CYSE/ECE 476: Cryptography Fundamentals (Fall 2024)

Instructor

Giuseppe Ateniese (ateniese@gmu.edu)

Office hours: Tuesday, 4:30–5:30 PM (Zoom)

Description

This course explores the foundations and practical applications of cryptography, focusing on symmetric/asymmetric encryption, hashing, digital signatures, and advanced topics such as end-to-end encryption, hardware cryptography, zero-knowledge proofs, and cryptocurrencies. Students will gain insight into how cryptography is applied in the real world and how cryptographers respond to emerging threats.

We will use Blackboard for Q&As, course materials, and assignments.

Schedule

Monday, 4:30–7:10 PM, BL 129

Textbooks

• Real-World Cryptography by David Wong (required)
• The Joy of Cryptography by Mike Rosulek (optional)

Further Study

Students interested in theoretical cryptography should consider CS 487/587: Introduction to Cryptography, which focuses on provable security. Recommended readings for theoretical study include:

• Introduction to Modern Cryptography by Katz and Lindell
• A Graduate Course in Applied Cryptography by Boneh and Shoup

Grading

• 50% Assignments
• 40% Final Exam
• 10% Participation

Ethics and Policies

Adherence to the GMU Common Course Policies, GMU Academic Standards, and the CS Department Honor Code is required.