Number Theory for Computing

Modern cryptography depends heavily on number theory, with primality testing, factoring, discrete logarithms (indices), and elliptic curves being perhaps the most prominent subject areas. Since my own graduate study had empha­ sized probability theory, statistics, and real analysis, when I started work­ ing in cryptography around 1970, I found myself swimming in an unknown, murky sea. I thus know from personal experience how inaccessible number theory can be to the uninitiated. Thank you fo...