Cybersecurity threats are evolving rapidly, and cryptography is critical to digital defense. From safeguarding network connections, data storage, and digital privacy, to powering technologies like cryptocurrencies and zero-trust architectures, cryptographic techniques are essential for IT security.
This course provides a high-level yet practical exploration of cryptography’s role in modern security. Led by a cybersecurity expert with over 30 years of experience, you will explore applications in securing communications and data, privacy enhancing cryptographic techniques, and gain insights into the current landscape of modern cryptography and future trends.
Through real-world case studies and practical exercises, you will:
- Learn how cryptography protects data, communications, and online transactions
- Explore modern cryptographic techniques, vulnerabilities, and future trends
- Develop strategies for implementing encryption in IT security frameworks
- Analyze attacks on cryptographic systems to understand how cryptography can fail
Whether you are an early career professional looking to advance, or an experienced security specialist aiming to stay ahead of emerging threats, this course equips you with the necessary expertise to navigate today’s cybersecurity landscape with confidence.
- New to IT professionals: Entry-level IT professionals will gain a foundational understanding of current cryptography concepts and techniques to support their career development.
- Early career professionals: Advancing IT professionals ready to move into a cybersecurity role will acquire applicable knowledge and skills to support them in future roles.
- Mid-late career cybersecurity professionals: Experienced professionals will gain insights into current trends and advance skills in key areas of interest.
Learn alongside your team!
WatSPEED provides custom learning experiences tailored for large groups from any single organization. Register three or more employees from the same organization and receive 15 per cent off. Contact our team at watspeed@uwaterloo.ca for details.
Learning outcomes
- Describe fundamental concepts, protocols, and technologies in cryptography
- Discuss practical applications of cryptography in securing internet communications and data
- Explain how cryptography underpins blockchain technology and enables secure, decentralized systems using privacy-enhancing cryptographic techniques
- Explore the dynamic landscape of modern cryptography, emphasizing the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead
- Gain insight into the potential threats posed by quantum computing and the imperative need for post-quantum cryptography
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Module 1: Introduction to Cryptography |
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Module 2: Cryptography and Internet Security |
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Module 3: Encryption Algorithms and Protocols |
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Module 4: Cryptography in Blockchain and Currency |
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Module 5: Modern Cryptographic Challenges and Future Trends |
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- Instruction from a cryptography and privacy expert from the industry.
- Live 90-minute instructor-led sessions via Zoom on Wednesdays from 12 - 1:30 p.m. ET followed by optional 30-minute Q&A sessions for additional access to your instructor and peers.
- Weekly quizzes will reinforce your understanding of the material, and a final case study assignment will apply your learning to solve real-world problems.
- Opportunities to receive personalized feedback from your instructor.
- Approximately five hours of online learning and independent work each week (including two hours spent in live sessions and three hours completing individual activities and assignments.
- Attendance requirement: Attendance is required for 80 per cent of weekly live instructor-led sessions. Sessions will be recorded and made available for reference.
Academic requirements
- No specific pre-requisite knowledge is required but an understanding of fundamental IT concepts, including networking, operating systems, and basic programming, is strongly recommended.
Ken Muir
Chief Information Security Officer, LMC Security | Program Author and Instructor
Ken Muir is a globally recognized cybersecurity expert with over 30 years of experience. Beginning his IT and Information Security career in 1993, he developed expertise in viruses, threat intelligence, and security operations: consulting, building and rebuilding security operations centers (SOC), and executive-level advisory roles.
Muir is also a chief information security officer (CISO); He helps organizations build robust security strategies aligned with NIST CSF, CIS, and ISO 27001 frameworks. His extensive background spans aerospace, energy, retail, finance, manufacturing, and government sectors at provincial, state (US), and national levels. He holds multiple industry certifications, including CISA and CRISC.