Introduction to Cryptography

COMP60201 Introduction to Cryptography 15 Semester 1 Postgraduate Taught Level 6 Bernardo Magri Unit coordinator 1 FHEQ level (Framework for Higher Education Qualifications) ' Masters/Integrated Masters P4 ' European Credit Transfer & Accumulation System Rating : 7.5 Discover how modern cryptography secures our digital world. This unit introduces the core principles and techniques used to protect information, communications, and transactions against adversarial threats. You’ll explore key cryptographic tools — encryption schemes, digital signatures, and hash functions — and learn how to analyse and apply them in real-world scenarios. Highlights:<ul><li>Foundations of symmetric and asymmetric cryptography</li><li>Security models and how cryptographic systems are evaluated</li><li>A balance of theory and practical exercises</li><li>Insights into the historical evolution of cryptography</li></ul> Ideal for students interested in cybersecurity, computer science, and digital privacy. This unit provides a rigorous introduction to modern cryptographic techniques, focusing on their theoretical foundations, practical applications, and role in securing information, transactions, and computations against adversarial threats. Students will learn fundamental cryptographic primitives, including encryption schemes, signature schemes, and hash functions, and develop the skills necessary to analyse and apply them effectively. The unit covers key topics such as the historical context of cryptography, symmetric-key cryptography (e.g., block and stream ciphers), and asymmetric-key cryptography (e.g., public-key encryption and digital signatures). Through a combination of theoretical analysis and practical exercises, students will gain a deep understanding of how cryptographic techniques are designed and evaluated to ensure security in real-world scenarios. This unit aims to familiarise students with the fundamental principles of modern cryptography, providing both a theoretical and practical foundation for analyzing and applying cryptographic techniques in securing communication, transactions, and distributed computation. Through this unit, students will gain the necessary skills to evaluate cryptographic schemes and protocols while developing a deep understanding of their underlying mathematical foundations. 1. Explain the fundamental principles and mathematical underpinnings of modern cryptography.2. Analyse the security properties of cryptographic schemes and their real-world applications.3. Evaluate cryptographic protocols and schemes for security guarantees and potential vulnerabilities.4. Implement basic cryptographic algorithms.5. Use cryptographic libraries and tools to secure data, communications and computation.6. Apply formal reasoning to evaluate security solutions in diverse contexts.7. Communicate cryptographic principles effectively to technical and non-technical audiences.    Analytical skills Innovation/creativity Problem solving Research Written communication 1.    Classical Cryptography Introduction to historical cipher systems such as monoalphabetic and polyalphabetic ciphers. Topics include frequency analysis, cryptanalysis techniques, and the evolution of cryptographic thought.2.    Symmetric Cryptography Study of secret-key encryption techniques, including block ciphers (e.g., AES), stream ciphers, and message authentication codes (MACs). Introduction to cryptographic hash functions and their role in ensuring data integrity.3.    Asymmetric Cryptography Exploration of public-key systems such as RSA and elliptic curve cryptography. Includes key exchange protocols, digital signatures, and foundational security assumptions.  Synchronous lectures, lab sessions and asynchronous learning material (e.g., videos and quizzes) 1 Written exam 80% 8 Practical skills assessment 20% Coursework feedback and oral feedback (upon request) Y Introduction to Modern Cryptography. Katz J., Lindell Y. 3rd ed., Chapman & Hall, 2020. Cryptography and Network Security: Principles and Practice. Stallings W. 8th ed., Pearson Education, 2022. Cryptography Made Simple. Smart, N. Springer, 2015. Cryptography Theory and Practice. Stinson D., Paterson M. 4th ed., Chapman & Hall, 2023.Foundations of Cryptography: Volume 1, Basic Tools. Goldreich O. Cambridge University Press, 2008. Serious Cryptography. Aumasson J-P. No Starch press, 2017. Assessment written exam 2 Lectures 20 Practical classes & workshops 16 112 Please contact the unit lead to get permission to do the unit if you are not a Comp Sci student/ unable to enrol onto the unit.