Some books are mathematically rigorous (e.g. Foundations of Cryptography, Modern Cryptography, Probabilistic Proofs and Pseudorandomness), others more applied (e.g. Applied Cryptography, Serious Cryptography) — you’ll benefit most by mixing both.
Post-quantum cryptography and quantum cryptography are no longer niche topics; books covering these are crucial moving forward.
Knowing theory is not enough; books focused on engineering (secure implementations, side-channels, real-world protocols) fill the gap.
Cryptography is a unique field that intertwines mathematics with computer science and new technology. Suppose you're a student studying programming for the first time. In that case, if you are a software engineer developing secure systems or a researcher examining topics such as quantum-resistant algorithms, you will want to ensure you have the right literature.
Students often start with modern cryptography books to understand current encryption techniques. Cryptography tutorial books provide step-by-step guides for mastering complex concepts.
Professionals use applied cryptography books to implement secure systems in real-world projects. If you work with security protocols, cryptographic engineering, or simply want to understand how private communication works behind the scenes, these books will be invaluable.
‘Foundations of Cryptography’ is a rigorous, theory-heavy treatment. This book covers definitions, reduction proofs, the formal underpinnings of encryption, zero-knowledge, and more. Oded Goldreich’s book is best for those who want a deep mathematical understanding.
‘Handbook of Applied Cryptography’ is a classic reference for learning about cryptography. This book provides a comprehensive coverage of algorithms, protocols, attacks, coding techniques, and more. ‘Handbook of Applied Cryptography’ is excellent as a desk reference and for bridging the gap between theory and practice.
Jean-Philippe Aumasson’s book is less formal, more accessible, and with modern views. The book explains why things are designed the way they are and is excellent for practitioners wanting clear insight.
‘Understanding Cryptography’ strikes a very balanced balance between theory and practice. The book includes exercises and worked examples, making it helpful for coursework and real-world systems.
Although older, Bruce Schneier’s book remains highly valuable for its examination of classic algorithms, practical protocols, and code examples.
‘An Introduction to Mathematical Cryptography’ typically focuses on number theory, algebra, and the mathematics underlying many cryptographic schemes (RSA, ECC, etc.). This book is ideal for those wanting the math side.
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Ferguson, Schneier, and Kohno’s book focuses on real-world implementation pitfalls, secure system design, side-channel aspects, and applied security. This book is very useful for system architects.
As quantum computers become a real threat, knowing post-quantum (quantum-safe) algorithms is essential. ‘Post-Quantum Cryptography’ provides a comprehensive overview of the latest tricks of the particular field.
‘Quantum Cryptography’ explores protocols that leverage quantum mechanics for secure quantum key distribution and other applications. This book is useful if you want to understand how quantum changes what’s possible.
This Oded Goldreich book is focused on probabilistic proofs, pseudorandom objects, one-way functions, and hardness assumptions. The book is suitable for working in theoretical cryptography or research in complexity cryptography.
This carefully curated collection of 10 books offers a comprehensive overview of modern cryptography, encompassing foundational concepts, advanced mathematics, real-world systems, and emerging quantum topics.
Depending on your background, you might start with more accessible titles, such as ‘Serious Cryptography’ or ‘Understanding Cryptography,’ and then progress to more theoretical works (e.g., Goldreich, Hoffstein et al.) or explore cutting-edge areas like post-quantum and quantum cryptography.
Create a reading plan, select a few books to start with, and gradually expand your library over time. By doing so, you will be well-prepared for both academic research and practical challenges in the field of cryptography.
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Q1: Which book is best if I’m a complete beginner?
If you're new to cryptography, either Understanding Cryptography or Serious Cryptography is a good place to start. They explain things well and don't utilize a lot of arithmetic.
Q2: Do I need a strong math background for these books?
For some books, you need to know a lot about probability, algebra, and number theory. For others, you only need to know a little about math because they focus on real-life applications.
Q3: Are books on quantum and post-quantum cryptography relevant now?
Yes, quantum computers are becoming more likely to be dangerous. Because of this, it is more important than ever to understand how quantum keys are distributed and how post quantum methods work.
Q4: Will these books help with secure implementation?
Yes, publications like Cryptography Engineering and Applied Cryptography talk about how to put theory into practice, real-world problems, side-channels and more.
Q5: How should I choose which book to read first?
Begin with your aim. If you want to learn practical skills, start with applied-oriented textbooks. If you want to pursue research or theory, start with rigorous fundamental works. Then add specialised or emerging-area books.