5. Crypto Goes to War: The American Civil War 1861 1865.- 6. Crypto and the War to End All Wars: 1914 1919.- 7. The Interwar Period: 1919 1941.- 8. The Rise of the Machines: 1918 1941.- 9. Battle Against the Machines: World War II 1939 1945.- 10. The Machines Take Over: Computer Cryptography.- 11. Alice and Bob and Whit and Martin: Public-Key Cryptography.- 12. Web and Mobile Device Cryptology.- 13. Cyber Weapons and Cyber Warfare.- 14. Cryptology and the Internet of Things.- 15. What is Next in Cryptology?.- 16. Cipher Mysteries.