Cryptography from Coursera

Welcome to Cryptography!

Cryptography is the practice and study of techniques for securing communications in the presence of third parties. You will learn how to protect information in order to ensure its integrity, confidentiality, authenticity, and non-repudiation.

You will come out with a basic understanding of cryptographic concepts and how to apply them, implement secure protocols, key management concepts, key administration and validation, and Public Key Infrastructure.

Course Objectives

1. Apply the fundamental concepts of cryptography

2. Describe the difference between symmetric and asymmetric cryptography

3. Define the basic requirements for cryptography

4. Identify processes to support secure protocols

5. Describe the process for implementing cryptographic systems

6. Define key management concepts

7. Define Public Key Infrastructure

8. Identify processes for key administration and validation

9. Describe the implementation of secure protocols

What's inside

Syllabus

Cryptography

In this course, we'll explore the field of cryptography, including public key infrastructures, certificates and digital signing. Here, we take a deep dive into the realm of confidentiality, integrity and availability. Since we aren't only using cryptography to protect data from unauthorized disclosure and improper modification, but also using encryption to regulate the ability of users to log into systems and applications. Course 3 Learning ObjectivesAfter completing this course, the participant will be able to: L3.1 - Identify the fundamental concepts of cryptography driving requirements and benefits.L3.2 - Recognize symmetric encryption methods.L3.3 - Use asymmetric encryption methods.L3.4 - Examine public-key infrastructure (PKI) systems and certificates.L3.5 - Summarize fundamental key management terms and concepts.L3.6 - Recognize how to implement secure protocols.L3.7 - Review methods of cryptanalytic attack.Course AgendaModule 1: Benefits and Driving Requirements for Cryptography (Domain 5 - Cryptography, Domain 7 - Systems and Application Security)Module 2: Support the Use of Symmetric Encryption Methods (Domain 5 - Cryptography)Module 3: Support the Use of Asymmetric Encryption Methods (Domain 5 - Cryptography)Module 4: Support the Use of Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) Systems (Domain 5 - Cryptography)Module 5: Support Key Management Processes (Domain 5 - Cryptography)Module 6: Support the use of Secure Protocols (Domain 5 - Cryptography)Module 7: Cryptanalysis (Domain 5 - Cryptography)Who Should Take This Course: BeginnersExperience Required: No prior experience required

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Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Teaches symmetric and asymmetric cryptography, which are essential for computer and network security

Examines modern public key cryptography, which is used to secure online communications and transactions

Develops key management concepts, which are critical for maintaining the security of cryptographic systems

Introduces Public Key Infrastructure (PKI), which is used to manage and distribute digital certificates

Covers cryptanalysis, which is the study of methods to break cryptographic systems

Reviews summary

Cryptography fundamentals for beginners

According to learners, this course provides a clear and concise overview of fundamental cryptography concepts, including symmetric and asymmetric encryption, PKI, and key management. It is widely considered a great foundation for beginners in cybersecurity and helpful for certification preparation, like the CISSP. While many appreciate the knowledgeable instructor and bite-sized modules, some find the pace a bit slow and feel the course lacks hands-on examples, preferring more practical application or deeper mathematical detail, suggesting it only scratches the surface for advanced learners. Overall, it's seen as a solid starting point, particularly for those new to the field.

Knowledgeable instructor, well-structured modules.

"The instructor was knowledgeable."

"The modules are bite-sized."

"The syllabus matched the content well."

"Decent content..."

Helpful for preparing for security certifications.

"Good overview of crypto fundamentals for the CISSP exam."

"Covered the necessary concepts."

"Helped me prepare for a certification."

"Good starting point for understanding the domain."

Explains core concepts simply and clearly.

"Excellent introduction! Explains complex topics like symmetric/asymmetric encryption and PKI clearly."

"Great foundation for anyone starting cybersecurity. Highly recommend for beginners."

"Fantastic course! Made cryptography understandable."

"Good foundational knowledge presented simply."

Can be slow-paced, lacks deep practical examples.

"The pace was a bit slow at times, but thorough."

"Needed supplementary reading for a deeper understanding of the math."

"Disappointing. Only scratched the surface. Expected more hands-on examples or practical applications."

"Felt too theoretical. Probably good for absolute beginners, but not for me."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Cryptography with these activities:

Create a Cryptography Reference Sheet

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Building a reference will condense important information from the course into a single, useful document.

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Gather notes, assignments, and other materials from the course
Organize the materials by topic
Create a reference sheet

Follow Tutorials on Symmetric Encryption Algorithm

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Gain a deeper understanding of symmetric encryption by implementing the algorithms and encrypting/decrypting sample data.

Browse courses on Symmetric Encryption

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Find tutorials on symmetric encryption algorithms like AES or DES
Choose a programming language
Implement the encryption/decryption algorithms

Become a Cryptography Peer Mentor

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Enhance understanding of cryptography by assisting other learners, while reinforcing concepts through explanations.

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Join a study group or online community
Help other learners understand concepts
Provide support and encouragement

Four other activities

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Break Simple Cipher

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Gain confidence and reinforce cryptography algorithms by decrypting a basic cipher. This activity can be scaled to suit the learner's knowledge level.

Browse courses on Symmetric Encryption

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Find a historical cipher online, such as the Caesar cipher
Attempt to decrypt a cipher
Check your answer
Try decrypting more complex ciphers

Create an Analogy for Public Key Infrastructure

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Creating an analogy for PKI will help solidify the concept and provide a simplified explanation to peers who may not be familiar with the term.

Browse courses on Public Key Infrastructure

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Think of an analogy that compares PKI to a real-world concept
Develop the analogy with several examples
Create a presentation to explain the analogy

Develop a Cryptography-Based Game

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Practical application of cryptography concepts by creating a game that demonstrates or uses cryptography techniques.

Browse courses on Game Development

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Choose a game concept that incorporates cryptography
Design the game mechanics and rules
Implement the game using a programming language
Test and debug the game

Contribute to an Open-Source Encryption Library

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Hands-on experience with cryptography by contributing to an open-source library, enhancing coding skills and deepening understanding of encryption methods.

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Choose an open-source encryption library to contribute to
Review the documentation and contribute to issue discussions
Write code and follow best practices

Career center

Learners who complete Cryptography will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Cryptography Researcher

Cryptography researchers develop new cryptographic algorithms and protocols to improve the security of data and communications. This course will help you understand the mathematical and computational foundations of cryptography. You will also learn about the different types of cryptographic algorithms and how to use them to protect data in a variety of applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cryptography Researcher

Cryptographic Engineer

Cryptographic engineers design and develop cryptographic algorithms and protocols to protect data and communications. This course will help you understand the mathematical and computational foundations of cryptography. You will also learn about the different types of cryptographic algorithms and how to use them to protect data in a variety of applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cryptographic Engineer

Penetration Tester

Penetration testers use their knowledge of cryptography and cryptanalysis to identify vulnerabilities in computer networks and systems. This course will help you understand the principles of penetration testing and how to use tools and techniques to identify vulnerabilities in systems. You will also learn about ethical hacking and how to report vulnerabilities to organizations.

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Security Analyst

Security analysts use their knowledge of cryptography and cryptanalysis to protect computer networks and systems from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. This course will help you understand the fundamental concepts of cryptography and how to apply them to protect data and communications. You will also learn about key management, public key infrastructure, and secure protocols.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Analyst

Cybersecurity Analyst

Cybersecurity analysts monitor and analyze security data to identify and respond to cyber threats. This course will help you understand the principles of cybersecurity and how to use tools and technologies to monitor and analyze security data. You will also learn about incident response and threat intelligence.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cybersecurity Analyst

Information Security Consultant

Information security consultants help organizations to protect their information assets from threats such as cyber attacks and data breaches. This course will help you understand the principles of information security and how to implement security measures to protect data and systems. You will also learn about risk management, incident response, and business continuity planning.

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Cybersecurity Architect

Cybersecurity architects design and implement cybersecurity strategies and solutions to protect organizations from cyber threats. This course will help you understand the principles of cybersecurity and how to implement security measures to protect organizations. You will also learn about risk management, incident response, and business continuity planning.

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Information Security Manager

Information security managers are responsible for developing and implementing information security policies and procedures to protect organizations from cyber threats. This course will help you understand the principles of information security and how to implement security measures to protect data and systems. You will also learn about risk management, incident response, and business continuity planning.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Manager

Network Security Engineer

Network security engineers design, implement, and maintain network security systems to protect networks from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. This course will help you understand the principles of network security and how to implement security measures to protect networks. You will also learn about firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and virtual private networks.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Security Engineer

Cloud Security Engineer

Cloud security engineers design, implement, and manage security for cloud computing environments. This course will help you understand the principles of cloud security and how to implement security measures to protect cloud environments. You will also learn about cloud security tools and technologies.

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Privacy Engineer

Privacy engineers design, develop, and implement systems and technologies to protect personal data. This course will help you understand the principles of privacy engineering and how to implement privacy measures in systems. You will also learn about data privacy and data security.

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Data Protection Officer

Data Protection Officers (DPOs) are responsible for ensuring that organizations comply with data protection laws and regulations. This course will help you understand the principles of data protection and how to implement measures to protect personal data. You will also learn about data privacy and data security.

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Software Security Engineer

Software security engineers design, develop, and test software to ensure that it is secure from vulnerabilities and attacks. This course will help you understand the principles of software security and how to implement security measures in software. You will also learn about secure coding practices and how to test software for vulnerabilities.

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Blockchain Developer

Blockchain developers design, develop, and maintain blockchain systems. This course will help you understand the principles of blockchain and how to develop secure and scalable blockchain systems. You will also learn about cryptocurrency and cryptoeconomics.

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Cryptocurrency Developer

Cryptocurrency developers design, develop, and maintain cryptocurrency systems. This course will help you understand the principles of cryptocurrency and how to develop secure and scalable cryptocurrency systems. You will also learn about blockchain technology and cryptoeconomics.

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