No label defined (Q4337980)

This book consists of three parts: 1) Elements of cryptography, 2) Computer security, 3) Communication security. In part one symmetric and asymmetric cryptography are discussed. Other topics like secret sharing schemes and key escrow systems are briefly mentioned. In part two data security, access control, hierarchical and non-hierarchical structures of data bases are briefly mentioned. Plastic, magnetic and smart cards are discussed as tools of access control. Passwords, challenge-response systems, zero knowledge proofs are demonstrated as computational methods of access control. The importance of the security of the operating systems is pointed out. The evaluation of IT products in USA, Germany, EU is also described in detail. At the end of part two one can find the description of some methods of computer crimes via softwares (Trojan horses, software bombs, viruses, etc.). How to protect the computer against them is also briefly discussed. In part three one can find the short description of active and passive attacks against communication lines. The security of public-, local-, and wide band networks are also discussed. A chapter is devoted to the Internet and PEM. The reviewer would like to call the reader's attention to an article of the author (Internet security: Firewalls and beyond. Communications of the ACM 1997) written in English which might be helpful for the English reading audience. At the end of part three one can find a chapter on authentication and key distribution. In an appendix one can find a glossary, a list of abbreviations, a list of related standards and recommendations. At the end of the book one can find a bibliography.