Internet Cryptography

Rating:
Summary: Very good overview of cryptography on the internet
Review:

This is a solid, if a little dry and sometimes a bit out of date, high-level overview of cryptography as it is used on the Internet. There are no equations or lines of code, so if you're looking to implement anything this is the wrong book. However if you're looking to learn about IPSEC, public-key crypto, secret keys, SSL, virtual private networks and things like that this is the right book.

The familiar cryptographic couple Alice and Bob are used in many examples to illustrate four general types of attacks made by "Henry the Forger", "Peeping Tom", "Play-it-again Sam" and "Bailey the Switcher". These are used throughout the book and this really simplifies understanding of how various types of cryptography can be attacked. Another one of the strengths of this book is lots of useful pointers to other books and Internet sites to provide supplementary information.

I'm not going to give this book 5 stars because to me that's a perfect book. However I highly doubt you'll be disappointed with this book as an overview to cryptography and how it is used on the Internet.

Rating:
Summary: A great handbook for network cryptography
Review: I've had this book for a couple years, and find myself going back to it consistently (and recommending it to others on a regular basis). It covers all of the crypto concepts & protocols in an easily readable, thorough fashion. For understanding IPsec, digital signatures, hardware crypto devices, and much more it's a great read. The only reason I don't give it 5 stars is that the SSL connection isn't as complete as I'd like... and for that, I'd get Eric Rescorla's "SSL and TLS".

Of the 100 or so security books on my shelf, this is one of the handful that I refer to on a regular basis.

Rating:
Summary: A great handbook for network cryptography
Review: I've had this book for a couple years, and find myself going back to it consistently (and recommending it to others on a regular basis). It covers all of the crypto concepts & protocols in an easily readable, thorough fashion. For understanding IPsec, digital signatures, hardware crypto devices, and much more it's a great read. The only reason I don't give it 5 stars is that the SSL connection isn't as complete as I'd like... and for that, I'd get Eric Rescorla's "SSL and TLS".

Of the 100 or so security books on my shelf, this is one of the handful that I refer to on a regular basis.

Rating:
Summary: If this man were a blues musician he'd be blowing the truth!
Review: In a sea of charlatans and ego-bloated boasters Richard E. Smith stands as a beacon to whom all technical authors should aspire. As an author, trainer, technical editor and Microsoft security consultant I have amassed a huge library of security books. When I need a refresher on the basics or I'm prepping for YACE (Yet Another Certification Exam) or I just need the solace of an extremely well turned technical phrase, I pickup my well-thumbed copy of Internet Cryptography.

In fact that's the only error in the entire book - the title. The title should reflect the fact that it embraces the majority of fundamental concepts regarding networked computer security. Get it, read it and experience one of the best technical writers in the field! Also consider buying his book on Authentication. Hanging out with Mr. Smith is money and time well-spent.

This book is also absolutely essential to any security professional attempting certification be it CISSP, SANS, Security+, Microsoft or Cisco, et al.

Rating:
Summary: Right to the Point
Review: This book at will give you just what you want to know. If you want to get into the bits and Bytes then you read every page and you will be a cryptography expert. If however you just need a broad understanding of the subject then skipping the Bits and bytes will do fine. I sell VPN solutions for a living and this book was a real help.