• Online, Self-Paced
Course Description

This is a class for those who want to stop learning about building cryptographic systems and want to attack them. This course is a mixture of lectures designed to introduce students to a variety of code-breaking techniques and python labs to solidify those concepts. Unlike its sister class, Core Concepts, math is necessary for this topic. Don't have a math degree? A basic understanding of algebra is sufficient - the mathematical principles that are necessary for understanding are included in the lecture. Knowledge of programming is also necessary, and knowledge of python is very helpful. The class covers: 

  • Intro to attacks using human-computable crypto
  • Number theory and abstract algebra primer
  • Factoring attacks
  • Attacks on RSA
  • Discrete logarithm attacks
  • Symmetric system constructs
  • Generic attacks
  • Linear cryptanalysis
  • Differential cryptanalysis
  • Integral cryptanalysis on reduced AES

Learning Objectives

  • Understand how cryptanalysis is used to break cryptography.

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):

Specialty Areas

  • Systems Architecture

Specialty Areas have been removed from the NICE Framework. With the recent release of the new NICE Framework data, updates to courses are underway. Until this course can be updated, this historical information is provided to give better context as to how it can help you with your cybersecurity goals.