Course Length:

40 hours over 10 weeks (2 two-hour meetings per week)

Course Description:

Mathematical foundations for information security (number theory, finite fields, discrete logarithms, information theory, elliptic curves). Cryptography. Encryption systems (classical, DES, Rijndael, RSA). Cryptanalytic techniques. Simple protocols. Techniques for data security (digital signatures, hash algorithms, secret sharing, zero-knowledge techniques). Prerequisite: Mathematical maturity at least at the level of upper-division engineering students.

Course Learning Objective:

Understanding of basic notions of cryptology and the underlying mathematical ideas and techniques. Proficiency in several encryption and decryption techniques. Awareness of simple protocols and techniques for data security.

Major Topics:

Vulnerabilities in and threats to information security. Tools (such as encryption, key management, and cryptographic strength) for protecting communications, data, files, information, and keying material. Applications of cryptography to identification, authentication, and protecting privacy.

Method of Instruction:

Lecture, assignments, projects, presentations

Evaluation Methods:

Tests, assignments, projects, presentations