Cryptology Unlocked
Chapter One
Introduction
We live in a world where information and its exchange play central roles, and
yet it's only the beginning of the information age. It will become increasingly
important to protect information which, in turn, requires knowledge in cryptology.
Cryptology encompasses two fields: cryptography, which is, roughly
speaking, the science of data protection by encryption, and cryptanalysis,
which is the art of obtaining information on secret data without knowing the
key. Though people have been dealing with cryptology for several thousands
of years, it is still somewhat mystery-mongered. It is also a difficult field. First,
every cryptologist needs to have sound mathematical knowledge. Second, a
cryptologist is often hindered by the fact that he's either bound to confidentiality,
or that research findings are kept secret. Cryptology still hasn't rid
itself of its reputation of being a playground for national intelligence agencies,
diplomats, and militaries, though it has meanwhile made its way into everyday
use-think only of your bank card's PIN, or di ... read full excerpt from Cryptology Unlocked ebook
