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A Cloud Guru

Welcome to the Encryption Fundamentals course! In this course, we'll explore the basic concepts of cryptography and encryption and discuss the history of the subject from ancient times to the modern-day. We will also take a detailed look at how encryption works in practice and learn how we can use it to keep our data secure.

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Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Develops foundational knowledge of encryption
Taught by A Cloud Guru, leaders in Cloud Computing education
Relevant to anyone interested in Cybersecurity, Data Security, and IT
Provides historical context of cryptography
No explicit prerequisite experience is required

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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 Encryption Fundamentals with these activities:
Review a book on network security
Network security is closely tied to encryption. Reviewing a book dedicated to network security will enhance your understanding of how encryption fits into the broader landscape of protecting networks.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of the book.
  • Read through the chapters related to encryption and network security.
  • Summarize the key concepts and technologies discussed in the book.
Create a presentation on the history of cryptography
By presenting the evolution of cryptography, you will gain a deeper appreciation for the development of encryption techniques and their impact on society.
Browse courses on Classical Cryptography
Show steps
  • Research the key milestones and figures in the history of cryptography.
  • Organize the information into a logical flow for a presentation.
  • Design slides that effectively convey the historical context and technical concepts.
  • Practice delivering the presentation and gather feedback from peers or mentors.
Review modes of operation
Reviewing the different modes of operation in a step-by-step fashion will help you to solidify your understanding of these important concepts in cryptography.
Show steps
  • Read the course materials on modes of operation.
  • Review the NIST Special Publication 800-38A.
  • Create flash cards to test your understanding of the different modes.
Three other activities
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Practice encrypting and decrypting data
To become proficient in the application of encryption, practice encrypting and decrypting data using various methods and algorithms.
Browse courses on Encryption Algorithms
Show steps
  • Select an encryption algorithm and familiarize yourself with its parameters.
  • Use a cryptography library or tool to implement the encryption and decryption process.
  • Encrypt and decrypt sample data sets, varying the key size and other parameters.
Follow a tutorial on public-key cryptography and digital signatures
Understanding public-key cryptography and digital signatures is critical in modern encryption practices. Dive deeper through guided tutorials.
Browse courses on Public-Key Cryptography
Show steps
  • Identify a comprehensive tutorial on public-key cryptography and digital signatures.
  • Work through the tutorial, taking notes and experimenting with the code examples.
  • Implement a simple public-key encryption and digital signature scheme for a messaging application.
Develop a security plan that incorporates encryption
To fully grasp the practical applications of encryption, apply your knowledge to create a comprehensive security plan that incorporates encryption for real-world scenarios.
Browse courses on Security Planning
Show steps
  • Identify the assets and vulnerabilities that need protection.
  • Research and select appropriate encryption algorithms and techniques.
  • Design an implementation plan for integrating encryption into existing systems or processes.
  • Document the security plan, including encryption protocols, key management, and recovery procedures.

Career center

Learners who complete Encryption Fundamentals will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Cryptographer
Cryptographers are responsible for developing and implementing encryption algorithms and protocols to protect sensitive data. This course provides a solid foundation in the principles of cryptography, which is essential for success in this role. You will learn about the different types of encryption algorithms, how they work, and how to use them to protect data from unauthorized access.
Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)
CISOs are responsible for developing and implementing an organization's information security strategy. This course provides a solid foundation in the principles of cryptography, which is essential for success in this role. You will learn about the different types of encryption algorithms, how they work, and how to use them to protect data from unauthorized access.
Information Security Analyst
Information security analysts are responsible for protecting an organization's computer systems and networks from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. This course provides a strong foundation in the principles of cryptography, which is essential for success in this role. You will learn about the different types of encryption algorithms, how they work, and how to use them to protect data from unauthorized access.
Security Engineer
Security engineers are responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining security measures to protect an organization's computer systems and networks. This course provides a foundation in the principles of cryptography, which is essential for success in this role. You will learn about the different types of encryption algorithms, how they work, and how to use them to protect data from unauthorized access.
Network Security Engineer
Network security engineers are responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining security measures to protect an organization's computer networks. This course provides a strong foundation in the principles of cryptography, which is essential for success in this role. You will learn about the different types of encryption algorithms, how they work, and how to use them to protect data from unauthorized access.
IT Auditor
IT auditors are responsible for evaluating an organization's IT systems and controls to ensure that they are secure and compliant with regulations. This course provides a foundation in the principles of cryptography, which is essential for success in this role. You will learn about the different types of encryption algorithms, how they work, and how to use them to protect data from unauthorized access.
Software Engineer
Software engineers are responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining software applications. This course provides a foundation in the principles of cryptography, which can be beneficial for software engineers who work on security-related projects. You will learn about the different types of encryption algorithms, how they work, and how to use them to protect data from unauthorized access.
Data Scientist
Data scientists are responsible for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data to help organizations make better decisions. This course provides a foundation in the principles of cryptography, which can be useful for data scientists who work with sensitive data. You will learn about the different types of encryption algorithms, how they work, and how to use them to protect data from unauthorized access.
Database Administrator
Database administrators are responsible for managing and maintaining databases. This course provides a foundation in the principles of cryptography, which can be useful for database administrators who work with sensitive data. You will learn about the different types of encryption algorithms, how they work, and how to use them to protect data from unauthorized access.
IT Manager
IT managers are responsible for planning, directing, and coordinating an organization's IT resources. This course provides a foundation in the principles of cryptography, which can be useful for IT managers who are responsible for overseeing the security of an organization's IT systems and networks. You will learn about the different types of encryption algorithms, how they work, and how to use them to protect data from unauthorized access.
Privacy Officer
Privacy officers are responsible for developing and implementing an organization's privacy policies and procedures. This course provides a foundation in the principles of cryptography, which can be useful for privacy officers who are responsible for protecting an organization's sensitive data. You will learn about the different types of encryption algorithms, how they work, and how to use them to protect data from unauthorized access.
Compliance Officer
Compliance officers are responsible for ensuring that an organization complies with all applicable laws and regulations. This course provides a foundation in the principles of cryptography, which can be useful for compliance officers who are responsible for protecting an organization's sensitive data. You will learn about the different types of encryption algorithms, how they work, and how to use them to protect data from unauthorized access.
Risk Manager
Risk managers are responsible for identifying and assessing risks to an organization. This course provides a foundation in the principles of cryptography, which can be useful for risk managers who are responsible for assessing the risks associated with the use of encryption. You will learn about the different types of encryption algorithms, how they work, and how to use them to protect data from unauthorized access.
Auditor
Auditors are responsible for examining an organization's financial records and operations to ensure that they are accurate and compliant with regulations. This course provides a foundation in the principles of cryptography, which can be useful for auditors who are responsible for auditing an organization's IT systems and networks. You will learn about the different types of encryption algorithms, how they work, and how to use them to protect data from unauthorized access.
Accountant
Accountants are responsible for preparing and maintaining financial records and reports. This course provides a foundation in the principles of cryptography, which can be useful for accountants who are responsible for protecting an organization's financial data. You will learn about the different types of encryption algorithms, how they work, and how to use them to protect data from unauthorized access.

Reading list

We've selected eight 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 Encryption Fundamentals.
Provides a comprehensive overview of cryptography and network security, covering both the theoretical foundations and practical applications. It valuable resource for students and professionals alike.
Provides a thorough introduction to modern cryptography, covering both the mathematical foundations and practical applications. It valuable resource for students and researchers.
Provides a comprehensive overview of information security, covering a wide range of topics from risk assessment to incident response.
Provides a comprehensive guide to security engineering, covering a wide range of topics from risk assessment to incident response.
Provides a unique perspective on security from the point of view of a former hacker. It covers a wide range of topics, from social engineering to physical security.
Provides a comprehensive overview of computer security, covering a wide range of topics from risk assessment to incident response.
Provides a comprehensive overview of applied cryptography. It covers a wide range of topics, from basic concepts to advanced algorithms.

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