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Encryption and Decryption using C++

Mohamed Ashraf

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.

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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.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
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

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Reviews summary

C++ vigenere encryption for beginners

According to students, this course provides a solid introduction to cryptography fundamentals using the Vigenere technique in C++. Learners particularly appreciate the hands-on project approach, which helps solidify understanding of concepts like ASCII codes and type casting through practical application. Many find it an excellent starting point for diving into security engineering. While highly beneficial for beginner programmers or those new to cryptography, some more experienced learners might find the content too basic and limited in scope, focusing primarily on one algorithm. The course is generally viewed as clear and well-structured, preparing students for further exploration.
Instruction clarity aids understanding of complex technical details.
"The instructor explains the C++ concepts needed for this project very clearly, which was essential for me as a beginner."
"I found the guidance excellent, especially for debugging the code throughout the project, making it less frustrating."
"The way the project breaks down the process into manageable steps makes it easy to follow even for a complete beginner in crypto."
Deep dives into Vigenere, providing a strong foundational understanding.
"The detailed explanation of the Vigenere cipher was a highlight; I now understand how it works thoroughly and can implement it."
"Applying ASCII codes and type casting within the encryption context was very insightful for me, building a practical skill."
"I found the mathematical operations on characters particularly well-explained, making the C++ usage clear and impactful."
Provides an accessible and practical introduction to encryption.
"This project is a great starting point for anyone new to cryptography, very clear and easy to follow."
"I appreciated the hands-on coding aspect; it made Vigenere encryption much easier to grasp than just reading about it."
"The course really helped me solidify my understanding of basic encryption concepts and C++ character manipulation in a practical way."
Some learners outside North America may experience platform issues.
"The course description mentioned potential issues for learners outside North America, which is a key consideration for global students."
"I've heard some people in other regions had trouble accessing the full guided project experience, which could be a concern."
"It might be worth checking if your region fully supports the guided project environment before enrolling to avoid any disruptions."
Content might be too foundational for experienced C++ or crypto learners.
"For someone already knowing C++ or having some crypto background, this course might feel a bit too basic and repetitive."
"I was hoping for more advanced encryption algorithms, but this only covers Vigenere, which felt a bit limited."
"If you're beyond beginner level, you might want a course with deeper theoretical insights or more complex projects than this."

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
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
Show steps
  • 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
Enhance your understanding through discussions and knowledge exchange with peers.
Show steps
  • 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
Strengthen your understanding of the Vigenere cipher by implementing it in a programming language.
Show steps
  • Choose a programming language and environment.
  • Implement the Vigenere encryption algorithm.
  • Implement the Vigenere decryption algorithm.
  • Test your implementation with various inputs and keys.
Show all three activities

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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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

Reading list

We've selected 14 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 and Decryption using C++.
Cover image
Cryptography and Network Security: Principles and...
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of cryptography and network security, covering both the principles and the practical applications. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about this field.
Cryptography and Network Security: Principles and...
Paperback
$$$
Security Engineering and Tobias on Locks Two-Book...
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of security engineering. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about this field.
Security Engineering and Tobias on Locks Two-Book...
Hardcover
$$$$
Cover image
Applied Cryptography
Save
Practical guide to cryptography. It provides detailed descriptions of cryptographic algorithms and protocols, and it includes source code in C that you can use to implement them.
Applied Cryptography: Protocols, Algorithms and...
Hardcover
$$$
Applied Cryptography: Protocols, Algorithms, and...
Hardcover
$$$$
Applied Cryptography: Protocols, Algorithms, and...
Paperback
$$
Applied Cryptography: Protocols, Algorithms, and...
Paperback
$$$$
Applied Cryptography: Protocols, Algorithms and...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Hacking: The Art of Exploitation, 2nd Edition
Save
Provides a practical guide to hacking. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about this topic.
Hacking: The Art of Exploitation, 2nd Edition
Paperback
$$
Hacking: The Art of Exploitation, 2nd Edition
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Introduction to Modern Cryptography
Save
Provides a more theoretical treatment of cryptography than the previous one. It good choice for students who want to learn more about the mathematical foundations of cryptography.
Introduction to Modern Cryptography: Third Edition...
Hardcover
$$$
Introduction to Modern Cryptography (Chapman &...
Hardcover
$$$
Introduction to Modern Cryptography: Principles and...
Hardcover
$$$
Introduction to Modern Cryptography (Chapman &...
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
Network Security Essentials: Applications and...
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of network security. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about this field.
Network Security Essentials: Applications and...
Paperback
$$$
Cover image
CUCKOO'S EGG
Save
Classic account of a real-life computer espionage case. It fascinating read for anyone who is interested in the history of hacking.
CUCKOO'S EGG
Kindle Edition
$$
High-Tech Heretic: Reflections of a Computer...
Paperback
$$
Silicon Snake Oil: Second Thoughts on the...
Paperback
$$
(日本語) The Cuckoo's Egg: Tracking a Spy Through the Mazeof...
Tankobon Hardcover
$$
Cover image
Cryptography
Save
Provides a comprehensive and rigorous treatment of the foundational concepts of cryptography. It valuable resource for students, researchers, and practitioners who want to gain a deep understanding of this field.
Cryptography
Paperback
Check
Cryptography
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Cryptography Engineering
Save
Provides a comprehensive and practical guide to the design and implementation of secure systems. It valuable resource for students, practitioners, and anyone interested in understanding the latest developments in this field.
Cryptography Engineering: Design Principles and...
Paperback
$$
Cryptography Engineering: Design Principles and...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Ghost in the Wires
Save
Is an autobiography of one of the most famous hackers in the world. It fascinating read for anyone who is interested in the world of hacking.
Ghost In The Wires: My Adventures as the World's...
Paperback
$$
Cover image
The Way of the Warrior
Save
Classic work on military strategy. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the art of war.
The Path of the Warrior Ornate Box Set: The Art of...
Hardcover
$$
The Way of the Warrior: Deluxe Silkbound Editions...
Hardcover
$$
The Way of the Warrior: The Way of the Samurai, The...
Hardcover
$$
Cover image
The Art of Deception
Save
Provides practical advice on how to protect yourself from social engineering attacks. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about this topic.
The Art of Deception: Controlling the Human Element...
Hardcover
$$
The Art of Deception: Controlling the Human Element...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
The 48 Laws of Power (Special Power Edition)
Save
Modern classic on the art of power. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about how to gain and maintain power.
The 48 Laws of Power (Special Power Edition) (Joost...
Paperback
$$
Cover image
Fermat's Enigma
Save
Popular science book that provides a fascinating overview of the history of cryptography. It great choice for anyone who wants to learn more about this topic in a non-technical way.
Fermat's Enigma
Paperback
Check
Fermat's Enigma
Kindle Edition
Check

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Course image
Effort
1 hour and 10 minutes
Level
Intermediate
Via
Coursera
Institution
Coursera Project Network
Instructor
Mohamed Ashraf
Language
English
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
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
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