RE: Cryptography/Cryptanalysis

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To: 'nokio x0' <xj3wlzx@hotmail.com>, security-basics@securityfocus.com
Date: Wed, 31 Dec 2003 11:44:04 -0500

Books and guides aren't what you're looking for. If you are looking for
something to explain how to do cryptanalysis, you won't find it.

If you are serious about pursuing this area, the first thing you need is a
degree in mathematics from a good school. Focus on number theory and
combinatorics. From there, grad school. There you can get your hands dirty
in cryptography research and help write some papers. When you have your
PhD, you *may* be ready to get down to some serious cryptanalysis.

When you've written some good papers and achieved some level of peer
recognition, try applying to work for the NSA. Be wary, though, they are
*very* selective about who they hire.

As for "implementing [crypto] in real life", until you have that PhD, I
wouldn't suggest trying to implement an actual cryptographic algorithm.
There are various toolkits that provide good crypto available for purchase.
Look for something with FIPS 140-2 certification. Once you have one, just
read the API spec!

-----Original Message-----
From: nokio x0 [mailto:xj3wlzx@hotmail.com]
Sent: Tuesday, December 30, 2003 1:10 PM
To: security-basics@securityfocus.com
Subject: Cryptography/Cryptanalysis

Hi all,

I'm really interested in the field of cryptanalysis, but am not really
familiar with cryptography. The texts I have read have explained what
cryptography is, but havent really given me an example of implementing it in

real life(ie: encrypting a unix file system with aes(just an example)). If
there are any books/online texts you can refer me to please do so. Also,
what guides/books do you recommend I should take a look at on the subject of

Cryptanalysis? My goal is to some-day become a cryptanalist for the NSA.
Sounds cheasy but from what I know about cryptology, facinates me.
Thanks in advance, any response will be much appreciated.

-j3

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"You can stop this individual, but you can't stop us all...After all, we're
all alike..." - The Mentor
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• Previous message: Simon and Sara Zuckerbraun: "RE: Local Administrators"
• Maybe in reply to: nokio x0: "Cryptography/Cryptanalysis"
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