Applied Cryptography

Bruce Schneier's reference shows programmers and electronic communications professionals how cryptography can keep computer data private and help solve security problems. Its parts move from cryptographic protocols to cryptographic techniques, then to the algorithms themselves, cryptography in the real world, and source code in C. Schneier describes dozens of algorithms and explains the inner workings of real ones such as RSA public-key encryption and the Data Encryption Standard. He also gives practical advice on implementation, including why truly random numbers matter and how to keep keys secure. The second edition added material on the Clipper Chip, the RC4 stream cipher and newer protocols, and a 20th anniversary edition carries a new introduction by the author.

Dapps Inc CTO Dominic Steil lists it among five books he recommends to young people drawn to his line of work, according to the interview Blockchain Books & Myths.