13 Best Cryptography Books in 2023

This is a list of the best Cryptography books in 2023.

Cryptography is the practice of secure communication in the presence of third parties. It encompasses a variety of techniques for achieving privacy, integrity, and authentication.

Cryptography is an essential tool for protecting information in today's computerized world. Despite its importance, cryptography can be a difficult subject to grasp. If you're looking to learn more about this critical field, check out our list of the best cryptography books:

1. Real-World Cryptography

If you're looking to learn about practical cryptography - the kind of cryptography that underpins security in everyday applications - then look no further.

Real-World Cryptography is an all-inclusive guide to the topic, teaching you everything you need to know about modern cryptographic methods and how to put them into practice.

You'll learn about authentication, encryption, signatures, secret-keeping, and more, with accompanying diagrams and examples to make things easy to understand.

Plus, the book also covers cutting-edge advances in cryptography such as post-quantum cryptography and cryptocurrencies.

Whether you're a beginner or an experienced practitioner, Real-World Cryptography is the perfect resource for anyone wanting to get up to speed with this essential topic.

Authors: David Wong

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Topics covered

You will learn how to:

Understand different types of cryptography and how they work
Understand why cryptography is essential to IT security
Gain experience implementing digital signatures and zero-knowledge proofs
Understand modern cryptographic methods and tools
Discover how to use cryptography in real-world applications
Understand the future of cryptography and emerging technologies

2. Bulletproof SSL and TLS : Understanding and Deploying SSL/TLS and PKI to Secure Servers and Web Applications

"Bulletproof SSL and TLS is a guide to using secure servers and web applications.

Written by Ivan Ristic, the author of the popular SSL Labs web site, this book will teach you everything you need to know to protect your systems from eavesdropping and impersonation attacks.

In this book, you'll find just the right mix of theory, protocol detail, vulnerability and weakness information, and deployment advice to get your job done:

Comprehensive coverage of the ever-changing field of SSL/TLS and Internet PKI, with updates to the digital version
For IT security professionals, help to understand the risks
For system administrators, help to deploy systems securely
For developers, help to design and implement secure web applications
Practical and concise, with added depth when details are relevant
Introduction to cryptography and the latest TLS protocol version
Discussion of weaknesses at every level, covering implementation issues, HTTP and browser problems, and protocol vulnerabilities
Coverage of the latest attacks such as BEAST , CRIME , BREACH , Lucky 13 , RC4 biases Triple Handshake Attack Heartbleed

Authors: Ivan Ristic

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Topics covered

You will learn how to:

Understand the basics of cryptography
Understand SSL/TLS and Internet PKI
Understand security risks and how to deploy securely
Understand attacks and how to defend against them
Understand deploying systems using various technologies
Learn how to generate keys and certificates using OpenSSL
Get practical advice for secure server configuration.

Ivan Ristic: About the author

Ivan Ristic is the author of several computer security books, including "Bulletproof TLS and PKI" and "SSL Labs". He has also worked on developing security products, such as ModSecurity and SSL Labs. His work is widely recognized as some of the best in the field of cryptography.

3. Cracking Codes with Python : An Introduction to Building and Breaking Ciphers

Best for Python Developers

3. Cracking Codes with Python Book Cover

If you are getting started with cryptography, this Python book is for you.

You'll start with the basics of Python programming, and then move on to making and breaking ciphers.

Each program includes the full code and a line-by-line explanation of how things work.

By the end of the book, you'll have learned how to code in Python as well as cryptography techniques.

Authors: Al Sweigart

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You will learn how to:

Learn the basics of Python programming
Understand how ciphers work and code programs to encrypt/decrypt messages
Create test programs to ensure codes function correctly
Gain a basic understanding of cryptography

Al Sweigart: About the author

Al Sweigart is a software developer and tech book author living in Houston. He has written several programming books for beginners, including Automate the Boring Stuff with Python. His books are freely available under a Creative Commons license at his website InventWithPython.

4. Serious Cryptography : A Practical Introduction to Modern Encryption

Serious Cryptography is a comprehensive guide to modern encryption, broken down into easy-to-understand mathematical concepts.

You’ll learn about authenticated encryption, secure randomness, hash functions, block ciphers, and public-key techniques such as RSA and elliptic curve cryptography.

This book also discusses various vulnerabilities and how to avoid them.

It's the perfect resource for anyone with an interest in cryptography - from seasoned practitioners to beginners.

Authors: Jean-Philippe Aumasson

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Topics covered

You will learn how to:

Understand the basic concepts of cryptography
Understand various algorithms and protocols
Gain an understanding of common implementation mistakes
Be able to choose the best algorithm or protocol for your needs.

Jean-Philippe Aumasson: About the author

Jean-Philippe Aumasson is a cryptographer and security engineer who has authored dozens of papers and books on the topic. He is the Chief Security Officer and cofounder of Taurus Group, a Swiss financial tech company specializing in digital assets infrastructure.

5. Cryptography Engineering : Design Principles and Practical Applications

Cryptography is vital to keeping information safe, in an era when the formula to do so becomes more and more challenging.

Written by a team of world-renowned cryptography experts, this essential guide provides you with a definitive introduction to all major areas of cryptography: message security, key negotiation, and key management.

You'll learn how to think like a cryptographer.

You'll discover techniques for building cryptography into products from the start and you'll examine the many technical changes in the field.

After a basic overview of cryptography and what it means today, this indispensable resource covers such topics as block ciphers, block modes, hash functions, encryption modes, message authentication codes (MACs), implementation issues, negotiation protocols, and more.

Helpful examples and hands-on exercises enhance your understanding of the multi-faceted field of cryptography.

Authors: Niels Ferguson, Bruce Schneier, Tadayoshi Kohno

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Topics covered

You will learn how to:

Understand the basics of cryptography
Understand message security
Discover techniques for building cryptography into products
Understand updates and changes to cryptography
Gain knowledge on key servers, message security, authentication codes, new standards, block ciphers, and more.

6. Applied Cryptography : Protocols, Algorithms and Source Code in C

Applied Cryptography, 20th Anniversary Edition is a seminal work on cryptography by Bruce Schneier.

It covers general classes of cryptographic protocols and then specific techniques, detailing the inner workings of real-world cryptographic algorithms.

The book also includes source-code listings and extensive advice on the practical aspects of cryptography implementation.

Authors: Bruce Schneier

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Topics covered

You will learn how to:

Understand the basics of cryptography
Understand common cryptographic algorithms
Gain practical advice on implementing cryptography
Understand how cryptography can be used to solve security problems.

Bruce Schneier: About the author

Bruce Schneier is an internationally renowned security technologist, called a "security guru" by The Economist. He is the author of 12 books, including Data and Goliath: The Hidden Battles to Collect Your Data and Control Your World and Schneier on Security. His influential newsletter Crypto-Gram and blog are read by over 250,000 people.

7. Practical Cryptography

Cryptography is essential for protecting information today as data is constantly being transmitted and stored.

This cryptography book provides a practical introduction to cryptography with a focus on its applications instead of theoretical concepts written by three experts in the field.

It covers symmetric-key cryptography, public-key cryptography, digital signatures, and key management while explaining how these cryptographic algorithms work and showing how they can be used to solve real-world security problems.

Additionally, it discusses the relative merits of different cryptographic systems and provides guidance on choosing the right tool for your needs

If you're looking to really understand cryptography, this is the book for you. Ferguson and Schneier provide in-depth coverage of the subject, from the basic concepts to more advanced topics. They also offer clear explanations of complex mathematical concepts. Whether you're a beginner or an expert, this book will give you a thorough understanding of cryptography.

Authors: Niels Ferguson, Bruce Schneier

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Topics covered

You will learn how to:

Understand the basics of cryptography
Learn the different types of ciphers and how they work
Discover methods for encrypting and decrypting data
Grasp how to secure digital communications
See how to implement cryptographic algorithms

8. Secure Programming Cookbook for C and C++ : Recipes for Cryptography, Authentication, Input Validation & More

Best Cryptography Book for C and C++ Programmers

8. Secure Programming Cookbook for C and C++ Book Cover

Secure Programming Cookbook for C and C++ is an important resource for developers serious about writing secure code.

It contains a wealth of solutions to problems faced by those who care about the security of their applications.

It covers a wide range of topics, including safe initialization, access control, input validation, symmetric and public key cryptography, cryptographic hashes and MACs, authentication and key exchange, PKI, random numbers, and anti-tampering.

The rich set of code samples provided in the book's more than 200 recipes will help programmers write secure code for both Unix® (including Linux®) and Windows® environments.

Authors: John Viega, Matt Messier

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Topics covered

You will learn how to:

Learn how to write code that attackers won't be able to exploit
Understand safe initialization
Use Access control
Implement Input validation
Differentiate Symmetric and public key cryptography
Cryptographic hashes and MACs
Authentication and key exchange
Understand PKI
Use Random numbers
Anti tampering
Understand File access mechanisms
Protect from reverse engineering

9. Cryptography: A Very Short Introduction

Cryptography: A Very Short Introduction provides a clear and concise introduction to cryptography and data protection - subjects of considerable social and political importance.

It explains what algorithms do, how they are used, the risks associated with using them, and why governments should be concerned. This book highlights the explosive impact of cryptography on modern society, with, for example, the evolution of the internet and the introduction of more sophisticated banking methods. Cryptography:

A Very Short Introduction is an essential resource for anyone wanting to learn about this fascinating field.

Authors: Fred Piper, Sean Murphy

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Topics covered

You will learn how to:

Understand the basic concepts of cryptography
Learn how to protect data using various cryptographic algorithms
Discover the social and political implications of cryptography
Grasp the basics of internet security

10. Practical Cryptography : Algorithms and Implementations Using C++

Practical Cryptography is an excellent resource for programmers and engineers who want to learn how to use cryptography to maintain the privacy of computer data.

The book covers the basics of cryptography, explains how to develop and implement cryptographic algorithms, and describes how cryptography can be used to solve security problems. In addition, the book discusses the latest developments in practical cryptographic techniques and shows how to build security into computer applications, networks, and storage.

Suitable for undergraduate and postgraduate students in cryptography, network security, and other security-related courses, this book will also help anyone involved in computer and network security who wants to learn about the nuts and bolts of practical cryptography.

Authors: Saiful Azad, Al-Sakib Khan Pathan

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Topics covered

You will learn how to:

Understand the basics of cryptography
Learn how to develop cryptographic algorithms
Implement cryptographic algorithms in C++ code
Understand the principles behind modern cryptography
Discover how to use cryptography to maintain privacy of computer data
Grasp security issues related to computer and network applications
Get acquainted with the latest developments in practical cryptographic techniques.

11. Understanding Cryptography : A Textbook for Students and Practitioners

11. Understanding Cryptography Book Cover

Understanding Cryptography is a textbook for students and practitioners.

After an introduction to cryptography and data security, the authors explain the main techniques in modern cryptography, with chapters addressing stream ciphers, the Data Encryption Standard (DES) and 3DES, the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES), block ciphers, the RSA cryptosystem, public-key cryptosystems based on the discrete logarithm

Authors: Christof Paar, Jan Pelzl

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Topics covered

You will learn how to:

Understand the different types of cryptography
Understand how cryptography is used in different applications
Gain an understanding of the mathematical foundations of cryptography
Understand common cryptographic algorithms and techniques
Understand the principles behind public key cryptography and digital signatures
Understand hashing and Message Authentication Codes (MACs)
Understand key establishment methods, including certificates and PKI
Explore recent developments in applied cryptography, such as lightweight ciphers and key-length recommendations.

12. Mastering Blockchain

Written by an international team of experts, Mastering Blockchain is the essential guide to understanding the technology and its implications for business and society.

This comprehensive book starts with the basics, explaining what blockchain is, how it works, and why it matters.

You will then move on to master key concepts such as decentralized consensus, smart contracts, and digital tokens. The book takes a detailed look at the innovative technologies that are fuelling the blockchain revolution, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Hyperledger Fabric, and Ripple.

You will also explore exciting new applications of blockchain technology such as cloud storage, data management, identity verification, property registration, voting systems, and much more.

Authors: Lorne Lantz, Daniel Cawrey

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You will learn how to:

Learn what blockchain is and how it works
Learn the history of Bitcoin and other major cryptocurrencies
Understand the key features of Ethereum and other leading smart contract platforms
Discover how to evaluate different projects in the cryptocurrency space
Understand the challenges faced by blockchain development teams
Understand the potential applications of blockchain technology in the real world

13. Pro Cryptography and Cryptanalysis : Creating Advanced Algorithms with C# and .NET

Best for C# Developers

13. Pro Cryptography and Cryptanalysis Book Cover

If you are a C# developer who is involved in designing and implementing cryptographic operations in your applications, then you need to understand the implications of the algorithms, modes, and other parameters.

This book provides a comprehensive yet practical overview of modern cryptography and cryptanalysis.

You will learn how to implement advanced cryptographic algorithms, and come away with a solid understanding of the internal cryptographic mechanisms. With the new era of quantum computing, this book serves as a stepping stone to quantum cryptography.

Authors: Marius Iulian Mihailescu, Stefania Loredana Nita

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Topics covered

You will learn how to:

Understand modern cryptography and cryptanalysis
Learn by example with source code in C# and .NET
Gain a solid understanding of internal cryptographic mechanisms
Implement advanced cryptographic algorithms using C# and .NET
Understand how new features in C# and .NET impact the future of cryptographic algorithms
Practice the basics of public key cryptography, including ECDSA signatures
Discover how most algorithms can be broken

Conclusion

Real-World Cryptography is the best book for newcomers to the field of cryptography. It provides a gentle introduction to the subject, with clear explanations and plenty of examples.

If you are looking for a more comprehensive coverage of cryptography, then we recommend Mastering Blockchain. This book covers all the major topics in cryptography, from the basics to quantum-resistant algorithms.

For those who want to get their hands dirty with code, Pro Cryptography and Cryptanalysis is an excellent choice. It provides practical guidance on implementing cryptographic algorithms in C# and .NET.

If you prefer Python, then we recommend Practical Cryptography in Python. This book provides a hands-on approach to the subject, with lots of code examples and exercises.

Definitely check out one of Bruce Schneier's books. He is one of the most well-known and respected cryptographers in the world, and his books are essential reading for anyone interested in the subject.

About Josip

Josip Miskovic is a software developer at Americaneagle.com. Josip has 10+ years in experience in developing web applications, mobile apps, and games.

Follow @JosipMisko

1. Real-World Cryptography

Topics covered

2. Bulletproof SSL and TLS : Understanding and Deploying SSL/TLS and PKI to Secure Servers and Web Applications

Topics covered

Ivan Ristic: About the author

3. Cracking Codes with Python : An Introduction to Building and Breaking Ciphers

Best for Python Developers

Topics covered

Al Sweigart: About the author

4. Serious Cryptography : A Practical Introduction to Modern Encryption

Topics covered

Jean-Philippe Aumasson: About the author

5. Cryptography Engineering : Design Principles and Practical Applications

Topics covered

6. Applied Cryptography : Protocols, Algorithms and Source Code in C

Topics covered

Bruce Schneier: About the author

7. Practical Cryptography

Topics covered

8. Secure Programming Cookbook for C and C++ : Recipes for Cryptography, Authentication, Input Validation & More

Best Cryptography Book for C and C++ Programmers

Topics covered

9. Cryptography: A Very Short Introduction

Topics covered

10. Practical Cryptography : Algorithms and Implementations Using C++

Topics covered

11. Understanding Cryptography : A Textbook for Students and Practitioners

Topics covered

12. Mastering Blockchain

Topics covered

13. Pro Cryptography and Cryptanalysis : Creating Advanced Algorithms with C# and .NET

Best for C# Developers

Topics covered

Conclusion

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