Cryptography is the most effective way to achieve data security and is essential to e-commerce activities such as online shopping, stock trading, and banking. This invaluable introduction to the basics of encryption covers everything from the terminology used in the field to specific technologies to the pros and cons of different implementations. It discusses specific technologies that incorporate cryptography in their design, such as authentication methods, wireless encryption, e-commerce, and smart cards. It is based entirely on real-world issues and situations, the material provides instructions for already available technologies that readers can put to work immediately. Expert author Chey Cobb is retired from the NRO, where she held a Top Secret security clearance, instructed employees of the CIA and NSA on computer security and helped develop the computer security policies used by all U.S. intelligence agencies.