The "European Institute for System Security (E.I.S.S.)" was founded on February 29, 1988 by cabinet resolution of the state government Baden-Wurttemberg. It is headed by Professor Thomas Beth and is affiliated with the Institute for Algorithms and Cognitive Systems (IAKS) of the Faculty for Computer Science at the University of Karl- sruhe (TH). From November 1, 1988 to November 30, 1990, the insti- tute was situated in the rooms of the building Kaiserstrasse 8 (title picture annual report 1988/89) on the campus of the University of Karlsruhe. Even back then, the E.I.S.S. was provided with a semi- nar and conference room, laboratory and computer rooms as well as a separate administration office and a library, apart from rooms for the permanently employed staff and visiting scientists.

Since December 1, 1990, the E.I.S.S. is situated together with the Institute for Algorithms and Cognitive Systems in the new building of the Faculty for Computer Science, Am Fasanengarten 5.

In accordance with the cabinet resolution, the basic task setting for the E.I.S.S. is scientific research and knowledge transfer in the field of security in telecommunications, computer and information systems. These tasks are dealt with in the scope of European projects and in cooperation with other private and public research institutions.

Cryptography, secret writing, is enjoying a scientific renaissance following the seminal discovery in 1977 of public-key cryptography and applications in computers and communications. This book gives a broad overview of public-key cryptography - its essence and advantages, various public-key cryptosystems, and protocols - as well as a comprehensive introduction to classical cryptography and cryptoanalysis. The second edition has been revised and enlarged especially in its treatment of cryptographic protocols. From a review of the first edition: "This is a comprehensive review ... there can be no doubt that this will be accepted as a standard text. At the same time, it is clearly and entertainingly written ... and can certainly stand alone." Alex M. Andrew, Kybernetes, March 1992