Modern Cryptography : From RSA to Zero-Knowledge and Beyond

In this book, the most important cryptographic algorithms, protocols and constructions of the last decades are explained and justified.The topics discussed range from public-key cryptography and zero-knowledge protocols to cryptography in blockchains, the Tor network and quantum. The authors succeed in presenting these complex topics in a simple and clear manner.Hardly any prior knowledge is required, as all the necessary mathematical and cryptographic background is provided in the book. The book has a modular structure so that the individual chapters can be read independently of one another.Each topic is presented at different levels: First, the concept is described as a mental model, then it is studied from a mathematical point of view, and finally the strengths and weaknesses of the respective protocol are discussed.The focus is on a high-level perspective rather than full formal proofs. The book is suitable for undergraduate students (e.g., in mathematics, computer science, electri