Hacking Secret Ciphers with Python

This beginner-friendly book teaches both cryptography concepts and Python programming through building cipher encoding and hacking programs. Readers learn programming logic and algorithms while gaining an appreciation for ciphering history and its modern uses. The hands-on approach makes technical topics engaging and builds confidence, even for complete beginners.

Recommended for: Beginner programmers interested in learning Python through practical projects and hands-on exercises. Ages 12 to Adults.

You will:

Learn about encryption and cryptography
Program in Python to encrypt and decrypt messages
Break simple ciphers like Caesar ciphers and transposition ciphers
Explore more complex ciphers like Vigenère ciphers and affine ciphers
Learn about cryptanalysis techniques like frequency analysis
Discover modern ciphers like the RSA algorithm

Detailed Overview

The 442-page work teaches the coding of classic ciphers like Caesar, Vigenere, and transposition in Python, guiding readers through programming basics. Early sections cover simpler substitution and line shift ciphers with pencil and paper before encoding the same ciphers in Python. Instructions demonstrate variables, strings, control structures, frequency/statistical analyses for cracking ciphers programmatically. Later chapters introduce public/asymmetric cryptography. Projects such as an RSA encryption prototype build mathematical and programming skills. Readers can crack ciphers using brute force, cryptanalysis, or breaking weak keys. Additional code teaches networking basics for transmitting encrypted messages. While focusing on learning to code, the book cultivates analytical thinking transferable beyond technology. It provides a solid example of creativity in technical education, laying foundations for more advanced fields through an unique and engaging introduction.