Cryptography

Encryption is both one of the most fiercely contested and one of the least understood tech-policy issues of our time. Keith Martin has written an indispensable guide to the ongoing crypto wars–balanced, gripping, and in plain English.–Thomas Rid, professor of strategic studies, Johns Hopkins University, and author of Active MeasuresIn his typical low-key style, Keith Martin explains how digital security is necessarily based on cryptosystems, secret keys, and public keys. A must-read for anyone who wants to participate competently in discussions on the role of cryptography in our society–Vincent Rijmen, co-designer of the Advanced Encryption StandardKeith Martin has a knack for explaining one of today’s toughest inter-disciplinary problems in an accessible and accurate way. There’s no math required, just a willingness to engage your brain. You will finish this book both entertained and better informed.–Kenny Paterson, professor of computer science, ETH Zürich

Keith Martin is a professor of information security at Royal Holloway, University of London, and has worked in cryptographic research for thirty years. He lives in Surrey, United Kingdom.