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Course Description

The landscape of cybersecurity is changing rapidly, and the role of cryptography is becoming increasingly critical. Cryptography is the underpinning of online security, safeguarding network connections, data at rest, and our digital privacy. Beyond these fundamental functions, it is also the cornerstone of groundbreaking technologies such as cryptocurrencies.

This course is designed to help you anticipate and adapt to the evolving demands in cybersecurity. Led by a cybersecurity expert with over 30 years of experience, it offers IT professionals a high-level exploration of fundamental concepts in cryptography. You will learn about its applications in securing communications and data, privacy-enhancing cryptographic techniques, and gain insights into the current landscape of modern cryptography, as well as future trends. By the end of the course, you will have a comprehensive understanding of cryptography and a portfolio of strategies and insights for protecting information and systems in a complex digital world. 

Whether you are early in your IT career and seeking tools and skills to advance, or an experienced professional aiming to deepen your understanding of the current challenges, threats, and trends in modern cryptography, this course will equip you to effectively discuss these concepts, techniques, and existing vulnerabilities. 

Who Should Enrol

  • New to IT professionals: Entry-level IT professionals who are in a help desk (or similar first IT role); this is a good introduction and set up for further professional development to pursue a cybersecurity role. 
  • Early career professionals: Advancing IT professionals ready to move on from a help desk role into a cybersecurity professional role; provides a certification to use for career advancement. 
  • Mid-late career cybersecurity professionals: Experienced professionals looking for a refresh on basics and current information about certain techniques that don’t impact everyday jobs

What You Will Learn

Learning outcomes 

  • Describe fundamental concepts, protocols, and technologies in cryptography
  • Discuss practical applications of cryptography in securing internet communications and data
  • Explain how cryptography underpins blockchain technology and enables secure, decentralized systems using privacy-enhancing cryptographic techniques
  • Explore the dynamic landscape of modern cryptography, emphasizing the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead
  • Gain insight into the potential threats posed by quantum computing and the imperative need for post-quantum cryptography 

Module 1: Introduction to Cryptography 
  • Cryptography: definition, importance, real world significance
  • Core principles of  cryptography: confidentiality, integrity, authentication, non-repudiation
  • Historical evolution of cryptography
  • Fundamental concepts and terminology
  • Symmetric vs. asymmetric cryptography

Module 2: Cryptography and Internet Security 
  • Introduction to internet security and cryptography: internet as a public network, the necessity of cryptography online
  • How cryptography secures online communications
  • Public key infrastructure (PKI) and digital certificates
  • SSL/TLS Protocols and secure web browsing
  • Cryptography in email security
  • Viewing and understanding digital certificates
  • Emerging technologies and future trends

Module 3: Encryption Algorithms and Protocols 
  • Introduction to encryption algorithms
  • Symmetric encryption algorithms
  • Asymmetric encryption algorithms
  • Hashing functions and their purposes
  • Cryptographic protocols
  • Vulnerabilities and considerations

Module 4: Cryptography in Blockchain and Currency 
  • Introduction to blockchain technology
  • Cryptography cryptographic hash functions and blockchain
  • Public-key cryptography in blockchain transactions
  • Digital signatures and their role in blockchain
  • Consensus mechanisms and cryptography
  • Cryptography in cryptocurrency wallets
  • Privacy-enhancing technologies in blockchain

Module 5: Modern Cryptographic Challenges and Future Trends 
  • Introduction to modern cryptographic challenges
  • The threat of quantum computing
  • Post-quantum cryptography
  • Role of cryptanalysis in cryptography
  • Cryptography in emerging technologies (IoT, AI, etc.)
  • Future trends in cryptography

Details

  • Instruction from a cryptography and privacy expert from the University of Waterloo.
  • Live 90-minute instructor-led sessions via Zoom on Wednesdays from 12 - 1:30 p.m. ET  followed by optional 30-minute Q&A sessions for additional access to your instructor and peers.
  • Quizzes and case study assignment which includes reviewing of cryptography-related challenges in a company. 
  • Opportunities to receive personalized feedback from your instructor.
  • Approximately five hours of online learning and independent work each week (including two hours spent in live sessions and three hours completing individual activities and assignments.)
  • Regular lab activities and assignments to ensure a strong understanding of course concepts.
  • Attendance requirement: Attendance is required for 80 per cent of weekly live instructor-led sessions. Sessions will be recorded and made available for reference.

Academic requirements

  • No specific pre-requisite knowledge is required but an understanding of fundamental IT concepts, including networking, operating systems, and basic programming, is strongly recommended. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Enroll Now - Select a section to enroll in
Section Title
Cryptography in the Real World
Type
Online
Dates
Jun 09, 2025 to Jul 13, 2025
Course Fee(s)
Course Fee non-credit $499.00
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