Theory of cryptography including public key systems and its use in computer security. Consideration of cryptographic methods in the context of complexity theory.
The aim of this paper is to provide students with an understanding of the modern theoretical bases of cryptography and how it relates to computer security. The paper also explores a number of widely used computer security technologies.
| Paper title | Cryptography and Security |
|---|---|
| Paper code | COSC412 |
| Subject | Computer Science |
| EFTS | 0.1667 |
| Points | 20 points |
| Teaching period | Semester 2 (On campus) |
| Domestic Tuition Fees (NZD) | $1,371.61 |
| International Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website. |
- Eligibility
There are no formal prerequisites for the 400-level papers, but prior knowledge is assumed.
- Contact
Computer Science Adviser, adviser@cs.otago.ac.nz
- More information link
- View more information about COSC 412
- Teaching staff
Lecturers: Professor Michael Albert
Dr David Eyers- Paper Structure
The paper covers two main topics, cryptography and complexity.
Part I (Cryptography):- Classical cryptosystems
- DES and AES
- The RSA algorithm
- Signatures and secret sharing
- Error correcting codes
- Quantum cryptography
Part II (Security):
- Kerberos and symmetric cryptography in practice
- TLS/SSL and asymmetric cryptography in practice
- Decentralised authorisation
- Homomorphic encryption and cloud computing
Assessment:
- Two assignments worth 10% each
- A report and presentation 20%
- Final exam 60%
- Teaching Arrangements
- There is one 2-hour lecture per week.
- Textbooks
Textbooks are not required for this paper.
- Course outline
- View the course outline for COSC 412
- Graduate Attributes Emphasised
- Scholarship, Communication, Ethics, Information literacy, Research, Teamwork.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes. - Learning Outcomes
This paper will enable students to:
- Understand the basic principles of cryptography and cryptanalysis
- Identify the theoretical basis for modern cryptosystems
- Understand the cryptosystems that are currently in widespread use
- Appreciate the importance of complexity in computational tasks
- Understand the advances on the "cutting edge" of modern cryptography and complexity
