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Classical Cryptosystems and Core Concepts

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Classical Cryptosystems and Core Concepts

This course is part of Introduction to Applied Cryptography Specialization

Instructors: William Bahn

20,935 already enrolled

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4 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

428 reviews

Beginner level

No prior experience required

Flexible schedule

1 week at 10 hours a week

Learn at your own pace

97%

Most learners liked this course

4 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

428 reviews

Beginner level

No prior experience required

Flexible schedule

1 week at 10 hours a week

Learn at your own pace

97%

Most learners liked this course

Skills you'll gain

Details to know

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

Assessments

6 assignments

Taught in English

91% of learners achieved a positive career outcome

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This course is part of the Introduction to Applied Cryptography Specialization

When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.

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There are 4 modules in 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.

Module details

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.

What's included

3 videos3 readings

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.

What's included

4 videos9 readings2 assignments1 discussion prompt

4 videosTotal 55 minutes

What is Cryptography?12 minutes
Codes and Ciphers16 minutes
What is Cryptanalysis?16 minutes
Modern Guiding Principles in Cryptography12 minutes

9 readingsTotal 116 minutes

Lecture Slide - What is Cryptography?30 minutes
Additional Reference Material10 minutes
Lecture Slide - Codes and Ciphers10 minutes
L2: Additional Reference Material10 minutes
Lecture Slide - What is Cryptanalysis10 minutes
L3: Additional Reference Material10 minutes
Lecture Slide - Modern Guiding Principles10 minutes
L4: Additional Reference Material10 minutes
Video - Cryptography for the masses: Nadim Kobeissi16 minutes

2 assignmentsTotal 60 minutes

Practice Assessment - Cryptographic Tidbits30 minutes
Graded Assessment - Cryptographic Tidbits30 minutes

1 discussion promptTotal 15 minutes

What do you think?15 minutes

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.

What's included

6 videos11 readings2 assignments1 discussion prompt

6 videosTotal 62 minutes

Types of Cryptanalytic Attacks12 minutes
Frequency Analysis of Monoalphabetic Ciphers11 minutes
Multi-Character Frequency Analysis10 minutes
Frequency Analysis of Monoalphabetic Ciphers - Example11 minutes
Key Length Determination in Polyalphabetic Ciphers12 minutes
Example of Cracking a Vigenere Cipher5 minutes

11 readingsTotal 110 minutes

Lecture Slide - Types of Cryptanalytic Attacks10 minutes
Video - Why the NSA is breaking our encryption -- and why we should care | Matthew Green10 minutes
L5: Additional Reference Material10 minutes
Lecture Slide - Frequency Analysis of Monoalphabetic Ciphers - Single-Character Frequencies10 minutes
L6: Additional Reference Material10 minutes
Lecture Slide - Multi-Character Frequencies Analysis10 minutes
Lecture Slide - Frequency Analysis for Monoalphabetic Ciphers - Example10 minutes
L8: Additional Reference Material10 minutes
Lecture Slide - Key Length Determination in Polyalphabetic Ciphers10 minutes
L9: Additional Reference Material10 minutes
Lecture Slide - Example of Cracking a Vigenere Cipher10 minutes

2 assignmentsTotal 60 minutes

Practice Assessment - Cryptanalysis30 minutes
Graded Assessment - Cryptanalysis30 minutes

1 discussion promptTotal 15 minutes

What do you think?15 minutes

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.

What's included

5 videos8 readings2 assignments1 discussion prompt

5 videosTotal 55 minutes

What is a Hash Function?10 minutes
How are Cryptographic Hash Function used16 minutes
How are Cryptographic Hash Functions Attacked? Part I9 minutes
How are Cryptographic Hash Function Attacked? Part II10 minutes
Properties of a Cryptographic Hash Function11 minutes

8 readingsTotal 80 minutes

Lecture Slide - What is a Hash Function?10 minutes
L11: Additional Reference Material10 minutes
Lecture Slide - How are Cryptographic Hash Functions Used?10 minutes
Lecture Slide - How are Cryptographic Hash Functions Attacked? Part I10 minutes
L13: Additional Reference Material10 minutes
Lecture Slide - How are Cryptographic Hash Function Attacked? Part II10 minutes
L14: Additional Reference Material10 minutes
Lecture Slide - What Properties Should a Cryptographic Hash Function Have?10 minutes

2 assignmentsTotal 60 minutes

Practice Assessment - Hash Functions30 minutes
Graded Assessment - Hash Functions30 minutes

1 discussion promptTotal 10 minutes

What do you think?10 minutes

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Instructors

Instructor ratings

(92 ratings)

William Bahn

University of Colorado System

2 Courses33,740 learners

Offered by

University of Colorado System

Learner reviews

5 stars
67.99%
4 stars
23.59%
3 stars
4.90%
2 stars
1.86%
1 star
1.63%

Showing 3 of 428

Reviewed on Jun 19, 2020

I teach cryptosystems in my University. I found it very useful, more than a textbook content. Nice lectures.

Reviewed on Aug 12, 2020

Interesting course on an Interesting topic taken in a pleasant, enjoyable, and simple manner.Never did I feel bored or out of my depth even though I am a stranger to the topic.

Reviewed on Jun 29, 2020

This course was very interesting and enlightening. The concepts have been explained very well.

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