INFORMATION SECURITY: Theory and Practice

DHIREN R. PATEL

Apr 2008 · PHI Learning Pvt. Ltd.

About this ebook

This book offers a comprehensive introduction to the fundamental aspects of Information Security (including Web, Networked World, Systems, Applications, and Communication Channels). Security is also an essential part of e-business strategy (including protecting critical infrastructures that depend on information systems) and hence information security in the enterprise (Government, Industry, Academia, and Society) and over networks has become the primary concern. The book provides the readers with a thorough understanding of how information can be protected throughout computer networks. The concepts related to the main objectives of computer and information security systems, namely confidentiality, data integrity, authentication (entity and data origin), access control, and non-repudiation have been elucidated, providing a sound foundation in the principles of cryptography and network security. The book provides a detailed treatment of design principles of classical and modern cryptosystems through an elaborate study of cryptographic techniques, algorithms, and protocols. It covers all areas of security—using Symmetric key and Public key cryptography, hash functions, authentication techniques, biometric techniques, and stegano-graphy. Besides, techniques such as Secure Socket Layer (SSL), Firewalls, IPSec for Web security and network security are addressed as well to complete the security framework of the Internet. Finally, the author demons-trates how an online voting system can be built, showcasing information security techniques, for societal benefits. Information Security: Theory and Practice is intended as a textbook for a one-semester course in Information Security/Network Security and Crypto-graphy for B.E./B.Tech students of Computer Science and Engineering and Information Technology.

About the author

DHIREN R. PATEL, Ph.D., is Professor of Computer Engineering at National Institute of Technology, Surat (India). His research interests include cryptography and network security, intrusion prevention, advanced computer architectures, and use of information technology for societal benefits (including the low-cost protocols for web-based elections). He teaches courses on Computer Networks, Information Security and Applications and Public Key Infrastructure to undergraduate and postgraduate students in Computer Engineering at NIT Surat. He is responsible for setting up Computing, Internet and Campus Network infrastructure at NIT Surat. Dr. Dhiren Patel is currently a member of the Action Group on “Information Security Awareness Programme” and a member of “Project Review Steering Group on Information Security Education and Awareness Project”, both under the Ministry of IT & Communications, Government of India. Known for his gripping presentations and teaching, Dr. Dhiren Patel has delivered a number of distinguished lectures and invited talks on Information/Cyber Security in India and abroad