in reply to What *are* the best ways to encrypt data?

Many of the previous posts are filled with good advice.

The only think I'd like to recommnend is the book Applied Cryptography. That book has very good coverage of the families of cryptographic algorithms you're likely to need/encounter. It can be read to get an overview, or, if you have the desire, it also describes each of the algorithms in detail. It even includes discussion of known attacks against each algorithm.

What I learned from that book has served me very well.

Kyle

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Re^2: What *are* the best ways to encrypt data?
by Yendor (Pilgrim) on Aug 27, 2004 at 14:25 UTC
    As mortis recommended, Applied Cryptography is a great book for learning how to write and understand cryptographic algorithms. If, however, you are looking for a simpler approach to just getting your feet wet with cryptography, I strongly recommend Simon Singh's "The Code Book". It's a great introduction to cryptographic ideas, all the way from a simple substitution cipher, through Enigma, and onto today's public key cryptosystems.

    -Yendor

    IWeThey
    HOPE Ride

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