Abstract: The book is an excellent reading for those dealing with database security and privacy and more particularly
for web applications of e-commerce. Electronic Data Interchange ( EDI) heavily depends of coding where payment gateways ensure very high level of security. Code breaking is an exciting challenge for computer professionals and mathematics experts. In commercial world code breakers are termed as hackers while in scientific file they are called Researchers and Analysts.
Code breaking is indeed a great worry for business community, particularly those involved with e-commerce applications. The author has brought out brilliant history and exploration of the fascinating art and science of
cryptography. It begins with Caesar’s coded letters to Cicero, and ends with the computer hackers of the present. Code breaking has been an urgent and continuous need both during peace and war for the armies as well as business giants operating in global business markets.
Code breaking has always played a key role in both the romance and the reality of
espionage. Now, with the advent of electronic banking and widespread concerns about personal privacy, the issues surrounding the coding and decoding of information have assumed greater importance than ever before. All banks and financing institutes have to mandatory discloser about what level of security is provided to their customers.
Rudolf Kippenhahn provides both an exciting history of cryptography and a vivid exploration of the art of coding and decoding language. A good reading for all who are moving rapidly in today’s information age.