In the RSA Laboratories Frequently Asked Questions About Today's Cryptography, we provide answers to a wide variety of questions. Modern cryptography is a big subject (see Question 1) and it inspires a great many questions. We have not attempted to be, nor could we be, exhaustive in answering every possible one. Instead, we have answered some of the more important questions about some of today's better-known algorithms and techniques.
The questions are organized according to a fairly standard division. We consider cryptographic algorithms as basic building blocks and we treat questions about them first. Questions on using those algorithms in security protocols and services follow. We conclude with questions on cryptography's interaction with the real world through government involvement, standards, and products.