Cryptography and Security

Description

AIMS The subject will explore foundational knowledge in the area of cryptography and information security. The overall aim is to gain an understanding of fundamental cryptographic concepts like encryption and signatures and use it to build and analyse security in computers, communications and networks. This subject covers fundamental concepts in information security on the basis of methods of modern cryptography, including encryption, signatures and hash functions. This subject is an elective subject in the Master of Engineering (Software). It can also be taken as an advanced elective in Master of Information Technology. INDICATIVE CONTENT The subject will be made up of three parts: A particular emphasis will be placed on real-life protocols such as Secure Socket Layer (SSL) and Kerberos. Topics drawn from: Teaching Period: 27 July 2026 to 25 October 2026 Assessment Information: Description Timing Percentage Project 1- A homework assignment applying and evaluating specific concepts in cryptography done individually. 30 - 40 hours (of work required) Hurdle requirement: Please see below From Week 2 to Week 6 20% Mid-Semester Test- One mid semester test on specific concepts of cryptography. 7 60 minutes Week 6 10% Project 2- A homework assignment building on Project 1 on applied cryptography and security, done individually. 30 - 40 hours (of work required) Hurdle requirement: Please see below From Week 7 to Week 11 20% Written Exam- One written examination. 2 hours Hurdle requirement: Please see below During the examination period 50% Additional details Hurdle requirement: To pass the subject, students must obtain at least: 50% overall. 50% in Practical Assessment Project 1 and 2 50% in the end-of-semester written examination. Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) 1 to 6 are addressed in the examination and the two assignments. Generic skills are addressed in assignments. Assignments 1 and 2 tests the knowledge of the core modules of the subject topic introduced in lectures. They are generally extensions of tutorial questions focussing on understanding and application of the topics. The knowledge earned during the semester is finally tested in 2 hour examination.