Discrete Algebraic Methods

2 Cryptography

Historically, cryptography was placed in the realm of espionage, diplomacy, and warfare. Etymologically, the name goes back to the Greek words kryptos (κρυπτoζ , hidden) and graphein (γραφϵιν,writing). Although some people considered the mathematics of devising and breaking codes, for a long time it remained a discipline on the fringe of mathematics. Several things changed this view. During the Second World War, sophisticated mathematical techniques were developed to break the Enigma code of the German forces. The following Cold War and the widespread usage of computers and the advent of the Internet led to the need of sending financial and other sensitive information over public channels. This sparked an intensive development ...