Chapter 1:  Introduction and Overview

This is a textbook for a course (or self-instruction) in cryptography with emphasis on algebraic methods. The first half of the book is a self-contained informal introduction to areas of algebra, number theory, and computer science that are used in cryptography. Most of the material in the second half - "hidden monomial" systems, combinatorial-algebraic systems, and hyperelliptic systems - has not previously appeared in monograph form. The Appendix by Menezes, Wu, and Zuccherato gives an elementary treatment of hyperelliptic curves. This book is intended for graduate students, advanced undergraduates, and scientists working in various fields of data security.

From the reviews: "This is a textbook in cryptography with emphasis on algebraic methods. It is supported by many exercises (with answers) making it appropriate for a course in mathematics or computer science. ...] Overall, this is an excellent expository text, and will be very useful to both the student and researcher." Mathematical Reviews