CS-458: Introduction to Cryptography (Fall 2022)

This course provides an introduction to cryptography and the main types of primitives utilised in technical security mechanisms and security protocols embedded in widely used applications (web, messaging, data storage, etc.). It covers classical cryptosystems, private-key cryptosystems (including DES and AES), hashing and public-key cryptosystems (including RSA, Diffie Hellman and ECC). The course discusses application security requirements and how these can be matched to cryptographic primitive security properties. The course introduces the main principles for the correct application of cryptographic techniques and elaborates on generic and specific attacks targeting wrongly implemented or misconfigured applications.

Some of the topics we will cover in class:

• The context of cryptography
• Classical and modern cryptosystems
• Cryptographic attacks and their implications
• Malicious use of cryptography
• Challenges for users and law enforcement
• Technology trends

Learning Objectives

• Introduce students to the main types of cryptographic primitives
• Describe the field of cryptography and its relation to security
• Describe classical ciphers and ways to cryptanalyze them
• Implement classical ciphers
• Describe classical ciphers and ways to cryptanalyze them
• Explain the mathematical concepts underlying certain public key algorithms
• Describe modern public-key cryptosystems and ways to cryptanalyze them
• Implement and cryptanalyze private and public key ciphers

The final grade is calculated as follows:

• 45% Assignments:
  • 45% Assignments 1, 2, 3 (equally weighted)
• 55% Written exams (best case):
  • 15% midterm + 40% final
  • 55% final
• 10% Capture-the-Flag (CTF) contest (bonus)

Instructor: Dr. Harry Manifavas

Lectures: Mon, Fri 12-2

Lab Hours: Thu 12-2 (You will be notified via email)

Location: A.125

Course Area: Software Systems and Applications (E5)

Course Credits: 6 ECTS

Prerequisites:

• CS-118: Discrete Mathematics
• CS-240: Data Structures

Suggested:

• CS-345: Operating Systems

Related courses:

• CS-457: Introduction to Information Security Systems
• CS-457-1: Digital Forensics

Course staff	Email	Office	Office Hours
Instructor: Dr. Harry Manifavas	harryman [at] ics.forth.gr	TBA	TBA
Teaching Assistant: Basha Skerdi	sbash [at] csd.uoc.gr	B210	TBA
Teaching Assistant: Kalochristianakis Dionisis	dionkal [at] csd.uoc.gr	B210	TBA