An Introduction to Cryptography

An Introduction to Cryptography

Instructors: Sam Wilson

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3,178 already enrolled

2 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

16 reviews

Beginner level

No prior experience required

8 hours to complete

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

2 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

16 reviews

Beginner level

No prior experience required

8 hours to complete

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

Describe the fundamental concepts and principles of cryptography.
Explore historical cyphers and their significance in the evolution of cryptography.
Investigate modern cryptographic algorithms and protocols.
Gain digital skills as part of Click Start! Follow the link in the instructor bio to see if you're eligible for FREE access to this course and more..

Skills you'll gain

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Assessments

4 assignments

Taught in English

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There are 2 modules in this course

Cryptography is an essential part of secure but accessible communication that's critical for our everyday life and organisations use it to protect their privacy and keep their conversations and data confidential. This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the fascinating world of cryptography, covering both historical cyphers and modern-day cryptographic techniques.

In this course, you will explore the foundations of encryption, decryption, and cryptographic protocols. Through a combination of theoretical concepts, practical examples, and hands-on exercises, you will gain a solid understanding of the principles and applications of cryptography. Join this fascinating course to explore the world of cryptography and learn how secrets have been kept in the past and the modern world. This course is one of many, offered by Click Start, a UK training programme designed to help young people develop digital skills. Click Start offers a limited number of scholarships giving free access to young people in the UK. Check the FAQs to see more detail and follow the link to check if you are eligible for free access today.

Welcome to the first week of the course! We will start the week with an exploration of what cryptography is and what it is used for and then move on to look at some cryptographic techniques, via some ancient cryptography. Although these ancient cryptographic techniques are not very useful in modern life, they are good at demonstrating some of the concepts that are still used in modern day cryptography. Week 1 lays the foundation for Week 2, when we will turn our attention to modern cryptography.

What's included

2 videos15 readings1 assignment4 discussion prompts

2 videos Total 9 minutes

The course and its creator 2 minutes
Solutions: Simple ciphers exercise 7 minutes

15 readings Total 165 minutes

Welcome to An Introduction to Cryptography 10 minutes
Lesson 1: Overview 5 minutes
An introduction to simple cryptography 10 minutes
The three roles of cryptography 10 minutes
Lesson 1: Summary and next steps 5 minutes
Lesson 2: Overview 10 minutes
What is a 'simple cipher'? 15 minutes
Your turn: Try out a simple cipher 10 minutes
Simple ciphers: Substitution ciphers 10 minutes
Simple ciphers: Transposition ciphers 10 minutes
Simple ciphers: Permutation ciphers 10 minutes
Simple ciphers: Polygraphic ciphers 15 minutes
Your turn: Simple ciphers exercise 30 minutes
Vulnerabilities of simple ciphers 10 minutes
Lesson 2: Summary and next steps 5 minutes

1 assignment Total 10 minutes

Check your understanding: Simple ciphers 10 minutes

4 discussion prompts Total 40 minutes

What are you looking forward to? 10 minutes
Researching ciphers 10 minutes
What type of cipher did you find? 10 minutes
End of Week 1: Reflections 10 minutes

Welcome to Week 2. In this week you will bring your knowledge about cryptography up to date in the modern day. This is where we start to look at more complex methods for more complex contemporary requirements. To start off, you will be introduced to a concept called 'public key cryptography' which is extensively used on the internet. You will then learn about hash functions and how some cryptographic techniques can be used to produce a digital signature.