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Advanced Cybersecurity

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Lesson 1.2 Encryption Algorithms

Description

In this lesson, students will learn about the basics of symmetric encryption. Students will explore the advantages and disadvantages of various ciphers and consider how using multiple ciphers impacts the decryption process. Students will also learn about the DES (Data Encryption Standard) and the AES (Advanced Encryption Standard).

Objective

Students will be able to:

  • Explain the characteristics of symmetric algorithms and use them to encode and decode text. Specific ciphers include block, substitution, and transposition ciphers.
  • Compare and contrast the strengths and weaknesses of symmetric ciphers.
  • Compare and contrast the DES (Data Encryption Standard) and the AES (Advanced Encryption Standard).

Activities

These are all the activities included in the lesson

1.2.1 Symmetric Encryption
1.2.2 Ciphers Quiz
1.2.3 Enhanced Caesar Cipher
1.2.4 Mixed Alphabet Cipher
1.2.5 Pigpen Encoder
1.2.6 Pigpen Cipher
1.2.7 Rail Fence Cipher
1.2.8 Encryption Standards
1.2.9 Encryption Standards Quiz