Tasting Cryptography

This book provides a comprehensive, practice-driven guide to understanding and implementing secure cryptographic modules. It bridges newly published international standards ISO/IEC 19790:2025 and ISO/IEC 24759:2025 with decades of hands-on validation experience from Astec s globally respected testing laboratory. Designed to demystify cryptographic compliance, it serves developers, security professionals, researchers, and advanced-level students in computer science.
It explores the evolution and current practices of the Cryptographic Module Validation Program (CMVP), jointly managed by NIST and Canada s CCCS, highlighting its foundational role in securing global digital infrastructure. Topics include technical requirements, testing methodologies, real-world case studies, and future developments such as post-quantum cryptography and validation automation through NCCoE s ACMVP.
This book also highlights the collaborative ecosystem supporting cryptographic assurance focusing on the CMUF, ICMC, and atsec s FIPS 'n' Chips bootcamp. These forums help shape standards, foster innovation, and strengthen community. By connecting theory with implementation and policy with practice, this book delivers actionable insights at a critical time for modern cryptography.