This book explains the mathematics behind practical implementations of elliptic curve systems.This book summarizes knowledge built up within Hewlett-Packard over a number of years, and explains the mathematics behind practical implementations of elliptic curve systems. Due to the advanced nature of the mathematics there is a high barrier to entry for individuals and companies to this technology. Hence this book will be invaluable not only to mathematicians wanting to see how pure mathematics can be applied but also to engineers and computer scientists wishing (or needing) to actually implement such systems.This book summarizes knowledge built up within Hewlett-Packard over a number of years, and explains the mathematics behind practical implementations of elliptic curve systems. Due to the advanced nature of the mathematics there is a high barrier to entry for individuals and companies to this technology. Hence this book will be invaluable not only to mathematicians wanting to see how pure mathematics can be applied but also to engineers and computer scientists wishing (or needing) to actually implement such systems.In the past few years elliptic curve cryptography has moved from a fringe activity to a major system in the commercial world. This timely work summarizes knowledge gathered at Hewlett-Packard over a number of years and explains the mathematics behind practical implementations of elliptic curve systems. Since the mathematics is advanced, a high barrier to entry exists for individuals and companies new to this technology. Hence, this book will be invaluable not only to mathematicians but also to engineers and computer scientists who want to actually implement such systems.Preface; 1. Introduction; 2. Finite field arithmetic; 3. Arithmetic on an elliptic curve; 4. Efficient implementation of elliptic curves; 5. The elliptic curve discrete logarithm problem; 6. Determining the group order; 7. Schoof's algorithm and extensions; 8. Generating curves using ls9