Module Directory

This course gives an introduction to computer security and cryptography, from theory to practical as well as giving students the necessary background on making data stored and communicated in a safe manner.

Introductory material is independent of any programming language but the consideration of Python is used, partly because its open-source nature facilitates this and partly because it is widely used on server systems. The introduction to cryptography will be used to consider its use in encryption and message authentication.

The aim of this module is:

• To introduce computer security and cryptography and consider security of data for storage and communications.

By the end of this module, students will be expected to be able to:

1. List and explain common data security vulnerabilities.


2. List and explain different types of attack on data confidentiality, availability and integrity.


3. Explain, apply and analyse weak and strong data security cryptography tools and methods.


4. Evaluate the use of cryptography in certification and authentication.

Outline Syllabus

1. Introduction:
Principles of security and privacy, introduction to the different types of computer attack
Common security policies, techniques and tools:
Good administrative procedures for computer systems. Data security (e.g. good backup policy).
Combating social engineering. Tools for identifying system vulnerabilities. Monitoring for break-ins. Recovering from a break-in.

2. Overview of Encryption:
Applications of encryption to computer security. Types of encryption algorithms.
Examples of encryption algorithms commonly used.

3. Theoretical Background for Cryptography:
Fundamentals and principles used in cryptography including, binary arithmetic, prime numbers, exponential and logarithmic operations, Euler’s theorem Galois fields and Chinese Remainder Theorem.

4. Symmetric Encryption:
Perfect secrecy and the one-time pad, Feistel Cypher, DES (Data Encryption Standard), AES (Advanced Encryption Standard). Key generation algorithms.

5. Assymetric Encryption:
Public-key cryptography. Anonymous key exchange (Diffie-Hellman). RSA (Rivest-Shamir-Adelman)

6. High-level Ciphers:
Block ciphers (substitution, transposition, product), Stream ciphers and Modes of operation (ECB, CBC, CFB, OFB)

7. Message Authentication:
Hashing (SHA and HMAC) and Digital signature schemes: DSA (Digital Signature Algorithm) and DSS (Digital Signature Standard)

8. Advanced Cryptography
Elliptic Curve Cryptography and post-quantum crypto: signatures and key exchange

This module will be delivered via:

• Theoretical knowledge is imparted through live lectures, emphasizing core principles.
• Practical skills are honed in laboratory sessions, where real-world applications are explored.