Complexity Theory and Cryptology: An Introduction to Cryptocomplexity (Texts in Theoretical Computer Science. An EATCS Series)

Modern cryptology increasingly employs mathematically rigorous concepts and methods from complexity theory. Conversely, current research topics in complexity theory are often motivated by questions and problems from cryptology. This book takes account of this situation, and therefore its subject is what may be dubbed "cryptocomplexity'', a kind of symbiosis of these two areas.

This book is written for undergraduate and graduate students of computer science, mathematics, and engineering, and can be used for courses on complexity theory and cryptology, preferably by stressing their interrelation. Moreover, it may serve as a valuable source for researchers, teachers, and practitioners working in these fields. Starting from scratch, it works its way to the frontiers of current research in these fields and provides a detailed overview of their history and their current research topics and challenges.

Modern cryptology employs mathematically rigorous concepts and methods from complexity theory. Conversely, current research in complexity theory often is motivated by questions and problems arising in cryptology. This book takes account of this trend, and therefore its subject is what may be dubbed "cryptocomplexity,'' some sort of symbiosis of these two areas.

This textbook is suitable for undergraduate and graduate students of computer science, mathematics, and engineering, and can be used for courses on complexity theory and cryptology, preferably by stressing their interrelation. Starting from scratch, it is an accessible introduction to cryptocomplexity and works its way to the frontiers of current research. It provides the necessary mathematical background, has numerous figures, exercises, and examples, and presents some central, up-to-date research topics and challenges. Due to its comprehensive bibliography and subject index, it is also a valuable source for researchers, teachers, and practitioners working in these fields.