About this course: Welcome to Introduction to Applied Cryptography. Cryptography is an essential component of cybersecurity. The need to protect sensitive information and ensure the integrity of industrial control processes has placed a premium on cybersecurity skills in today’s information technology market. Demand for cybersecurity jobs is expected to rise 6 million globally by 2019, with a projected shortfall of 1.5 million, according to Symantec, the world’s largest security software vendor. According to Forbes, the cybersecurity market is expected to grow from $75 billion in 2015 to $170 billion by 2020. In this specialization, you will learn basic security issues in computer communications, classical cryptographic algorithms, symmetric-key cryptography, public-key cryptography, authentication, and digital signatures. These topics should prove especially useful to you if you are new to cybersecurity Course 1, Classical Cryptosystems, introduces you to basic concepts and terminology related to cryptography and cryptanalysis. It is recommended that you have a basic knowledge of computer science and basic math skills such as algebra and probability.
Who is this class for: Learners with CS experience or education looking to: ○ Enhance/refresh critical skills; ○ Seeking to expand their opportunities. Learners undecided about pursuing a bachelor’s degree: ○ Seeking professional credit that may be applied towards a bachelor’s degree.
Created by: University of Colorado System
Taught by: William Bahn, Lecturer
Computer Science
Taught by: Richard White, Assistant Research Professor
Computer Science
Taught by: Sang-Yoon Chang, Assistant Professor
Computer Science
| Basic Info | Course 1 of 4 in the Introduction to Applied Cryptography Specialization |
| Level | Beginner |
| Commitment | This is Course 1 in a 4-course specialization. Estimated workload: 15-hours per week. |
| Language | English |
| How To Pass | Pass all graded assignments to complete the course. |
Syllabus
WEEK 1
Specialization Introduction
This module covers an introduction of the specialization and instructors, covers what to expect from this educational experience and also, an introduction to the course Classical Cryptosystems and Core Concepts.
3 videos, 2 readings
- Video: About the Instructors
- Video: Course Introduction
- Reading: About the Course
- Video: About the Instructor
- Reading: About the Instructor
Cryptographic Tidbits
In this module we present an introduction to cryptography, differentiate between codes and ciphers, describe cryptanalysis, and identify the guiding principles of modern cryptography. After completing this course you will be able to read material related to cryptographic systems, understanding the basic terminology and concepts. You will also have an appreciation for the historical framework of modern cryptography and the difficulty of achieving its aims.
4 videos, 9 readings, 1 practice quiz
- Video: What is Cryptography?
- Reading: Lecture Slide - What is Cryptography?
- Reading: Additional Reference Material
- Video: Codes and Ciphers
- Reading: Lecture Slide - Codes and Ciphers
- Reading: L2: Additional Reference Material
- Video: What is Cryptanalysis?
- Reading: Lecture Slide - What is Cryptanalysis
- Reading: L3: Additional Reference Material
- Video: Modern Guiding Principles in Cryptography
- Reading: Lecture Slide - Modern Guiding Principles
- Reading: L4: Additional Reference Material
- Reading: Video - Cryptography for the masses: Nadim Kobeissi
- Practice Quiz: Practice Assessment - Cryptographic Tidbits
- Discussion Prompt: What do you think?
Graded: Graded Assessment - Cryptographic Tidbits
WEEK 2
Cryptanalysis
Delving deeper into cryptanalysis, in this module we will discuss different types of attacks, explain frequency analysis and different use cases, explain the significance of polyalphabetical ciphers, and discuss the Vigenere Cipher. When you have completed this module, you will have an appreciation of the different types of attacks and under what kinds of situations each might be applicable.
6 videos, 11 readings, 1 practice quiz
- Video: Types of Cryptanalytic Attacks
- Reading: Lecture Slide - Types of Cryptanalytic Attacks
- Reading: Video - Why the NSA is breaking our encryption -- and why we should care | Matthew Green
- Reading: L5: Additional Reference Material
- Video: Frequency Analysis of Monoalphabetic Ciphers
- Reading: Lecture Slide - Frequency Analysis of Monoalphabetic Ciphers - Single-Character Frequencies
- Reading: L6: Additional Reference Material
- Video: Multi-Character Frequency Analysis
- Reading: Lecture Slide - Multi-Character Frequencies Analysis
- Video: Frequency Analysis of Monoalphabetic Ciphers - Example
- Reading: Lecture Slide - Frequency Analysis for Monoalphabetic Ciphers - Example
- Reading: L8: Additional Reference Material
- Video: Key Length Determination in Polyalphabetic Ciphers
- Reading: Lecture Slide - Key Length Determination in Polyalphabetic Ciphers
- Reading: L9: Additional Reference Material
- Video: Example of Cracking a Vigenere Cipher
- Reading: Lecture Slide - Example of Cracking a Vigenere Cipher
- Practice Quiz: Practice Assessment - Cryptanalysis
- Discussion Prompt: What do you think?
Graded: Graded Assessment - Cryptanalysis
WEEK 3
Hash Functions
Continuing on our exploration of the fundamental concept of cryptography, this module will explain the Hash Function, its purpose and application, potential attack vectors, and the importance of hash functions on cryptographic design. Upon completion you will be able to understand the role that hash functions play in cryptography and how cryptographic hash functions differ from other types of hash functions.
5 videos, 8 readings, 1 practice quiz
- Video: What is a Hash Function?
- Reading: Lecture Slide - What is a Hash Function?
- Reading: L11: Additional Reference Material
- Video: How are Cryptographic Hash Function used
- Reading: Lecture Slide - How are Cryptographic Hash Functions Used?
- Video: How are Cryptographic Hash Functions Attacked? Part I
- Reading: Lecture Slide - How are Cryptographic Hash Functions Attacked? Part I
- Reading: L13: Additional Reference Material
- Video: How are Cryptographic Hash Function Attacked? Part II
- Reading: Lecture Slide - How are Cryptographic Hash Function Attacked? Part II
- Reading: L14: Additional Reference Material
- Video: Properties of a Cryptographic Hash Function
- Reading: Lecture Slide - What Properties Should a Cryptographic Hash Function Have?
- Practice Quiz: Practice Assessment - Hash Functions
- Discussion Prompt: What do you think?
Graded: Graded Assessment - Hash Functions
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University of Colorado System
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Pricing
| Purchase Course | Audit | |
|---|---|---|
| Access to course materials | Available | Available |
| Access to graded materials | Available | Not available |
| Receive a final grade | Available | Not available |
| Earn a shareable Course Certificate | Available | Not available |
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