WEEK 5

Cryptography
Basics
October 5, 2024
Agenda
• What is Cryptography? • Challenges in Cryptography

• Types of Cryptography • Future of Cryptography

• Symmetric Encryption • Case Study: SSL/TLS

• Asymmetric Encryption • Case Study: Blockchain

• Symmetric vs. Asymmetric Encryption • Best Practices for Cryptographic

Implementation
• Key Management in Cryptography
• Tips for Studying Cryptography
• Cryptographic Protocols
• Common Misconceptions About
• Public Key Infrastructure (PKI)
Cryptography
• Digital Signatures
• Summary of Cryptography Basics
• Hash Functions
• Next Steps in Cryptography Learning
• Encryption in Everyday Life
What is Cryptography?

01 02 03
Cryptography is the practice of It is essential for protecting Historically, cryptography dates
securing information by sensitive data, ensuring back to ancient civilizations,
transforming it into a format that confidentiality, integrity, and evolving from simple ciphers to
is unreadable to unauthorized authenticity in communications. complex algorithms used today.
users.
 Consider adding specific
Types of Cryptography examples of symmetric and
asymmetric encryption algorithms
to enhance understanding.

Symmetric Encryption Asymmetric Encryption

Symmetric encryption uses the same key for both Asymmetric encryption utilizes a pair of keys: a public
encryption and decryption. It is fast and efficient for key for encryption and a private key for decryption. It
large data but requires secure key distribution. enhances security but is slower than symmetric
encryption.

Key Distribution Challenges Use Cases

Managing and distributing keys securely is a critical Symmetric encryption is commonly used for encrypting
challenge in symmetric encryption. Asymmetric data at rest, while asymmetric encryption is used for
encryption simplifies this by eliminating the need for secure communications, such as SSL/TLS.
secure key sharing.
 Consider adding examples of
Symmetric Encryption where symmetric encryption is
used in real-world applications to
make the content more relatable.

Definition How It Works Advantages

Symmetric encryption uses the same key In symmetric encryption, plaintext is It is generally faster than asymmetric
for both encryption and decryption, transformed into ciphertext using a secret encryption and requires less computational
ensuring secure communication between key. The same key is then used to revert power, making it suitable for encrypting
parties. the ciphertext back to plaintext. large amounts of data.

Disadvantages Common Algorithms Use Cases

Key distribution poses a significant risk; if Popular symmetric encryption algorithms Symmetric encryption is widely used in
the key is compromised, the security of the include AES (Advanced Encryption secure file storage, VPNs (Virtual Private
entire system is at risk. Standard), DES (Data Encryption Standard), Networks), and SSL/TLS for encrypting data
and Blowfish. in transit.
 Consider adding examples of
Asymmetric Encryption each algorithm mentioned to
illustrate their applications more
vividly.

What is Asymmetric encryption uses a pair of keys: a Key Popular asymmetric algorithms include RSA,

Asymmetri public key for encryption and a private key Algorithms DSA, and ECC. Each has unique properties
for decryption. This allows secure and is used in various applications.
c Used
communication without sharing the private
Encryption key.
?

Strengths Its main strengths include enhanced security, Use Cases Asymmetric encryption is widely used in

of as only the public key is shared, and the secure email communications, digital
ability to provide digital signatures for signatures, and SSL/TLS for secure web
Asymmetri
authentication and integrity. browsing.
c
Encryption

Weakness Asymmetric encryption is generally slower Conclusion Asymmetric encryption plays a crucial role in

es of than symmetric encryption, making it less modern security architectures, balancing

suitable for encrypting large amounts of data. security and convenience in data protection.
Asymmetri
c
Encryption
 Consider adding real-world examples of

Symmetric vs. Asymmetric Encryption symmetric and asymmetric encryption

applications to illustrate their differences.
You can also discuss the contexts in
which each type is typically used.

Pros of Symmetric Encryption Cons of Symmetric Encryption

✓ Faster encryption and decryption processes ✕ Key distribution can be challenging, as the
due to the use of a single key. same key must be shared securely between
parties.
✓ Less computational power required, making
it suitable for environments with limited ✕ If the key is compromised, the security of all
resources. communications is at risk.

✓ Ideal for encrypting large amounts of data ✕ Not suitable for scenarios requiring secure
quickly. exchanges between multiple parties.
 Consider including real-world examples

Key Management in Cryptography of key management practices to make

the content more relatable. You could
also discuss specific tools used for key
management.

Importance of Key management is critical in cryptography as it ensures the confidentiality,

Key integrity, and availability of cryptographic keys, which are essential for
Management protecting sensitive data.

Key Techniques include key generation, distribution, storage, rotation, and

Management destruction. Each technique is vital to maintaining the security of
Techniques cryptographic systems.

Challenges in Key management faces challenges like key exposure, loss, and the
Key complexity of managing keys in large systems, which can lead to
Management vulnerabilities.
 Feel free to add more examples of

Cryptographic Protocols cryptographic protocols relevant to

your audience or industry. You can
also include visuals to illustrate
how these protocols function.

Cryptographic protocols ensure secure communication over networks by defining rules for
data transmission and encryption.

SSL/TLS protocols provide a secure channel for web traffic, protecting data during
transmission between users and servers.

IPsec is used to secure Internet Protocol communications by authenticating and encrypting

each IP packet of a communication session.

Other examples include SSH for secure remote access and S/MIME for secure email
communication, demonstrating diverse applications of cryptographic protocols.
 Consider adding examples of PKI
Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) in real-world applications such as
secure email or e-commerce to
enhance understanding.

Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) is a framework that enables secure communication

Definition of PKI
through the management of digital certificates and public-key encryption.

PKI consists of several key components including Certificate Authorities (CAs),

Components of PKI
Registration Authorities (RAs), and digital certificates.

Role in Public Key PKI supports public key cryptography by providing a method to validate the ownership
Cryptography of public keys, ensuring trust in electronic transactions.

PKI is essential for secure communications, enabling authentication, confidentiality,

Importance of PKI
and integrity in digital interactions.
Digital Signatures

Purpose and Function of Digital Signatures

• Digital signatures are used to verify the authenticity of digital

messages or documents, ensuring that the sender is who they
claim to be.

• They provide integrity by ensuring that the content of the

message has not been altered during transmission.

• Digital signatures use cryptographic algorithms to create a

unique hash of the message, which is then encrypted with the
sender's private key.

• Recipients can use the sender's public key to decrypt the Consider adding examples of applications
where digital signatures are commonly
used, such as in email communications
signature and verify both the identity of the sender and the and software distribution, to make the
content more relatable.

integrity of the message.

 Consider providing real-world

Hash Functions examples of where hash functions are

applied, such as in password storage
or file verification, to make the
content more relatable for students.

1 Hash functions are algorithms that convert input 4 Popular hash algorithms include MD5, SHA-1, and
data into a fixed-size string of characters, which SHA-256, each with varying levels of security.
appears random.

2 They are essential for data integrity, ensuring that 5 Hash functions are one-way functions, meaning
any change in input results in a different hash they cannot be reversed to reveal the original
value. data.

3 Common uses of hash functions include verifying 6 In cryptography, hash functions are used in digital
the integrity of files and passwords. signatures and blockchain technology to secure
transactions.
 Consider adding specific
Encryption in Everyday Life examples of popular apps or
services that utilize encryption to
make the content relatable to
students.

Secure Email Messaging Apps

Online Banking Security Communication Protection
Encryption protects sensitive financial Email encryption keeps messages End-to-end encryption in messaging apps
information during online transactions, confidential, preventing unauthorized secures conversations, ensuring that only
ensuring data privacy. access to personal and business intended recipients can read them.
communications.
 Consider providing real-world examples

Challenges in Cryptography of cryptographic challenges, such as

recent data breaches or quantum
computing developments, to make this
content more relatable.

1 2 3
Quantum computing poses a Data integrity remains a The rapid advancement of
significant threat to traditional challenge, as ensuring that technology creates
cryptographic algorithms, information has not been vulnerabilities, requiring
potentially breaking encryption altered during transmission is constant updates and
methods that are currently crucial for maintaining trust in improvements to cryptographic
considered secure. digital communications. techniques to stay ahead of
potential attacks.
 Consider adding specific examples

Future of Cryptography of new cryptographic algorithms or

technologies that are currently in
development to make the content
more relatable.

Post-Quantum Blockchain Innovations Enhanced Privacy

Cryptography Measures

Researchers are developing Blockchain technology continues Emerging technologies are

cryptographic algorithms that to evolve, offering new ways to focusing on enhancing privacy
can withstand the power of secure transactions and through advanced cryptographic
quantum computing, ensuring maintain data integrity through techniques, such as zero-
data security in the future. cryptographic methods. knowledge proofs and
homomorphic encryption.
 Consider including real-world
Case Study: SSL/TLS examples of websites that use
SSL/TLS to enhance trust and
security for users.

Understanding SSL/TLS Protocol SSL/TLS in Web Security

• SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) and TLS
Category 4 (Transport Layer Security) are
cryptographic protocols designed to
provide secure communication over a
computer network.
Category 3
• Widely used to secure data between
web browsers and servers, ensuring
Category 2 privacy and data integrity during
transmission.

• TLS has largely replaced SSL due to

Category 1 improved security features and is
critical for protecting sensitive
information such as credit card
Series 3 Series 2 Series 1
details and personal data.
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Case Study: Blockchain
Role of Cryptography in Benefits of Cryptographic
Blockchain Techniques

• Cryptography secures transaction data, • Enhances trust among users by ensuring

ensuring confidentiality and integrity. data authenticity.

• Each block contains a hash of the previous • Prevents tampering with transaction history
block, linking them securely. through hashing.

• Public-key cryptography enables secure user • Facilitates decentralized consensus

identities and transactions. mechanisms, improving security.
Best Practices for Cryptographic Consider customizing these practices
based on your specific application

Implementation
requirements and threat model. Stay
informed about the latest cryptographic
standards and recommendations.

Always use strong, industry-standard algorithms to ensure the highest level of security.

Regularly update and patch cryptographic software to protect against vulnerabilities.

Implement proper key management practices, including key rotation and secure storage.

Conduct regular security audits and assessments to identify and rectify potential
weaknesses.
 Feel free to adapt these tips
Tips for Studying Cryptography based on your learning style.
Consider adding personal
experiences or resources that
have helped you in your studies.

Start with the fundamentals of Practice coding simple Engage with online resources,
cryptography, including key encryption algorithms to such as courses and forums, to
concepts like encryption and understand their mechanics and connect with other learners and
hashing, to build a strong improve your programming gain diverse perspectives.
foundation. skills.
 You can customize this slide by adding

Common Misconceptions About Cryptography more misconceptions that you have

encountered or by including
explanations relevant to your audience's
prior knowledge of cryptography.

“ Many people believe that cryptography is only about keeping secrets.

While confidentiality is a key aspect, cryptography also ensures data
integrity, authentication, and non-repudiation.

Dr. Jane Smith, Cryptography Expert

“ Another common misconception is that encryption makes data

completely secure. In reality, encryption only protects data while it is
encrypted; vulnerabilities can exist in how data is handled before or after
encryption.

Michael Johnson, Cybersecurity Analyst

 In this presentation, we explored the
foundational concepts of cryptography,
including its definition and significance in
securing information.

We distinguished between symmetric and

asymmetric encryption, highlighting their
Summary of respective advantages and disadvantages.
Cryptography
Additionally, we discussed key
Basics management, cryptographic protocols, and
the vital role they play in maintaining data
integrity and confidentiality.

Understanding these concepts is essential

for navigating the ever-evolving landscape
of digital security.
Next Steps in Consider incorporating hands-on
projects or challenges to reinforce

Cryptography Learning
your learning. Collaborating with
peers can also enhance your
understanding.
• Explore online courses and certifications in
cryptography to deepen your understanding.

• Engage with cryptography communities and

forums to discuss concepts and share
knowledge.

• Experiment with cryptographic algorithms

through coding exercises to gain practical
experience.

• Read books and research papers on advanced

topics in cryptography to stay updated with
current trends.