Cryptographic Hash and Integrity Protection

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/cryptographic-hash-integrity-protection

Introduction

# Course Review: Cryptographic Hash and Integrity Protection In today's digital landscape, understanding cryptographic concepts is more important than ever. The course titled **Cryptographic Hash and Integrity Protection** on Coursera offers an insightful and comprehensive exploration into the realm of cryptographic hash functions and their applications in ensuring data integrity. ## Course Overview This course delves into various cryptographic hash functions and their applications, including hash chains and hash trees (Merkle trees). The curriculum progresses to discuss message authentication—focused on Message Authentication Codes (MAC) using symmetric keys—before rounding off with a deep dive into digital signatures derived from asymmetric cryptography. Overall, the course provides a robust framework for understanding how these cryptographic tools help protect data integrity and security. ## Syllabus Breakdown ### 1. Cryptographic Hash Function The foundation of the course is laid with an introduction to cryptographic hash functions, which are essential tools in modern cryptography. Participants learn how these hash functions differ from ordinary hashing methods and how their iterative structure supports essential security requirements. This module will help you grasp the importance of cryptographic hash functions, as they underpin many cryptographic processes such as digital signatures and password security. ### 2. Cryptographic Hash Function Applications Building on the previous module, this section reviews the practical applications of cryptographic hash functions. One fascinating aspect discussed is the **hash chain**, which leverages the sequential chaining of hash functions, particularly in generating one-time passwords with methods like S/Key. The course also covers the **Merkle tree**, a critical concept for decentralized digital currencies, such as cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. Understanding these applications is vital for anyone interested in modern blockchain technologies and security protocols. ### 3. Message Authentication Code (MAC) Moving forward, the course explores Message Authentication Code (MAC) and its role in maintaining message integrity and ensuring sender authentication using symmetric keys. The distinctions between MAC and general encryption techniques are thoughtfully explained, along with discussions on security requirements, including the difficulty of resisting brute force attacks. Practical implementations of MAC are reviewed, reinforcing theoretical concepts with real-world applications. ### 4. Digital Signature Lastly, the course delves into digital signatures, highlighting their significance in providing sender authentication and non-repudiation. Through this module, learners will understand how public-key cryptography enables secure packet transmission and will explore various digital signature constructs, including RSA signatures and the Digital Signature Standard (DSS). This knowledge is crucial for understanding how trust and verification are established in digital communications. ## Why You Should Take This Course **Cryptographic Hash and Integrity Protection** is an invaluable resource for security professionals, software developers, and anyone interested in the field of cybersecurity. The course structure is intuitive, allowing learners to build their understanding step by step. By the end of the course, participants will possess a solid foundation in cryptographic principles critical to protecting data integrity in digital transactions. ### Pros: - Comprehensive coverage of cryptographic topics. - Practical applications discussed in depth, particularly in the context of cryptocurrencies. - Clear explanations of complex concepts, making them accessible to beginners. ### Cons: - Some prior knowledge of cryptography may enhance understanding, although the course is designed to cater to a broad audience. - The course relies on theoretical understanding, so learners seeking hands-on practice may need to supplement this with practical exercises. ## Final Recommendation I highly recommend the **Cryptographic Hash and Integrity Protection** course for anyone serious about cybersecurity or wishing to deepen their understanding of cryptographic principles. The blend of theory and real-world application prepares learners effectively for challenges faced in digital security. Enroll in this course on Coursera and take the first step towards becoming proficient in cryptographic hash functions and integrity protection techniques!

Syllabus

Cryptographic Hash Function

Cryptographic hash function is a fundamental building block in modern cryptography and is used for digital signature, message authentication, anomaly detection, pseudo-random number generator, password security, and so on. This module define cryptographic hash functions and contrast it with ordinary hash functions. It also describes the iterative structure for hash implementation to support the hash requirements.

Building on the previous module defining cryptographic hash functions, this module review its uses and applications. We will first describe hash chain, which chains multiple hash functions in sequence, and apply hash chain for generating one-time passwords using a scheme called S/Key. Then, we will use hash functions to construct a binary tree and describe hash tree, also known as Merkle tree. Lastly, we will review the applications of hash function and hash tree for decentralized digital currency in the forms of cryptocurrency or bitcoins.

Message authentication is to protect the message integrity and to perform sender authentication. This module describes message authentication code (MAC) which is based on symmetric keys. It contrasts MAC with hash functions or general encryption/decryption techniques and quantify the brute force attack difficulty for MAC and discuss the security requirements for MAC. The module also reviews two MAC implementations in Data Authentication Algorithm (DAA) and Cipher-Based MAC (CMAC), which are based on the use of block ciphers.

Like physical signatures in paper transactions, digital signature provides sender authentication and non-repudiation. This module describes how to use public-key pair to ensure the source of the packet. Then, it describes the purpose of digital signatures and the corresponding requirements. Lastly, we review a digital signature construction, which is the basis for many digital signature implementations such as RSA signature and Digital Signature Standard (DSS).