The art and science of keeping messages secure is cryptography. (Applied Cryptography, Bruce Schneier)
The urge to discover secrets is deeply ingrained in human nature; even the least curious mind is roused by the promise of sharing knowledge withheld from others. Some are fortunate enough to find a job which consists of the solution of mysteries, but most of us are driven to sublimate this urge by the solving of artificial puzzles designed for our entertainment. Detective stories or crossword puzzles cater for the majority; the solution of secret codes may be the pursuit of the few. (John Chadwick from The Decipherment of Linear B, as quoted in The Code Book, by Simon Singh)
Topics: Introduction to basic ideas of modern cryptography with emphasis on history, the mathematics behind encryption, applications in daily life, and implications for the individual and society. Topics covered will be chosen from among: classical cryptography, including cryptanalysis of selected classical cryptosystems; the mathematical tools needed to analyze cryptosystems, including public key and stream ciphers; attacks on "real-life" cryptosystems such as Enigma and the Data Encryption Standard; protocols for using cryptosystems (such as for communication, digital signatures and secure web connections); cryptography and free speech and copyright/fair use issues, especially as raised by the Digital Millennium Copyright Act and subsequent court decisions; applications to electronic communications and electronic commerce, including smart cards; privacy, computer security, and law enforcement; limitations and failures of modern cryptography.
Syllabus: The syllabus is a living document. Here is the current version.
Texts:
Grading: Grades will be determined by performance on homework, exams (midterm and final) and a significant paper. Participation refers to class discussions (especially "bullets") and journal entries ("J" in the syllabus).
| Participation | 15% | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Assignments | 20% | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Midterm | 20% | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Term Paper | 25% | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Final | 20% | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The final exam will be from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm on Tuesday, December 8, 2004. (Check the final exam schedule.)
Homework Policy: You are allowed to discuss the homework among yourselves and offer advice, but the final product must be your own work. In particular, copying homework or allowing another to copy your homework is not allowed and is a violation of Duke's Community Standard. A signed reaffirmation of the Community Standard should be attached to each piece of written work submitted in the course.
Other:
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