CS-458: Introduction to Cryptography (Fall 2025)


Introduction

This course introduces the fundamental concepts of cryptography, focusing on the cryptographic primitives used in modern security mechanisms and protocols embedded in widely used applications, such as web communications, messaging, and data storage. The topics covered include classical cryptosystems, symmetric key cryptosystems (e.g., DES, 3DES, AES), and public key cryptosystems (e.g., RSA, Diffie-Hellman, DSA, ECC). Additionally, hashing algorithms like SHA-1, SHA-2, and SHA-3 are discussed. Students will explore the security requirements of various applications and how cryptographic primitives can be effectively applied to meet these needs. The course also emphasizes common cryptographic failures, such as poor implementation or configuration, and highlights different types of cryptographic attacks. The course concludes with an introduction to quantum-resilient cryptography, post-quantum cryptography and quantum key distribution.

Learning Objectives

Grading

The final grade is calculated as follows:

Information

Instructor: Dr. Harry Manifavas

Lectures: Mon, Fri 11:15 - 13:00

Lectures/Lab: Wed 11:15 - 13:00 (You will be notified via email)

Location: A.125

Course Area: Software Systems and Applications (E5)

Course Credits: 6 ECTS

Prerequisites:

Suggested:

Related courses:

This course was taught again in:

Course staff Email Office Office Hours
Instructor: Dr. Harry Manifavas harryman [at] ics.forth.gr TBA TBA
Teaching Assistant: Giannis Vlachogiannakis gvlach [at] csd.uoc.gr B210 TBA
Teaching Assistant: Tsagkarakis Pantelis csd5075 [at] csd.uoc.gr B210 TBA

Course staff

Instr. Dr. Harry Manifavas (harryman)

T.A. Giannis Vlachogiannakis

T.A. Tsagkarakis Pantelis

Textbooks