Introduction to Encryption

Course Title: Introduction to Encryption

🏁 Course Description:

This beginner-level course introduces students to the foundational concepts, tools, and practices in encryption. Learners will understand why encryption matters, explore historical and modern encryption techniques, and gain practical experience using simple tools to encrypt and decrypt data.

🎯 Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

• Explain the purpose and importance of encryption.

• Describe and compare symmetric and asymmetric encryption.

• Understand historical ciphers and their evolution.

• Use basic tools and programming techniques to implement encryption.

🧭 Course Structure: 8 Lessons

Lesson 1: What is Encryption?

Objectives:

• Define encryption and cryptography.

• Understand why encryption is essential.

• Explore real-world examples (e.g., messaging apps, online banking).

Topics:

• Encryption vs. encoding vs. hashing

• Plaintext and ciphertext

• Overview of cryptographic goals (confidentiality, integrity, authentication)

Activities:

• Watch introductory video

• Interactive quiz: “Is it encryption or something else?”

Lesson 2: A Brief History of Encryption

Objectives:

• Explore the origins and evolution of encryption.

• Understand classical encryption techniques.

Topics:

• Caesar Cipher, Atbash, and Vigenère Cipher

• World War II and the Enigma Machine

• Transition to modern digital encryption

Activities:

• Caesar cipher decoder mini-game

• Timeline quiz

Lesson 3: Symmetric Encryption Basics

Objectives:

• Understand how symmetric key encryption works.

• Learn about common symmetric algorithms.

Topics:

• Shared key principle

• Examples: AES, DES

• Strengths and weaknesses

Activities:

• Interactive simulation of AES block cipher

• Practice exercise: Encrypt/decrypt a message using an online tool

Lesson 4: Asymmetric Encryption Basics

Objectives:

• Learn the concept of public and private keys.

• Understand how asymmetric encryption enables secure communication.

Topics:

• RSA and ECC overview

• Key generation and exchange

• Digital signatures

Activities:

• Visual demo of RSA encryption

• Activity: Try encrypting a message with a public key

Lesson 5: Hashing and Integrity

Objectives:

• Understand what hashing is and its role in encryption.

• Differentiate between encryption and hashing.

Topics:

• Common hash functions (SHA-256, MD5)

• Applications in data integrity and password storage

Activities:

• Interactive hashing tool demo

• Short assignment: Hash and compare files

Lesson 6: Encryption in the Real World

Objectives:

• Explore how encryption is used in modern tech.

• Recognize everyday applications.

Topics:

• HTTPS and SSL/TLS

• VPNs and encrypted messaging (Signal, WhatsApp)

• Disk and email encryption

Activities:

• Case study: How Signal uses end-to-end encryption

• Research and discuss: “Why encryption matters in democracy”

Lesson 7: Practical Encryption Tools

Objectives:

• Use real-world tools to encrypt and decrypt data.

Topics:

• GPG (GNU Privacy Guard)

• File encryption software (e.g., VeraCrypt)

• Command-line basics

Activities:

• Step-by-step: Encrypt a file with GPG

• Practice: Verify a digital signature

Lesson 8: Ethical and Legal Considerations

Objectives:

• Discuss the balance between privacy and security.

• Understand global encryption laws and debates.

Topics:

• Government surveillance and backdoors

• Encryption bans and export controls

• Ethical dilemmas in cryptography

Activities:

• Discussion forum: “Should governments have access to encrypted data?”

• Final quiz and reflection

🧪 Optional Final Project:

Title: “Build Your Own Secure Communication System”

• Create a basic text-based system using a simple encryption algorithm.

• Submit a short report explaining the method and key management.