This tutorial builds on the foundation provided by the two introductory tutorials on general cryptology concepts (Part 1 and Part 2). You don't necessarily need to have completed the introductory tutorials, but you should be familiar with general cryptology concepts, such as symmetric encryption algorithms, asymmetric encryption algorithms, cryptanalysis, attacks, Alice and Bob, messages, hashes, cipher text, and key length.

If you feel comfortable with these concepts, you should not have difficulty understanding this tutorial. If answers to those questions are unclear, take a quick look at Parts 1 and 2 of this tutorial series by David Mertz. (The section below, "Background and reminders," includes a brief overview of important concepts.)

In general, this tutorial is aimed at programmers who wish to become familiar with cryptology, its techniques, its mathematical and conceptual basis, and its lingo. Most users will have encountered various descriptions of cryptographic systems and general claims about the security or insecurity of particular software and systems, but without entirely understanding the background of these descriptions and claims. Additionally, many users will be programmers and systems analysts whose employers have plans to develop or implement cryptographic systems and protocols (perhaps assigning such obligations to the very people who will benefit from this tutorial).