Cryptographic Hash and Integrity Protection from Coursera

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Syllabus

Cryptographic Hash Function

Cryptographic hash function is a fundamental building block in modern cryptography and is used for digital signature, message authentication, anomaly detection, pseudo-random number generator, password security, and so on. This module define cryptographic hash functions and contrast it with ordinary hash functions. It also describes the iterative structure for hash implementation to support the hash requirements.

Cryptographic Hash Function Applications

Building on the previous module defining cryptographic hash functions, this module review its uses and applications. We will first describe hash chain, which chains multiple hash functions in sequence, and apply hash chain for generating one-time passwords using a scheme called S/Key. Then, we will use hash functions to construct a binary tree and describe hash tree, also known as Merkle tree. Lastly, we will review the applications of hash function and hash tree for decentralized digital currency in the forms of cryptocurrency or bitcoins.

Message Authentication Code (MAC)

Message authentication is to protect the message integrity and to perform sender authentication. This module describes message authentication code (MAC) which is based on symmetric keys. It contrasts MAC with hash functions or general encryption/decryption techniques and quantify the brute force attack difficulty for MAC and discuss the security requirements for MAC. The module also reviews two MAC implementations in Data Authentication Algorithm (DAA) and Cipher-Based MAC (CMAC), which are based on the use of block ciphers.

Digital Signature

Like physical signatures in paper transactions, digital signature provides sender authentication and non-repudiation. This module describes how to use public-key pair to ensure the source of the packet. Then, it describes the purpose of digital signatures and the corresponding requirements. Lastly, we review a digital signature construction, which is the basis for many digital signature implementations such as RSA signature and Digital Signature Standard (DSS).

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Explores cryptographic hash functions and their applications, providing a strong foundation for students interested in cryptography

Taught by Sang-Yoon Chang, a renowned expert in cryptography, providing students with access to cutting-edge knowledge and industry insights

Covers message authentication code (MAC) and digital signatures, essential concepts for ensuring data integrity and authenticity

Provides a comprehensive overview of cryptographic hash functions, including their applications in hash chain, hash tree, and digital currency

Requires no prerequisites, making it accessible to students with varying backgrounds

Reviews summary

Cryptographic hash course

Learners say this cryptography course is great with clear and helpful explanations. However, some learners express frustration with the peer grading requirement.

Professor Sang-Yoon Chang is clear and helpful.

"Great theory. Professor is also super clear in his explanations."

"Very helpful course to learn Cryptography..! and Sang-Yoon Chang is a nice teacher."

Multiple learners are frustrated with the peer grading requirement.

"This is a very solid course but the "peer grading" requirement needs to be changed."

"The course clearly does not have enough traffic to justify every student doing 3 peer reviews."

"The requirement should be definitely be reduced - at least to 2 and possibly all the way to one."

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 Cryptographic Hash and Integrity Protection with these activities:

Refresh Mathematical Concepts

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A strong foundation in mathematical concepts is essential for fully understanding cryptographic hash functions.

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Review key mathematical concepts.
Work through practice exercises.

Review Basic Cryptography Concepts

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Refreshing your understanding of basic cryptography can provide a stronger foundation for learning about cryptographic hashing techniques.

Browse courses on Cryptography

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Review notes or textbooks on basic cryptography.
Complete practice problems.

Review Textbook on Applied Cryptography

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Reviewing this comprehensive textbook can provide a deeper understanding of the concepts and techniques covered in the course.

View Applied Cryptography: Protocols, Algorithms and... on Amazon

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Obtain a copy of the recommended textbook.
Review the introduction and key concepts.
Read the relevant chapters for each module.
Work through the provided exercises.

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Organize Course Resources

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Organizing your course materials will improve your ability to locate and review important information later.

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Create a system to organize lecture notes.
Establish a digital or physical folder structure.
File materials according to the course outline.

Form Study Groups for Quiz Review

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Study groups provide a supportive environment to learn from and assist your peers, which helps you improve your own comprehension.

Browse courses on Digital Signatures

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Identify a group of peers with similar learning goals.
Establish a regular meeting schedule.
Prepare for each session by reviewing the assigned material.
Actively participate in discussions.
Take turns summarizing key concepts.

Produce Repeated Solutions

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Practice and repetition are key components for solidifying an understanding of cryptographic hash functions.

Browse courses on Cryptology

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Review the provided lecture notes on cryptographic hashing.
Work through the provided practice problems.
Complete timed assessments to test your retention.

Maintain a Course Summary

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Creating a summary of the course materials encourages active engagement with the content, leading to more effective learning.

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Review the lecture notes and materials.
Identify key concepts and organize them in a logical manner.
Write a concise summary.
Review and revise the summary.

Explore Online Resources for Hash Tree

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Exploring online tutorials can supplement your understanding of hash trees and related concepts, enriching your learning experience.

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Search for online tutorials on hash trees.
Select a well-regarded tutorial.
Follow the tutorial step-by-step.
Experiment with different hash tree implementations.

Present a Practical Implementation of Message Authentication

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Implementing and presenting a practical use case of message authentication will sharpen your understanding of the concepts and their real-world applications.

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Select a suitable practical application.
Design and implement a message authentication system.
Prepare a presentation showcasing your system.
Present your system and demonstrate its functionality.
Optional: Submit a project report.

Career center

Learners who complete Cryptographic Hash and Integrity Protection will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Data Protection Officer

Data Protection Officers are responsible for ensuring that their organizations comply with data privacy regulations, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in Europe. Cryptographic hashes and integrity protection are essential for data protection because they help to ensure that data is accurate, complete, and unmodified. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in the principles of cryptographic hashes and integrity protection, which will be essential for your success as a Data Protection Officer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Protection Officer

Information Security Analyst

Information Security Analysts are responsible for protecting their organizations from cyber attacks and other security threats. Cryptographic hashes and integrity protection are essential for information security because they help to ensure that data is not tampered with or compromised. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in the principles of cryptographic hashes and integrity protection, which will be essential for your success as an Information Security Analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst

Network Security Engineer

Network Security Engineers are responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining network security systems. Cryptographic hashes and integrity protection are essential for network security because they help to protect data from unauthorized access and modification. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in the principles of cryptographic hashes and integrity protection, which will be essential for your success as a Network Security Engineer.

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Security Engineer

Security Engineers are responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining security systems. Cryptographic hashes and integrity protection are essential for security because they help to ensure that data is not tampered with or compromised. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in the principles of cryptographic hashes and integrity protection, which will be essential for your success as a Security Engineer.

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Security Researcher

Security Researchers are responsible for discovering and exploiting vulnerabilities in security systems. Cryptographic hashes and integrity protection are essential for security research because they help to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in the principles of cryptographic hashes and integrity protection, which will be essential for your success as a Security Researcher.

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Software Engineer

Software Engineers are responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining software systems. Cryptographic hashes and integrity protection are essential for software development because they help to ensure that software is secure and reliable. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in the principles of cryptographic hashes and integrity protection, which will be essential for your success as a Software Engineer.

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Database Administrator

Database Administrators are responsible for managing and maintaining databases. Cryptographic hashes and integrity protection are essential for database management because they help to ensure that data is accurate, complete, and unmodified. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in the principles of cryptographic hashes and integrity protection, which will be essential for your success as a Database Administrator.

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Cryptographer

Cryptographers are responsible for developing and implementing cryptographic algorithms and systems. Cryptographic hashes and integrity protection are essential for cryptography because they help to ensure that data is secure and confidential. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in the principles of cryptographic hashes and integrity protection, which will be essential for your success as a Cryptographer.

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Auditor

Auditors are responsible for examining and evaluating financial records and systems. Cryptographic hashes and integrity protection are essential for auditing because they help to ensure that financial data is accurate, complete, and unmodified. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in the principles of cryptographic hashes and integrity protection, which will be essential for your success as an Auditor.

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Forensic Analyst

Forensic Analysts are responsible for investigating and analyzing computer systems and data for evidence of criminal activity. Cryptographic hashes and integrity protection are essential for forensic analysis because they help to ensure that digital evidence is not tampered with or compromised. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in the principles of cryptographic hashes and integrity protection, which will be essential for your success as a Forensic Analyst.

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Pentester

Pentesters are responsible for testing the security of computer systems and networks. Cryptographic hashes and integrity protection are essential for penetration testing because they help to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in the principles of cryptographic hashes and integrity protection, which will be essential for your success as a Pentester.

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Risk Analyst

Risk Analysts are responsible for identifying and assessing risks to an organization's assets and operations. Cryptographic hashes and integrity protection are essential for risk analysis because they help to ensure that data is accurate, complete, and unmodified. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in the principles of cryptographic hashes and integrity protection, which will be essential for your success as a Risk Analyst.

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Security Consultant

Security Consultants are responsible for providing security advice and guidance to organizations. Cryptographic hashes and integrity protection are essential for security consulting because they help to ensure that data is secure and confidential. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in the principles of cryptographic hashes and integrity protection, which will be essential for your success as a Security Consultant.

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Technical Writer

Technical Writers are responsible for writing and editing technical documentation. Cryptographic hashes and integrity protection are essential for technical writing because they help to ensure that documentation is accurate, complete, and unmodified. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in the principles of cryptographic hashes and integrity protection, which will be essential for your success as a Technical Writer.

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Analyst

Analysts are responsible for gathering and analyzing data to make informed decisions. Cryptographic hashes and integrity protection are essential for data analysis because they help to ensure that data is accurate, complete, and unmodified. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in the principles of cryptographic hashes and integrity protection, which will be essential for your success as an Analyst.

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