Security and Cryptography

Motivation:

Computers are now found in every layer of society, and information is being communicated and processed automatically on a large scale. Examples include medical and financial files, automatic banking, video-phones, pay-tv, teleshopping and global computer networks. In all these cases there is a growing need for the protection of information to safeguard economic interests, to prevent fraud and to ensure privacy.

Synopsis:

Security and cryptography are essential components of any digital system. In this course, the fundamentals of secure data storage and transportation of information are described. In particular, classical (e.g. Caesar, Vigenere) and modern encryption schemes (RSA, DES, AES, Elliptic curves) are described along with their mathematical background such as number theory. Methods for authentication, data integrity and digital signatures are discussed in detail, as these are the main components of many security architectures.

Aim:

It is the aim that at the end of the course one has a survey of the state of the art of both cryptographic algorithms and protocols for security and privacy, as well as is familiar with present applications.

Among others things, the following topics are covered:

• Classical systems

• Information theoretic security

• Definition of Security notions

• Symmetric encryption (e.g. DES, AES)

• Asymmetric encryption (RSA, Elliptic Curves)

• Hash functions

• Random number generation

• Key Management

• Digital Signatures

• Certificates and

• Public Key Infrastructure

The final grade of the course consists of the following components:

• Written Exam (weighting 70%)

• Mandatory Assignments (weighting 30%)

Final grade calculation = 0.7 * Written exam + 0.3 * Mandatory Assignments

A passing final grade for the course can only be earned when for all components at least a 5.0 is earned, and the weighted final grade is at least a 5.8.

In case of an insufficient final result, repair options may exist in accordance with Article 17A, Times and number of examinations, sub 1, of the Teaching and Examination Regulations, for:

• Written Exam: Resit opportunity

• Mandatory Assignment: Repair opportunity

Disclaimer: information may change depending on unforeseen circumstances or measures (see: TER Art 2, sub 5).