We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Course image
Avishai Wool and Dan Gittik

Information Security is everywhere: as the world becomes more and more digitized, so it becomes more and more hackable. Cyber attacks, data breaches, and even cyber warfare are all very real - so it is infinitely important to understand how hackers think and act, and how you can fight back.

Read more

Information Security is everywhere: as the world becomes more and more digitized, so it becomes more and more hackable. Cyber attacks, data breaches, and even cyber warfare are all very real - so it is infinitely important to understand how hackers think and act, and how you can fight back.

In this course, which is the first part of the Unlocking Information Security program, you will learn the basic terminology and concepts in the field of information security. You will explore different types of vulnerabilities through famous examples of design flaws, implementation bugs and social engineering.

You will then move on to discover the art of cryptography, from ancient times to the modern era, and learn about famous ciphers, how they can be cracked, and what can be done to thwart such attacks. Next, you will learn about an important aspect of cryptography that involves no secrets at all: hash functions. You will understand what they are, how they can be used, and how they can be attacked.

You will then combine everything you've learned and take a critical view of different authentication schemes: passwords, challenge-response systems and biometrics. Finally, you will learn about the most critical vulnerability of all times - Buffer Overflow.

This course was produced at Tel Aviv University by TAU Online - learning innovation center.

What you'll learn

  • Information Security basic terminology, vulnerabilities, exploits, and an in-depth look at a real case-study (namely, Meltdown).
  • An overview of cryptography with an emphasis on symmetric ciphers.
  • A high-level examination of hash functions and an overview of common hash algorithms.
  • A critical look at different authentication schemes, including passwords, challenge-response, and biometrics.
  • An overview of the most critical vulnerability of all times - buffer overflow, including common variants like Variable and Stack Overflow and simple yet effective mitigation techniques like canaries and DEP

Three deals to help you save

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Information security basic terminology, vulnerabilities, exploits, and an in-depth look at a real case-study (namely, meltdown).
  • An overview of cryptography with an emphasis on symmetric ciphers.
  • A high-level examination of hash functions and an overview of common hash algorithms.
  • A critical look at different authentication schemes, including passwords, challenge-response, and biometrics.
  • An overview of the most critical vulnerability of all times - buffer overflow, including common variants like variable and stack overflow and simple yet effective mitigation techniques like canaries and dep

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Explores the basics of Information Security, providing a solid foundation for beginners in the field
Taught by experienced instructors, Avishai Wool and Dan Gittik, who are recognized for their work in Information Security
Covers a wide range of topics, including cryptography, hash functions, authentication schemes, and buffer overflow, providing a comprehensive understanding of Information Security
Utilizes a mix of videos, readings, and discussions, making it engaging and interactive for learners
Part of the "Unlocking Information Security" program, indicating a comprehensive and structured approach to the subject

Save this course

Save Unlocking Information Security I: From Cryptography to Buffer Overflows to your list so you can find it easily later:
Save

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 Unlocking Information Security I: From Cryptography to Buffer Overflows with these activities:
Review the basics of cryptography.
Reviewing the basics of cryptography will help you to understand how it works and how it can be used to protect information.
Browse courses on Cryptography
Show steps
  • Start by reading about the different types of cryptography.
  • Learn about the different algorithms that are used for encryption and decryption.
  • Understand how cryptography can be used to protect information.
Volunteer for a security organization.
Volunteering for a security organization will help you to give back to the community and gain valuable experience.
Browse courses on Volunteering
Show steps
  • Start by researching different security organizations.
  • Choose an organization that you are passionate about.
  • Contact the organization and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
Attend a security conference or workshop.
Attending a security conference or workshop will help you to learn about the latest security trends and technologies.
Show steps
  • Start by researching different security conferences or workshops.
  • Choose a conference or workshop that is relevant to your interests.
  • Register for the conference or workshop.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Watch a tutorial on how to use a particular security tool or technology.
Watching a tutorial on how to use a particular security tool or technology will help you to learn how to use it effectively.
Show steps
  • Start by identifying a security tool or technology that you want to learn more about.
  • Search for a tutorial on how to use the tool or technology.
  • Watch the tutorial and take notes.
Analyze real-world security breaches
Analyzing real-world security breaches will help you to understand how hackers think and operate, and how to defend against their attacks.
Browse courses on Security Breaches
Show steps
  • Start by gathering information about a recent security breach.
  • Analyze the breach to identify the root cause.
  • Come up with recommendations for how to prevent similar breaches from happening in the future.
Practice cracking simple ciphers
Cracking simple ciphers will help you develop a deeper understanding of their workings and how to defeat them.
Show steps
  • Start by learning about the different types of ciphers.
  • Once you have a good understanding of the basics, try your hand at cracking some simple ciphers.
  • As you get better, try your hand at more complex ciphers.
Develop a security awareness training program
Developing a security awareness training program will help you to educate employees about the importance of security and how to protect themselves from cyber attacks.
Browse courses on Security Awareness
Show steps
  • Start by identifying the goals of the training program.
  • Develop the content of the training program.
  • Deliver the training program to employees.
Create a vulnerability assessment for a website or web application.
Creating a vulnerability assessment will help you to identify potential weaknesses in a website or web application.
Show steps
  • Start by gathering information about the website or web application.
  • Identify potential vulnerabilities.
  • Create a report summarizing your findings.
  • Recommend steps that can be taken to remediate the vulnerabilities.

Career center

Learners who complete Unlocking Information Security I: From Cryptography to Buffer Overflows will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Information Security Analyst
Information Security Analysts are responsible for identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks to an organization's information systems. This course will help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful in this role, including a deep understanding of information security concepts, cryptography, and buffer overflows. With this knowledge, you will be able to identify and address vulnerabilities in your organization's systems before they can be exploited.
Penetration Tester
Penetration Testers are responsible for testing the security of an organization's information systems by simulating cyberattacks. This course will help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful in this role, including a deep understanding of information security concepts, cryptography, and buffer overflows. With this knowledge, you will be able to identify and exploit vulnerabilities in an organization's systems and help them to improve their security posture.
Information Security Auditor
Information Security Auditors assess the security of an organization's information systems. This course will help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful in this role, including a deep understanding of information security concepts, cryptography, and buffer overflows. With this knowledge, you will be able to assess the security of an organization's information systems and help them to improve their security posture.
Cybersecurity Architect
Cybersecurity Architects design and implement security architectures for organizations. This course will help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful in this role, including a deep understanding of information security concepts, cryptography, and buffer overflows. With this knowledge, you will be able to design and implement security architectures that will protect your organization from cyberattacks.
Mobile Security Engineer
Mobile Security Engineers are responsible for securing mobile applications and infrastructure. This course will help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful in this role, including a deep understanding of information security concepts, cryptography, and buffer overflows. With this knowledge, you will be able to design and implement security measures that will protect your organization's mobile assets from cyberattacks.
Web Security Engineer
Web Security Engineers are responsible for securing web applications and infrastructure. This course will help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful in this role, including a deep understanding of information security concepts, cryptography, and buffer overflows. With this knowledge, you will be able to design and implement security measures that will protect your organization's web applications from cyberattacks.
Buffer Overflow Researcher
Buffer Overflow Researchers identify and exploit buffer overflows in software. This course will help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful in this role, including a deep understanding of buffer overflows. With this knowledge, you will be able to identify and exploit buffer overflows in software and help organizations to improve their security posture.
Security Consultant
Security Consultants provide advice and guidance to organizations on how to protect their information systems from cyberattacks. This course will help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful in this role, including a deep understanding of information security concepts, cryptography, and buffer overflows. With this knowledge, you will be able to help organizations identify and address vulnerabilities in their systems and develop effective security strategies.
Cloud Security Engineer
Cloud Security Engineers are responsible for securing cloud-based applications and infrastructure. This course will help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful in this role, including a deep understanding of information security concepts, cryptography, and buffer overflows. With this knowledge, you will be able to design and implement security measures that will protect your organization's cloud-based assets from cyberattacks.
Security Engineer
Security Engineers design, implement, and maintain security controls to protect an organization's information systems. This course will help you build a strong foundation in information security, cryptography, and buffer overflows, all of which are essential skills for a Security Engineer. With this knowledge, you will be able to design and implement security measures that will protect your organization's data and systems from cyberattacks.
Network Security Engineer
Network Security Engineers design, implement, and maintain security controls to protect an organization's network infrastructure. This course will help you build a strong foundation in information security, cryptography, and buffer overflows, all of which are essential skills for a Network Security Engineer. With this knowledge, you will be able to design and implement security measures that will protect your organization's network from cyberattacks.
Cryptographer
Cryptographers design and analyze cryptographic algorithms and protocols. This course will help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful in this role, including a deep understanding of cryptography and buffer overflows. With this knowledge, you will be able to design and analyze cryptographic algorithms and protocols that will protect your organization's data from cyberattacks.
Hash Function Designer
Hash Function Designers design and analyze hash functions. This course will help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful in this role, including a deep understanding of cryptography and buffer overflows. With this knowledge, you will be able to design and analyze hash functions that will protect your organization's data from cyberattacks.
Authentication Scheme Designer
Authentication Scheme Designers design and analyze authentication schemes. This course will help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful in this role, including a deep understanding of cryptography and buffer overflows. With this knowledge, you will be able to design and analyze authentication schemes that will protect your organization's data from cyberattacks.
Information Security Manager
Information Security Managers plan and carry out security measures to protect an organization's computer networks and systems. This course will help you build a foundation in information security, cryptography, and buffer overflows, all of which are essential knowledge for an Information Security Manager. With this knowledge, you will be able to better protect your organization's data and systems from cyberattacks.

Reading list

We've selected 23 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Unlocking Information Security I: From Cryptography to Buffer Overflows.
This classic textbook provides a comprehensive overview of cryptography and network security, covering both the principles and the practical applications of these technologies. It valuable resource for both students and professionals in the field.
Provides a comprehensive introduction to information security, covering topics such as risk management, security policies, and security technologies. It's a good resource for understanding the broader context of information security.
Provides a clear and concise introduction to the principles of cryptography. It's a good starting point for understanding the basics of cryptography.
Provides a comprehensive overview of network security, covering both the technical and the managerial aspects of the field. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about how to protect networks from attack.
Provides a practical guide to information security, covering a wide range of topics from risk assessment to incident response. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about how to protect information assets from attack.
Practical guide to network security, covering a wide range of topics from ethical hacking to incident response. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about how to protect networks from attack.
Fascinating look at the human element of security. It provides insights into how attackers use social engineering techniques to gain access to information and systems. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about how to protect themselves from these attacks.
Provides a hands-on introduction to hacking techniques. It's a good resource for understanding how hackers think and how to protect against their attacks.
Provides a comprehensive overview of security engineering, covering a wide range of topics from risk assessment to incident response. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about how to design and build secure systems.
Provides a practical guide to malware analysis. It's a valuable resource for understanding how malware works and how to detect and prevent it.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of computer security, covering both the technical and the managerial aspects of the field. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about how to protect computers and networks from attack.
Provides a practical guide to network security, covering a wide range of topics from risk assessment to incident response. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about how to protect networks from attack.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of computer security, covering both the technical and the managerial aspects of the field. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about how to protect computers and networks from attack.
Provides an overview of the psychology of security, focusing on the human factors that influence security decisions and behaviors. It's a valuable resource for understanding how to improve security awareness and training.
Provides a basic overview of cybersecurity, covering a wide range of topics from risk assessment to incident response. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about cybersecurity.
Provides a practical guide to penetration testing, covering a wide range of topics from reconnaissance to exploitation. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about how to test the security of networks and systems.
Provides a practical guide to cryptography for developers. It's a valuable resource for understanding how to implement cryptographic algorithms and protocols in your own applications.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of cryptography, covering both the theoretical and the practical aspects of the field. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about how cryptography works and how to use it effectively.
Provides a comprehensive overview of computer security, covering both the technical and the managerial aspects of the field. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about how to protect computers and networks from attack.
Provides a hands-on introduction to computer security. It's a valuable resource for understanding how to protect your computer and data from security threats.
Provides a hands-on introduction to network security. It's a valuable resource for understanding how to protect your network from security threats.

Share

Help others find this course page by sharing it with your friends and followers:

Similar courses

Here are nine courses similar to Unlocking Information Security I: From Cryptography to Buffer Overflows.
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2024 OpenCourser