Book Image

Cryptography Algorithms

By : Massimo Bertaccini
Book Image

Cryptography Algorithms

By: Massimo Bertaccini

Overview of this book

Cryptography Algorithms is designed to help you get up and running with modern cryptography algorithms. You'll not only explore old and modern security practices but also discover practical examples of implementing them effectively. The book starts with an overview of cryptography, exploring key concepts including popular classical symmetric and asymmetric algorithms, protocol standards, and more. You'll also cover everything from building crypto codes to breaking them. In addition to this, the book will help you to understand the difference between various types of digital signatures. As you advance, you will become well-versed with the new-age cryptography algorithms and protocols such as public and private key cryptography, zero-knowledge protocols, elliptic curves, quantum cryptography, and homomorphic encryption. Finally, you'll be able to apply the knowledge you've gained with the help of practical examples and use cases. By the end of this cryptography book, you will be well-versed with modern cryptography and be able to effectively apply it to security applications.
Table of Contents (15 chapters)
1
Section 1: A Brief History and Outline of Cryptography
3
Section 2: Classical Cryptography (Symmetric and Asymmetric Encryption)
7
Section 3: New Cryptography Algorithms and Protocols
12
Section 4: Homomorphic Encryption and the Crypto Search Engine

Chapter 5: Introduction to Zero-Knowledge Protocols

As we have already seen with the digital signature, the authentication problem is one of the most important, complicated, and intriguing challenges that cryptography is going to face in the near future. Imagine that you want to identify yourself to someone who doesn't know you online. First, you will be asked to provide your name, surname, and address; going deeper, you will be asked for your social security number and other sensitive data that identifies you. Of course, you know that exposing such data via the internet can be very dangerous because someone might steal your private information and use it for nefarious purposes.

Some time ago, I watched a video that impressed me. I have even decided to insert it into my presentations about privacy and security, and I presented it during an event related to Smart Cities in Silicon Valley where I had been invited to talk. The video starts with an alleged magician who invites...