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An Introduction to Cryptography

Explore how code breakers and spies influenced cryptography and investigate the role it plays in modern secure communication.

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  • Duration

    2 weeks

  • Weekly study

    6 hours
Overview
Requirements

Investigate the security of encrypted data

Is it possible to prove the security of encrypted data? Will every algorithm fail given sufficient time or computing power?

On this course you will get an introduction to cryptography and cryptanalysis. From ancient examples of secret messages and the spies that cracked them to modern cryptographic applications, you will have the opportunity to explore the foundations of data security.

During the course you will also get an opportunity to try encrypting data yourself by completing a cryptography and cryptanalysis challenge.

What topics will you cover?

  • The mathematical concepts underpinning cryptography
  • Classical cryptography and historical ciphers
  • The basics of cryptanalysis
  • Random number generation
  • Hashing

Learning on this course

On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

  • Explain the concepts used in early substitution and translation ciphers
  • Apply cryptanalysis methods to simple ciphers
  • Assess simple cryptographic methods from a practical and theoretical viewpoint
  • Describe the concepts of entropy, pseudorandomness and unicity
  • Demonstrate the use of hashing, salt and nonces in a variety of applications

Who is the course for?

The Institute of Coding supported the development of this course in response to consultation with industry representatives from the healthcare, manufacturing and automotive sectors.

This course is for people who want to understand more about the way cryptography keeps our communications safe, either out of curiosity or to prepare for advanced study of the topic.

Who developed the course?

Coventry University

Coventry secured 5 QS Stars for Teaching and Online Learning in the QS World University Ranking 2020 and has received No. 1 in the world for Massive Open Online Courses in MoocLab’s World University Ranking 2021.

  • Established

    1992

  • Location

    Coventry

Learning on FutureLearn

Your learning, your rules

  • Courses are split into weeks, activities, and steps to help you keep track of your learning
  • Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities
  • Stay motivated by using the Progress page to keep track of your step completion and assessment scores

Join a global classroom

  • Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
  • Share ideas with your peers and course educators on every step of the course
  • Join the conversation by reading, @ing, liking, bookmarking, and replying to comments from others

Map your progress

  • As you work through the course, use notifications and the Progress page to guide your learning
  • Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control

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