A hefty handbook for both novices and experts, introducing practical aspects of conventional and public-key cryptography and offering information on the latest techniques and algorithms in the field. Mathematical treatments accompany practical discussions of areas including pseudorandom bits and sequences, stream and block ciphers, hash functions, and digital signatures. Also covers establishment protocols, implementation, and patents and standards. Includes annotated chapter references, and cross-referencing between chapters, plus a bibliography of papers from selected cryptographic forums. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.