Cryptography (or cryptology) is a discipline of mathematics and, in modern times, of computer science concerned with information security and related issues, particularly encryption and authentication and other applications such as access control.
Cryptography, as an interdisciplinary subject, draws on several fields. Prior to the early 20th century, cryptography was chiefly concerned with linguistic patterns. Since then, the emphasis has shifted, and cryptography now makes extensive use of mathematics, including aspects of information theory, computational complexity, statistics, combinatorics, and especially number theory. Cryptography is a branch of engineering, but an unusual one as it deals with active, intelligent and malevolent opposition (see cryptographic engineering and security engineering). There is also active research examining the relationship between cryptographic problems and quantum physics (see quantum cryptography and quantum computing).
Cryptography is a central part of the techniques used in computer and network security for such things as access control and information confidentiality. Cryptography is used in many applications that touch everyday life; the security of ATM cards, computer passwords, and electronic commerce all depend on cryptography.
More on [ Cryptography ]
Pseudorandom Numbers :: Algorithms
Cryptography :: Hacking
Cryptography :: Products and Tools
Software :: Math
Cryptography :: Privacy

Cryptography and the National Security Agency - Official NSA site. Cryptographic standards, research, and resources.
Cryptography Developments in India - Call for papers, Companies, Jobs, Government Sites, Nonprofit Organizations, Researchers, Research Groups, University Courses
Cryptology Research Society of India - Conducts annual conference INDOCRYPT and National workshop on Cryptography. Also promotes research activities in cryptology and security in India.
Frequently asked questions - Frequently asked questions (FAQ) on cryptography by RSA Security Inc.
International Association for Cryptologic Research - Conducts annual confs Crypto, Eurocrypt, Asiacrypt, PKC, CHES. Publishes Journal of Cryptology. Site has links to Calendar of events and maintains famous E-print server.
National Institute of Standards and Technology - Computer Security Division Resource Center - CSD publications, events, cryptographic standards and applications. Information on security testing, security management, and research initiatives. Includes links to the national vulnerability cyber database.
Meta Description: [ This is the NIST.gov Computer Security Division and CSRC website. The Computer Security Division is involved with many different projects. CSRC also provides many webpages based on these projects. To learn more about the work we do, visit our website. ]
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