Encryption and Decryption using C++ from Coursera

By the end of this project, you will be able to create a basic application using Vigenere encryption-decryption technique to encrypt and decrypt messages. Throughout the project, you will be able to identify the basics of cryptography and how to encrypt and decrypt messages using a specific technique, you will be able to apply concepts like ASCII codes and type casting. Moreover, you will be able to do some mathematical operations on characters, and finally you will be ready to dive more into the cryptography world.

This guided project is for beginner programmers or any programmer who would like to enter the cryptography world. This project will be the beginning for you to build applications to encrypt and decrypt messages coming from the user using a certain technique. This project will give you the basic knowledge of cryptography and push you into the security engineering field.

Note: This course works best for learners who are based in the North America region. We’re currently working on providing the same experience in other regions.

What's inside

Syllabus

Project Overview

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Teaches learners how to use Vigenere encryption technique to encrypt and decrypt messages, which is applicable to any programming language

Provides a hands-on approach through a guided project, giving learners the opportunity to apply what they learn

Suitable for individuals transitioning from non-programming roles, providing a basic understanding of cryptography

This course is part of a larger series, indicating a potential for more advanced topics in cryptography

Covers the fundamentals of cryptography, including ASCII codes and type casting

May require supplemental resources for learners with no prior programming experience

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 and Decryption using C++ with these activities:

Read and Analyze 'The Code Book' by Simon Singh

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Gain a broader perspective on cryptography by delving into the historical and theoretical aspects discussed in this classic book.

View Fermat's Enigma on Amazon

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Obtain a copy of 'The Code Book'.
Read the book thoroughly.
Identify key concepts and principles related to cryptography.
Summarize and analyze the book's insights.

Engage in Peer-to-Peer Vigenere Cipher Discussions

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Enhance your understanding through discussions and knowledge exchange with peers.

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Join or start a study group focused on the Vigenere cipher.
Participate actively in discussions, sharing insights and questions.
Collaborate on solving problems related to the cipher.
Provide constructive feedback to peers.

Practice Implementing the Vigenere Cipher

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Strengthen your understanding of the Vigenere cipher by implementing it in a programming language.

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Choose a programming language and environment.
Implement the Vigenere encryption algorithm.
Implement the Vigenere decryption algorithm.
Test your implementation with various inputs and keys.

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Career center

Learners who complete Encryption and Decryption using C++ will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Cryptographer

A Cryptographer designs and analyzes cryptographic algorithms. This course provides a foundation in cryptography, which is essential for developing and breaking codes. By understanding how to encrypt and decrypt messages, learners can gain valuable skills for a career in cryptography.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cryptographer

Malware Analyst

A Malware Analyst analyzes malware to identify its purpose and behavior. This course provides a foundation in cryptography, which is essential for understanding how malware works. By understanding how to encrypt and decrypt data, learners can gain valuable skills for a career in malware analysis.

See salaries and explore the career path for Malware Analyst

Forensic Computer Analyst

A Forensic Computer Analyst investigates computer systems and networks for evidence of crimes. This course provides a foundation in cryptography, which is essential for understanding how to recover and analyze encrypted data. By understanding how to encrypt and decrypt messages, learners can gain valuable skills for a career in forensic computer analysis.

See salaries and explore the career path for Forensic Computer Analyst

Information Security Analyst

An Information Security Analyst is responsible for protecting an organization's computer systems and networks from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. This course provides a foundation in cryptography, which is essential for protecting data and communications. By understanding how to encrypt and decrypt messages, learners can gain valuable skills for a career in information security.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst

Penetration Tester

A Penetration Tester tests computer systems and networks for vulnerabilities. This course provides a foundation in cryptography, which is essential for understanding how to break codes. By understanding how to encrypt and decrypt messages, learners can gain valuable skills for a career in penetration testing.

See salaries and explore the career path for Penetration Tester

Security Engineer

A Security Engineer designs, implements, and maintains security systems. This course provides a foundation in cryptography, which is essential for protecting data and communications. By understanding how to encrypt and decrypt messages, learners can gain valuable skills for a career in security engineering.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Engineer

Security Consultant

A Security Consultant provides advice and guidance on security matters. This course provides a foundation in cryptography, which is essential for understanding how to protect data and communications. By understanding how to encrypt and decrypt messages, learners can gain valuable skills for a career in security consulting.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Consultant

Cybersecurity Engineer

A Cybersecurity Engineer protects computer systems and networks from cyberattacks. This course provides a foundation in cryptography, which is essential for protecting data and communications. By understanding how to encrypt and decrypt messages, learners can gain valuable skills for a career in cybersecurity.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cybersecurity Engineer

Computer Scientist

A Computer Scientist designs, develops, and analyzes computer systems. This course provides a foundation in cryptography, which is essential for protecting data and communications. By understanding how to encrypt and decrypt messages, learners can gain valuable skills for a career in computer science.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Scientist

Software Developer

A Software Developer designs, develops, and maintains software applications. This course provides a foundation in cryptography, which is essential for securing software applications. By understanding how to encrypt and decrypt data, learners can gain valuable skills for a career in software development.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Developer

Software Engineer

A Software Engineer designs, develops, and maintains software applications. This course provides a foundation in cryptography, which is essential for securing software applications. By understanding how to encrypt and decrypt data, learners can gain valuable skills for a career in software engineering.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Network Engineer

A Network Engineer designs, implements, and maintains computer networks. This course provides a foundation in cryptography, which is essential for securing network traffic. By understanding how to encrypt and decrypt data, learners can gain valuable skills for a career in network engineering.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Engineer

Data Analyst

A Data Analyst analyzes data to extract insights and make predictions. This course provides a foundation in cryptography, which is essential for protecting data privacy. By understanding how to encrypt and decrypt data, learners can gain valuable skills for a career in data analysis.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Database Administrator

A Database Administrator designs, implements, and maintains databases. This course provides a foundation in cryptography, which is essential for protecting data privacy. By understanding how to encrypt and decrypt data, learners can gain valuable skills for a career in database administration.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator

Data Scientist

A Data Scientist analyzes data to extract insights and make predictions. This course provides a foundation in cryptography, which is essential for protecting data privacy. By understanding how to encrypt and decrypt data, learners can gain valuable skills for a career in data science.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist