Exploring Modern Cryptography features two chapters from Manning's Real-World Cryptography written by well-known cryptography expert David Wong. You'll start by delving into the hash function, ubiquitous in cryptography and one of the most important pieces of its foundation. You’ll see how it works, its input and output, and some of the most widely adopted hash functions in use today. Then, you’ll examine Message Authentication Codes and how they protect the integrity of data, as well as the MAC standards that are most widely used in our modern world. This fast, focused—and free!—sampler is an excellent starting point for "decrypting" some of the most commonly applied cryptographic techniques we rely on to protect our online activity every day!
Real-World Cryptography teaches practical techniques for day-to-day work as a developer, sysadmin, or security practitioner. There’s no complex math or jargon: Modern cryptography methods are explored through clever graphics and real-world use cases. You’ll learn building blocks like hash functions and signatures; cryptographic protocols like HTTPS and secure messaging; and cutting-edge advances like post-quantum cryptography and cryptocurrencies. This book is a joy to read—and it might just save your bacon the next time you’re targeted by an adversary after your data.