CS 232 Applied Cryptography

Students will gain a deep and practical understanding of cryptographic principles, encompassing both essential knowledge and critical skills. They will comprehend the fundamental concepts of cryptography, including encryption, digital signatures, and authentication, enabling them to appreciate the theoretical foundations of secure communication. Moreover, students will develop proficiency in applying cryptographic techniques through hands-on experiences. They will acquire the skills to implement cryptographic algorithms, design secure protocols, and assess system vulnerabilities. This course will empower students to recognize potential threats, anticipate attacks, and employ countermeasures effectively. The course will also provide insight into the mathematical foundations of cryptography, fostering an understanding of the algorithms' intricacies. Ultimately, graduates will emerge with not only theoretical expertise but also the ability to translate this knowledge into practical applications, ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and authenticity of digital communication. The major elements of Knowledge and skills are reported below:

Knowledge:

  1. Cryptography Fundamentals: Students will grasp the foundational principles underlying cryptography, including encryption, authentication, and digital signatures, enabling them to understand the theoretical underpinnings of secure communication.
  2. Security Models and Threats: Students will comprehend various security models and the threats that cryptographic systems aim to counter, allowing them to analyze and design effective countermeasures.
  3. Mathematical Foundations: Students will gain insights into the mathematical concepts behind cryptography, such as modular arithmetic, number theory, and discrete logarithms, enabling them to comprehend the algorithms' inner workings.
  4. Cryptanalysis Techniques: Students will learn about various cryptanalysis techniques, empowering them to identify vulnerabilities, anticipate potential attacks, and assess the robustness of cryptographic schemes.
  5. Cryptographic Standards and Algorithms: Students will become familiar with industry-standard cryptographic algorithms and protocols, understanding when and how to use symmetric encryption, asymmetric encryption, and hashing functions effectively.

Skills:

  1.  Algorithm Implementation: Students will gain hands-on experience in implementing cryptographic algorithms, translating theoretical knowledge into practical coding skills.
  2. Security Protocol Design: Students will develop the ability to design secure communication protocols, balancing efficiency and security while incorporating cryptographic techniques.
  3. 3. Secure System Integration: Students will learn how to integrate cryptographic solutions into larger systems, ensuring seamless and effective data protection mechanisms.
  4. Problem Solving: Through practical assignments and projects, students will enhance their problem-solving skills by applying cryptographic techniques to real-world scenarios and addressing security challenges.

Credits

3