An accessible introduction to deploying standard cryptographic functions using Python

Cryptography is one of the most vital tools used by IT security professionals, safeguarding sensitive information with mathematical algorithms to encrypt and decrypt data. The Python programming language—a free, open source language that is object oriented, functional, and procedural—is a popular choice when working with cryptography. Python is easier to learn than languages such as Java, C, or C++, its built-in libraries less complicated than OpenSSL, and is available for Windows, Linux/Unix, Mac and Chromebook operating systems, amongst others. As the use of Python continues to expand rapidly, developers need to understand its cryptographic functions to deploy sites, applications, and services securely.

Implementing Cryptography Using Python is an easy-to-understand introduction to cryptography using the available libraries in Python. Emphasizing real-world usability, this practical guide explains the basics of cryptography and the Python language, teaches you how to set up a Python environment on various machines, write your first cipher, and script, analyze, and deploy a range of cryptographic solutions in Python. Clear, user-friendly chapters explore the history of cryptography while providing step-by-step instructions for creating secure communications using public key cryptography, authenticating messages, verifying digital signatures, and much more.

Implementing Cryptography Using Python is a must-have guide for any programmer, web developer, IT professional, or security analyst looking to gain a better understanding of how cryptography works and apply proven cryptographic tools in their applications and systems.

Learn to deploy proven cryptographic tools in your applications and services

Cryptography is, quite simply, what makes security and privacy in the digital world possible. Tech professionals, including programmers, IT admins, and security analysts, need to understand how cryptography works to protect users, data, and assets. Implementing Cryptography Using Python will teach you the essentials, so you can apply proven cryptographic tools to secure your applications and systems. Because this book uses Python, an easily accessible language that has become one of the standards for cryptography implementation, you’ll be able to quickly learn how to secure applications and data of all kinds.

In this easy-to-read guide, well-known cybersecurity expert Shannon Bray walks you through creating secure communications in public channels using public-key cryptography. You’ll also explore methods of authenticating messages to ensure that they haven’t been tampered with in transit. Finally, you’ll learn how to use digital signatures to let others verify the messages sent through your services.

• Learn how to implement proven cryptographic tools, using easy-to-understand examples written in Python
• Discover the history of cryptography and understand its critical importance in today’s digital communication systems
• Work through real-world examples to understand the pros and cons of various authentication methods
• Protect your end-users and ensure that your applications and systems are using up-to-date cryptography