History of Cryptography and Cryptanalysis Codes, Ciphers, and Their Algorithms

This accessible textbook presents a fascinating review of cryptography and cryptanalysis across history. The text relates the earliest use of the monoalphabetic cipher in the ancient world, the development of the “unbreakable” Vigenère cipher, and an account of how cryptology entered the arsenal of military intelligence during the American Revolutionary War. Moving on to the American Civil War, the book explains how the Union solved the Vigenère ciphers used by the Confederates, before investigating the development of cipher machines throughout World War I and II. This is then followed by an exploration of cryptology in the computer age, from public-key cryptography and web security, to criminal cyber-attacks and cyber-warfare. Looking to the future, the role of cryptography in the Internet of Things is also discussed, along with the potential impact of quantum computing.

Introduction: A Revolutionary Cipher

Crypto Before 1500: A Bit of Magic

The Black Chambers: 1500 – 1776

Crypto Goes to War:  The American Revolution

Crypto Goes to War: The American Civil War 1861 – 1865

Crypto and the War to End All Wars: 1914 – 1919

The Interwar Period: 1919 – 1941

The Rise of the Machines: 1918 – 1941

Battle Against the Machines: World War II 1939 – 1945

The Machines Take Over: Computer Cryptography

Alice and Bob and Whit and Martin: Public-Key Cryptography

Web and Mobile Device Cryptology

Cyber Weapons and Cyber Warfare

Cryptology and the Internet of Things

What is Next in Cryptology?

Cipher Mysteries

John F. Dooley is the William and Marilyn Ingersoll Professor Emeritus of Computer Science at Knox College in Galesburg, Illinois. Before returning to teaching in 2001, he spent more than 15 years in the software industry as a developer, designer, and manager working for companies such as Bell Telephone Laboratories, McDonnell Douglas, IBM, and Motorola. His other publications include the popular Springer title Codes, Ciphers and Spies: Tales of Military Intelligence in World War I.