NMAK16013U Introduction to Modern Cryptography

Volume 2016/2017
Content
  • review of basic concepts from probability theory and the theory of computation, random variables, turing machines, the circuit model;
  • basics of encryption schemes, perfect security vs practicality
  • Computational security and pseudorandomness: one-way functions, pseudorandom generators, pseudorandom functions, pseudorandom permutations
  • private-key encryption, security against chosen plaintext attacks
  • public-key cryptography 

 

We will also describe some example constructions; how many we cover depends on interest and time. Some options are: RSA, Diffie-Hellman, McEliece, lattice crypto, DES, AES.

If time permits, we may also explore some current topics, such as fully-homomorphic encryption, obfuscation, or quantum cryptography.

Learning Outcome
  • Knowledge: the students will have an understanding of the theoretical and mathematical basis of modern cryptographic systems, including some explicit examples.
  • Skills: the students will be able to give rigorous security proofs of basic cryptographic systems, and connect various cryptographic primitives with rigorous reductions.
  • Competencies: understanding theorems about theoretical cryptography; proving security reductions; reasoning about the limits of computationally-bounded adversaries.
Experience with rigorous mathematical proofs. Some previous exposure to probability theory. Some previous exposure to theory of computation (Turing Machines, boolean circuits) OR experience with writing programs or algorithms.
4 hours of lecture and 2 hours of problem sessions every week, for 8 weeks.
This course is about the mathematical and theoretical basis of modern cryptography. Within this area, our focus will be on mathematical theorems, proofs and rigorous constructions. We will not discuss computer security in practice. There will be no programming.

The course is appropriate for students in both Mathematics and Computer Science.
  • Category
  • Hours
  • Exam
  • 60
  • Exercises
  • 16
  • Lectures
  • 32
  • Preparation
  • 98
  • Total
  • 206
Credit
7,5 ECTS
Type of assessment
Continuous assessment
5 homework sets. All must be passed individually (60% grade or higher.) The first homework set can be resubmitted once.
Aid
All aids allowed
Marking scale
passed/not passed
Censorship form
No external censorship
One internal examiner
Re-exam

25 minute oral exam with no preparation time and no aids. Several internal examiners.

Criteria for exam assesment

The student must in a satisfactory way demonstrate that he/she has mastered the learning outcome of the course.