The thing is, the basics of abstract algebra are easy to grasp, and you don't need to spend a lifetime studying; it takes a couple hours to get started with these simple (but powerful) concepts.
Easy to grasp for whom? A first grader? Sixth grader? Twelfth grader? College undergrad? Any specialty or only CS? Or grad level required?
You've forgotten how long it took you to get comfortable with abstract algebra, it's a lot more complex to grasp than you think.