Cryptography & Protocols

Cryptography is integral to our online world and information systems. It is essential that when building these systems we understand the significance of the cryptographic applications we use. In this module the student will learn the fundamentals of cryptography and its application in security protocols. These protocols allow systems to achieve information security, privacy and trust. Students will learn the mathematics and cryptographic tools to analyse and understand the strengths and shortcomings of such security protocols and will develop an understanding of how to improve insecure systems.

Lecturer: Dr. Muzaffar Rao & Dr. Hazel Murray

Important Information

Entry Requirements

A Level 8 qualification. It should be noted that Cryptography and Protocols has entry requirement that differ from those for the Pathway as a whole. The rationale for this is that the content is not directly related to Systems Architecture but has a wider applicability. 
Learning Outcomes

LO1 Apply mathematical concepts (number theory, geometry, and group theory) to understand the working and capabilities of symmetric cryptography, public key cryptography, digital signatures and hash functions.

LO2 Critically evaluate and enable real-world implementations of symmetric cryptography, public key cryptography, digital signatures, and hash functions.

LO3 Develop security protocols which leverage cryptographic techniques to achieve confidentiality, authentication, and key exchange.

LO4 Analyse future cryptographic needs and applications of cryptography to achieve system security.

LO5 Evaluate technical and research papers which will aid continuous learning and students' ability to stay up to date with best practice in the field.
Prior Knowledge

Prerequisite maths ability:  

For the cryptography and protocols module, students will be expected to have basic abilities in algebra and geometry. More complex mathematical topics such as modular arithmetic and number theory will be introduced during the course, however these will be taught as part of the material and are not a prerequisite.  Algebra capabilities should include rearranging equations, expanding brackets, and solving for x.  Students should also be aware of what natural numbers, real numbers and integers are and how to work with indices. Geometry capabilities should include the ability to find the slope of a line, the equation of a line, and the intersection between a line and a curve.  
Time & Effort Required
- 2 hours p/week lectures
- 2 hours p/week lab
- 3 hours p/week independent learning
Timetable

Wednesdays 8pm-10pm

Student Stories

“Cyber Skills provides the building blocks needed to set you up for a career in Cyber Security. Online learning and the ability to re-watch a lecture has given me the freedom to work a full-time job and also fit in my extra-curricular activities.”
Colm McSweeney, Secure Network Operations Pathway

“Security is paramount on financial systems, and it cannot be implemented as an afterthought, I wanted to reinforce my knowledge on Cyber Security, to continue to design robust systems capable of sustaining today’s sophisticated attacks.”
Sébastien Le Callonnec, Secure Systems Architecture Pathway