COSC412 Advanced Cryptography and Security

Overview

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.

About this paper

Restriction

COSC 312

Eligibility

There are no formal prerequisites for the 400-level papers, but prior knowledge is assumed.

Contact

Computer Science Adviser

More information link

View more information about COSC 412

Teaching staff

Professor David Eyers
 

Paper Structure

The paper covers two main topics, cryptography and security.

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

 

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

Assessment details

• Two assignments worth 10% each
• A report and presentation 20%
• Final exam 60%

Timetable