Cryptography For Dummies

Rating:
Summary: Good intro to cryptography
Review: Cryptography is one of the most intimidating aspects of computer security, conjuring up, as it does, such concepts as hash functions and public-key infrastructures. For the average user who wants to know about cryptography without gaining the proficiency of a cryptographer, Cryptography for Dummies is the perfect introduction.

The book details the core elements of cryptography that the average user needs to understand, leaving the theoretical topics to more long-winded texts. Emphasis is put on simplicity and straightforwardness, with as little gibberish as possible. Screen shots and illustrations are used effectively without being condescending or insulting.

As the book progresses, the chapters plumb more detail. Those wishing just a quick introduction should stop after part one. For the more ambitious, sections on public-key infrastructures, secured sockets layer, authentication systems, and virtual private networks lie ahead.


Rating:
Summary: This book made it easier to do my job
Review: I don't usually have the need to buy Dummies books, but my mom's workplace was thinking of encrypting their data (she works in health care and they need to protect patient data carefully now). I bought her this book and she was thrilled with it. The book gave her some step-by-step example on how to encrypt email and the explanations of how crypto works made sense to her. Yes, the book is a bit simplistic, but that's what it is supposed to be! I applaud the author for taking on such a complex subject. Although other books are more technical, this is a good book for someone who needs an introduction to the subject.

Rating:
Summary: Great intro into Cryptography
Review: This book was excellent for getting you over that hill of understanding. If you don't have much back ground in cryptography or don't need to know the nitty-gritty details of how it all works then this is the book for you. The book is well indexed and fairly up to date. The only problem I found with this book is that sometimes it went back over some things already covered but, this is a minor issue. I used it extensively for doing an intro research paper on cryptography.