Discreet Discrete Mathematics : Secret Communication Using Latin Squares and Quasigroups

Abstract: This thesis describes methods of secret communication based on latin squares and their close relative, quasigroups. Different types of cryptosystems are described, including ciphers, public-key cryptosystems, and cryptographic hash functions. There is also a chapter devoted to different secret sharing schemes based on latin squares. The primary objective is to present previously described cryptosystems and secret sharing schemes in a more accessible manner, but this text also defines two new ciphers based on isotopic latin squares and reconstructs a lost proof related to row-latin squares.