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> Cryptography is a lot trickier than most other topics in computer science. Is that actually true? Or is it that most software development isn't really about
by kasey_junk 9y ago
> Cryptography is a lot trickier than most other topics in computer science.
Is that actually true? Or is it that most software development isn't really about topics in computer science. Like if you wanted to design your own distributed database wouldn't most of what you said above also apply?
Isn't this really a case where "hard topic is hard"?
- tptacek 9y agoI thought about that when I wrote that comment and my conclusion is, no: distributed systems protocols are notoriously hard, but they don't have adversaries. Crypto protocol flaws are marginally more complicated than distributed systems flaws, but also, a distributed system with a byzantine fault can be survivable, and a cryptosystem with a subtle flaw won't be.
- kasey_junk 9y agoI'd buy that having adversaries is what makes crypto different than other topics. Thats probably a better way to pitch your message as well.