I am a programmer with about 7 years of experience mainly in Java . I am interested in the subject of cryptography very much . I love algorithms and datastructures . When I first started learning about Algorithms , I found the book Introduction to Algorithms by CLRS really really helpful . Then I picked up Steven Skienna's book - the Algorithm Design Manual which built upon the concepts presented in CLRS.
While studying up on IT Security I would like to do it in a similar systematic way . Can you Gurus please guide me on how to get started with IT Security,mainly cryptography . Any books , resources that I should pick up first before diving into more specific topics ?