• Online, Self-Paced

This course explains how encrypting and signing a message works, how message authentication codes work, and why a digital signature is superior to a cryptographic hash for validating software integrity. This course coverage aligns with the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE) requirements K0018: Knowledge of encryption algorithms, and K0019: Knowledge of cryptography and cryptographic key management concepts.

Learning Objectives

On successful completion of this course, learners should have the knowledge and skills to:

  • Explain what a message integrity function is
  • Explain the difference between a message authentication code and a digital signature
  • Explain how a digital signature works
  • Explain how encrypting and signing a message works
  • Explain how message authentication codes work
  • Explain why a digital signature is superior to a cryptographic hash for validating software integrity

Framework Connections

The materials within this course focus on the NICE Framework Task, Knowledge, and Skill statements identified within the indicated NICE Framework component(s):

Competency Areas