Introduction to Applied Cryptography from Coursera

This course is a non-mathematical introduction to the role that cryptography plays in providing digital security for everyday applications such as the internet, mobile phones, wireless networks and cryptocurrency.

In this introductory course you will develop an understanding of the functionality and purpose of the main cryptographic tools we use today. You will learn how to make decisions about which cryptographic tools are most appropriate to deploy in specific settings. You will also explore the wider infrastructure surrounding cryptography and how this impacts the overall security of systems deploying cryptography.

Cryptography provides the core toolkit that underpins most digital security technologies. An understanding of what cryptography does, and its limitations, is critical to developing a wider appreciation of the security of everyday digital applications. Since cryptography provides tools for atomic security services such as confidentiality and data integrity, an appreciation of cryptography will also equips you with a fundamental understanding of what security means in cyberspace.

Learning outcomes for the module.

By the end of this module learners will be able to:

1. Explain the precise role that cryptography plays in the security of any digital system.

2. Appreciate the breadth of use of cryptography to support security of digital systems.

3. Identify core concepts and terminology concerning use of cryptography

4. Assess the points of vulnerability relating to cryptography in any digital system deploying it.

What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction to the course and the Cryptographic Toolkit

In week 1 we discuss the need for cryptography and the core security services it provides.

Applications of Cryptography

In week 2 we discuss uses of cryptography to support a wide range of digital systems.

Cryptosystems

In week 3 we explain the main components of a cryptosystem and introduce some core terminology.

Attacking Cryptosystems

In week 4 we identify various ways in which an attacker could try to overcome the protection offered by cryptography.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Ideal for beginners who want an accessible introduction to digital security

Designed for those with an interest in understanding the fundamentals of cryptography

Appropriate for professionals seeking to enhance their knowledge of cryptography in digital systems

May be beneficial for those working in IT or cybersecurity

Introduces essential concepts for understanding cryptography's role in modern digital applications

Course is taught by Professor Keith M. Martin, who has expertise in cryptography and digital security

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 Introduction to Applied Cryptography with these activities:

Connect with Cryptography Experts

Show steps

Seek guidance and mentorship from experienced professionals in the field of cryptography.

Browse courses on Cryptography

Show steps

Identify potential mentors through networking events or online platforms
Reach out to potential mentors and express your interest in their expertise
Establish regular communication and ask specific questions to gain insights

Network Security with Cryptography

Show steps

Gain a comprehensive understanding of cryptography and its applications in network security.

View Cryptography and Network Security: Principles... on Amazon

Show steps

Read through the book and focus on the chapters related to cryptography
Work through the practice problems and exercises provided in the book
Summarize the key concepts and techniques learned from the book

Peer Study Group

Show steps

Engage in discussions and collaborate with peers to enhance your understanding of cryptography.

Browse courses on Cryptography

Show steps

Form a study group with other students in the course
Meet regularly to discuss course materials, ask questions, and work through problems together
Share notes, resources, and insights with each other

Three other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all six activities

Cryptography Tutorials

Show steps

Deepen your understanding of cryptographic algorithms and protocols through guided tutorials.

Browse courses on Cryptography

Show steps

Find online tutorials on cryptography fundamentals
Follow along with video demonstrations and explanations
Practice implementing simple cryptographic algorithms

Course Notes Compilation

Show steps

Organize and summarize course materials to improve retention and recall.

Show steps

Review lecture slides, readings, and notes
Summarize key concepts and ideas in your own words
Create a comprehensive set of notes that covers the entire course

Cryptographic Problem-Solving

Show steps

Test and reinforce your cryptographic knowledge by solving practice problems.

Browse courses on Cryptography

Show steps

Solve practice problems on topics such as encryption, decryption, and hashing
Analyze different cryptographic algorithms and their strengths and weaknesses
Participate in online forums or communities to discuss solutions and approaches

Career center

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

Cryptography Engineer

Cryptography Engineers design and implement cryptographic systems and protocols to protect data and communications from unauthorized access. They also analyze and test cryptographic algorithms to ensure their security and performance. This course provides a strong foundation for a career as a Cryptography Engineer. It covers the core concepts of cryptography, including encryption, decryption, hashing, and digital signatures. It also discusses the different types of cryptographic algorithms and their applications. This course will help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to design and implement secure cryptographic systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cryptography Engineer

Information Security Analyst

Information Security Analysts plan and implement security measures to protect an organization's computer systems and networks. They also monitor security systems for vulnerabilities and threats. This course provides a valuable foundation for a career as an Information Security Analyst. It covers the core concepts of cryptography, including encryption, decryption, hashing, and digital signatures. It also discusses the different types of cryptographic algorithms and their applications. This course will help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to protect an organization's computer systems and networks from unauthorized access.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst

Network Security Engineer

Network Security Engineers design, implement, and maintain network security systems to protect an organization's network from unauthorized access. They also monitor network security systems for vulnerabilities and threats. This course provides a valuable foundation for a career as a Network Security Engineer. It covers the core concepts of cryptography, including encryption, decryption, hashing, and digital signatures. It also discusses the different types of cryptographic algorithms and their applications. This course will help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to design and implement secure network security systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Security Engineer

Cybersecurity Analyst

Cybersecurity Analysts investigate and respond to cybersecurity incidents. They also develop and implement cybersecurity policies and procedures. This course provides a valuable foundation for a career as a Cybersecurity Analyst. It covers the core concepts of cryptography, including encryption, decryption, hashing, and digital signatures. It also discusses the different types of cryptographic algorithms and their applications. This course will help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to investigate and respond to cybersecurity incidents.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cybersecurity Analyst

Software Developer

Software Developers design, develop, and implement software applications. They also maintain and update existing software applications. Cryptography is increasingly used to protect software applications from unauthorized access and modification. This course provides a valuable foundation for Software Developers who want to develop secure software applications. It covers the core concepts of cryptography, including encryption, decryption, hashing, and digital signatures. It also discusses the different types of cryptographic algorithms and their applications. This course will help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to design and develop secure software applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Developer

Web Developer

Web Developers design, develop, and implement websites. They also maintain and update existing websites. Cryptography is increasingly used to protect websites from unauthorized access and modification. This course may be useful for Web Developers who want to develop secure websites. It covers the core concepts of cryptography, including encryption, decryption, hashing, and digital signatures. It also discusses the different types of cryptographic algorithms and their applications. This course will help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to design and develop secure websites.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer

IT Security Consultant

IT Security Consultants advise organizations on how to protect their computer systems and networks from unauthorized access. They also help organizations develop and implement security policies and procedures. This course provides a valuable foundation for a career as an IT Security Consultant. It covers the core concepts of cryptography, including encryption, decryption, hashing, and digital signatures. It also discusses the different types of cryptographic algorithms and their applications. This course will help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to advise organizations on how to protect their computer systems and networks from unauthorized access.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Security Consultant

Systems Administrator

Systems Administrators manage and maintain computer systems and networks. They also install and update software and hardware. Cryptography is increasingly used to protect computer systems and networks from unauthorized access. This course may be useful for Systems Administrators who want to manage and maintain secure computer systems and networks. It covers the core concepts of cryptography, including encryption, decryption, hashing, and digital signatures. It also discusses the different types of cryptographic algorithms and their applications. This course will help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to manage and maintain secure computer systems and networks.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Administrator

Security Architect

Security Architects design and implement security solutions to protect an organization's information assets. They also develop and implement security policies and procedures. This course provides a valuable foundation for a career as a Security Architect. It covers the core concepts of cryptography, including encryption, decryption, hashing, and digital signatures. It also discusses the different types of cryptographic algorithms and their applications. This course will help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to design and implement secure security solutions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Architect

Penetration Tester

Penetration Testers identify and exploit vulnerabilities in computer systems and networks. They also develop and implement security measures to protect computer systems and networks from unauthorized access. This course provides a valuable foundation for a career as a Penetration Tester. It covers the core concepts of cryptography, including encryption, decryption, hashing, and digital signatures. It also discusses the different types of cryptographic algorithms and their applications. This course will help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to identify and exploit vulnerabilities in computer systems and networks.

See salaries and explore the career path for Penetration Tester

Cloud Security Engineer

Cloud Security Engineers design and implement security measures to protect cloud computing environments. They also monitor cloud computing environments for vulnerabilities and threats. This course may be useful for Cloud Security Engineers who want to design and implement secure cloud computing environments. It covers the core concepts of cryptography, including encryption, decryption, hashing, and digital signatures. It also discusses the different types of cryptographic algorithms and their applications. This course will help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to design and implement secure cloud computing environments.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cloud Security Engineer

Data Scientist

Data Scientists collect, analyze, and interpret data to help organizations make better decisions. Cryptography is increasingly used to protect data from unauthorized access and modification. This course may be useful for Data Scientists who want to work with sensitive data. It covers the core concepts of cryptography, including encryption, decryption, hashing, and digital signatures. It also discusses the different types of cryptographic algorithms and their applications. This course will help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to work with sensitive data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Blockchain Developer

Blockchain Developers design, develop, and implement blockchain applications. They also maintain and update existing blockchain applications. Cryptography is a fundamental part of blockchain technology. This course provides a valuable foundation for a career as a Blockchain Developer. It covers the core concepts of cryptography, including encryption, decryption, hashing, and digital signatures. It also discusses the different types of cryptographic algorithms and their applications. This course will help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to design and develop secure blockchain applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Blockchain Developer

Risk Analyst

Risk Analysts identify and assess risks to an organization's assets. They also develop and implement risk management strategies. This course may be useful for Risk Analysts who want to assess risks to an organization's information assets. It covers the core concepts of cryptography, including encryption, decryption, hashing, and digital signatures. It also discusses the different types of cryptographic algorithms and their applications. This course will help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to assess risks to an organization's information assets.

See salaries and explore the career path for Risk Analyst

Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)

Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) are responsible for the overall security of an organization's information assets. They develop and implement security policies and procedures. This course provides a valuable foundation for a career as a CISO. It covers the core concepts of cryptography, including encryption, decryption, hashing, and digital signatures. It also discusses the different types of cryptographic algorithms and their applications. This course will help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to develop and implement secure security policies and procedures.

See salaries and explore the career path for Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)