Applied Cryptography

by Bruce Schneier
Applied Cryptography cover
Good Books rating 3.81
Technology and Innovation
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Technical
  • ID: 10661
  • Added: 2026-02-01
  • Updated: 2026-02-06
  • Published: 1994-01-01
  • Reviews: 4

Applied Cryptography is a definitive guide to the complex world of cryptographic protocols, techniques, and algorithms. Authored by a renowned expert, this book delves into the practical aspects of cryptography, providing readers with the tools and knowledge needed to implement secure systems in the real world. It includes source code and detailed explanations that make it an invaluable resource for both beginners and seasoned professionals. /n/n The book covers a wide range of topics, from basic cryptographic principles to advanced algorithms, and offers insights into how these methods are applied in various industries. Whether you're looking to enhance your understanding of digital security or develop your own cryptographic solutions, this book provides a thorough and accessible exploration of the subject.

Reviews
Cryptography Engineering · 2023-04-24
useful 4.75

The book is found to be incredibly useful, particularly for examining historical crypto software. It is noted for its comprehensive bibliography.

This review highlights the book's usefulness, especially when examining historical crypto software. The reviewer appreciates the massive bibliography included in the book, which provides a wealth of additional resources. They note that the book has been particularly helpful in expanding their understanding of cryptographic protocols. The reviewer also mentions that the book has had a direct impact on their work, demonstrating its practical value. Overall, the book is seen as an essential resource for anyone interested in the history and development of cryptography.

Quick quotes

    I've found Applied Cryptography (and its massive bibliography) to be incredibly useful, particularly when examining historical crypto software.

    The book has been particularly helpful in expanding my understanding of cryptographic protocols.

    The book has had a direct impact on my work, demonstrating its practical value.

Reddit · 2019-02-14
outdated 2.00

The book is considered outdated, having been written in 1996, and is not recommended for newcomers. However, it is not entirely without value.

The reviewer points out that the book is quite old, having been written in 1996, and thus may not be the best starting point for newcomers to cryptography. They suggest that while the book has some value, it is not up-to-date with modern developments in the field. The reviewer acknowledges that the book can still be useful for certain purposes, but they recommend looking for more recent resources for a comprehensive understanding of contemporary cryptography. They highlight the need for updated information and modern perspectives in the field.

Quick quotes

    Yes it's outdated. It was written in 96, which is more than half the time between now and the invention of RSA.

    I don't recommend it to newcomers.

    It's not that bad a book to start with, but there are some things ...

Eyrie · 2013-10-23
informative 4.00

The book offers valuable conceptual introductions to various cryptographic algorithms and protocols. It is particularly useful for understanding the foundational aspects of cryptography.

This review highlights the book's strengths in providing clear and concise explanations of different cryptographic concepts. The reviewer appreciates the basic introductions to each class of algorithm or protocol, which are deemed the most useful parts of the book. They note that while the book may be somewhat outdated, it still serves as a solid foundation for understanding cryptography. The reviewer suggests that the book is particularly beneficial for those new to the field, offering a comprehensive overview that can be built upon with more modern resources. Overall, the book is seen as a valuable resource for its conceptual clarity and foundational knowledge.

Quick quotes

    The most useful parts of this book, in my opinion, are the basic conceptual introductions to each class of cryptographic algorithm or protocol.

    It is particularly useful for understanding the foundational aspects of cryptography.

    While the book may be somewhat outdated, it still serves as a solid foundation for understanding cryptography.

Schneier.com · 2011-11-07
defensive 4.50

The book is praised for making cryptography accessible to a wider audience. It is noted for its literate and engaging style.

This review defends the book against criticisms that it made cryptography too accessible, arguing that this accessibility has been beneficial. The reviewer highlights the book's literate and engaging style, which keeps readers' attention. They point out that while the book has been criticized for leading to some failures due to its accessibility, it has also democratized knowledge in the field. The reviewer believes that the book's impact on making cryptography more accessible outweighs its shortcomings. Overall, the book is seen as a valuable contribution to the field, despite some of the criticisms it has faced.

Quick quotes

    The case against Applied Cryptography is that it made cryptography too damned accessible.

    The book is exceptionally literate and accessible.

    Schneier keeps your attention with statements like, 'It is insufficient to protect ourselves with laws; we must protect ourselves with technology.'

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