CS 4730 Course Outline: Applied Cryptography:  Spring 2006

  • Instructor: Dr. Ron Peterson
  • Time & location: 8:00-8:50 a.m. Mon thru Thur in TE105
  • Office hours: Tue & Thur 9:00-9:50, Mon-Wed 1-1:50, or by appointment
  • Office location: TE 110E
  • Office phone: 626-6795
  • E-mail: rpeterson@weber.edu
  • Text: Cryptography and Network Security, 3rd Edition, by W. Stallings

 

Course objectives:  As a result of this course, the student will be able to -- 1) explain the principles of number theory as they are applied to cryptographic algorithms; 2) identify and explain several classic ciphers; 3) explain and use modern cryptographic methods (symmetric encryption, public key encryption, hash functions, key management, digital signatures, certificates); and 4) objectively discuss electronic mail security, steganography, and recent developments affecting security and privacy on the Internet. The focus will be on how cryptography and its application can maintain privacy and security in electronic communications and computer networks.

 Course coverage by week:

Date 

Topics 

Chapters 

Homework due

1/9

Introduction, objectives; overview; classical encryption methods

1-2

 

1/16

{M.L. King Day}; block ciphers and DES

3

 

1/23

Mathematics for cryptography: finite fields, modular arithmetic

4

 

1/30

Contemporary symmetric ciphers:  AES, triple DES, Blowfish

 5-6

Prog. 1

2/6

Confidentiality using symmetric encryption

7

 

2/13 

Number theory, prime numbers; review; Test 1 (chapters 1-7);

8

 

2/20

{President's Day}; Public-key cryptography and RSA

9

Prog. 2

2/27 

Key management

10

 

3/6

Message authentication and hash functions

11

 

3/13 

- Spring Break -

-

 

3/20

Hash algorithms

12

Prog. 3

3/27

Digital signature and authentication protocols

13

 

4/3

Authentication: Kerberos; review; Test 2 (chapters 8-13)

14

 

4/10 

Electronic mail security; IP security 

15-16

Prog. 4

4/17

Web security

17

 

4/24

 System security issues; review for the Final Exam

18-20

 

 

 

 

 

5/3

 7-9 a.m.      ***FINAL EXAM*** (comprehensive)

 

 

***Tests will be on Thursday of the week shown; click on the link for a review page
***Optional programs will be due in class on Wednesday of the week shown and will lose 20% per weekday for being late.

Grading:

2 tests @100 + 13 homework @10 + optional program 20 + final exam 130 = 480 points possible

the minimum score to get each grade is:     

 

420 A 

380 B+ 

320 C+ 

260 D+

400 A- 

360 B 

300 C 

240 D

 

340 B- 

280 C- 

225 D-
  • No make-up tests will be given; if you have a conflict, contact Dr. Peterson as soon before the test as possible.
  • Grade of "I" will only be given in exceptional cases, and only when a total of at least 225 points has been accumulated.
  • Any cheating, including copying parts of other students' programs or homework, will result in an "E" grade for the course and other disciplinary action.
  • No cell phones or pagers will be allowed to interrupt class; first offense loses 10 points, additional offenses lose 30 points each.
  • Any student requiring accommodations or services due to a disability must contact Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) in room 181 of the Student Services Center. SSD can also arrange to provide course materials (including the syllabus) in alternative formats if necessary.