Tomorrow's hackers may ransack the cryptographer's toolkit for their own nefarious needs. From this chilling perspective, the authors make a solid scientific contribution, and tell a good story too. . --Matthew Franklin, PhD Program Chair, Crypto 2004. WHAT IF HACKERS CONTROL THE WEAPONS USED TO FIGHT THEM?. Hackers have unleashed the dark side of cryptography--that device developed to defeat Trojan horses, viruses, password theft, and other cybercrime. It's called cryptovirology, the art of turning the very methods designed to protect your data into a means of subverting it. In this fascinating, disturbing volume, the experts who first identified cryptovirology show you exactly what you're up against and how to fight back. They will take you inside the brilliant and devious mind of a hacker--as much an addict as the vacant-eyed denizen of the crackhouse--so you can feel the rush and recognize your opponent's power. Then, they will arm you for the counterattack. Cryptovirology seems like a futuristic fantasy, but be assured, the threat is ominous ly real. If you want to protect your data, your identity, and yourself, vigilance is essential--now. . Understand the mechanics of com