Certified Ethical Hacking - Cryptography (Detailed Definitions and Examples)
Slide 1: Introduction to Cryptography
Definition: Cryptography is the science of using mathematical techniques to secure
information, ensuring only authorized individuals can access it.
Explanation: It keeps personal, financial, and government information safe from
unauthorized access.
Example: Secret codes used during wars to pass messages securely.
Slide 2: Legal and Ethical Aspects of Cryptography
Definition: Following the laws and ethical practices regarding the use of cryptography.
Explanation: Encryption must be used responsibly to protect privacy but not to hide
illegal activities.
Example: Protecting customer data with encryption is ethical; hiding malware traffic
using encryption is illegal.
Slide 3: Basic Concepts of Cryptography (Encryption & Decryption)
Encryption: Transforming readable information (plaintext) into unreadable form
(ciphertext).
Decryption: Reversing the encryption to make the data readable again.
Explanation: Encryption protects data during communication or storage.
Example: WhatsApp encrypts voice calls and messages end-to-end.
Slide 4: Classical Cryptography (Caesar, Vigenère)
Caesar Cipher: Shifts each letter in the plaintext by a fixed number.
o Example: "HELLO" shifted by 3 becomes "KHOOR".
Vigenère Cipher: Uses a keyword to apply different shifts for each letter.
o Example: "ATTACK" encrypted with key "LEMON" becomes "LXFOPV".
Explanation: Simple but can be broken easily with modern computing power.
Slide 5: Modern Cryptography Techniques (AES, RSA, ECC)
AES (Advanced Encryption Standard): Fast symmetric key encryption standard used
globally.
o Example: Encrypting a full hard drive with BitLocker.
RSA: Asymmetric encryption using public and private keys.
o Example: Securely sending sensitive documents via email.
ECC (Elliptic Curve Cryptography): Provides high security with smaller keys.
o Example: Secure messaging apps use ECC for strong but efficient encryption.
Slide 6: Cryptographic Hash Functions (MD5, SHA)
MD5: Produces a 128-bit hash value, fast but vulnerable.
o Example: Early file verification systems.
SHA (Secure Hash Algorithm): Stronger hash families like SHA-256 provide greater
security.
o Example: Verifying software integrity during downloads.
Slide 7: Public Key Infrastructure (PKI)
Definition: Framework for managing digital certificates and public-key encryption.
Explanation: Ensures secure communication over unsecured networks.
Example: SSL certificates validating secure (HTTPS) websites.
Slide 8: Cryptographic Protocols (SSL/TLS, SSH)
SSL/TLS: Protocols securing data transmission over the internet.
o Example: Securing payment information on online stores.
SSH (Secure Shell): Safely accesses remote computers.
o Example: Administering a server remotely without password interception.
Slide 9: Cryptanalysis and Attacks on Cryptosystems
Definition: Methods used to find weaknesses in cryptographic systems.
Explanation: Cryptanalysts find flaws, attackers exploit them.
Example: Using a dictionary attack to guess simple passwords.
Slide 10: Quantum Cryptography and Post-Quantum Cryptography
Quantum Cryptography: Uses principles of quantum mechanics for secure
communication.
o Example: Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) that detects eavesdropping.
Post-Quantum Cryptography: Developing systems secure against quantum computer
attacks.
o Example: Implementing lattice-based encryption algorithms.
What are Quantum Computers?
Definition:
Quantum computers are super-powerful computers that use the rules of quantum physics
(tiny particles like electrons and photons) to solve problems much faster than normal
computers.
How They Are Different:
o Normal computers use bits (which are either 0 or 1).
o Quantum computers use qubits, which can be both 0 and 1 at the same time
(this is called "superposition").
o This allows them to perform many calculations at once, making them extremely
fast for some problems.
Example:
o A normal computer might take millions of years to break strong encryption like
RSA-2048.
o A quantum computer could do it in hours or days if it's powerful enough.
Why It Matters in Cryptography:
o Many current encryption systems (like RSA and ECC) could be easily broken by
future quantum computers.
o That's why scientists are creating Post-Quantum Cryptography (like lattice-
based encryption) to stay safe.
Simple analogy:
If a normal computer is like riding a bicycle, a quantum computer is like teleporting to
your destination instantly!
What is Lattice-Based Encryption?
Definition:
Lattice-based encryption uses complex math problems based on points in multi-
dimensional grids ("lattices") that are very hard to solve — even for quantum computers.
Why It’s Important:
When quantum computers become powerful, they might break current systems like RSA.
Lattice-based encryption is designed to resist quantum attacks.
Slide 11: Secure Key Management and Exchange
Definition: Protecting cryptographic keys throughout their lifecycle.
Explanation: Poor key management can break the strongest encryption.
Example: Using secure vaults like AWS Key Management Service (KMS).
Slide 12: Cryptographic Libraries and APIs
Definition: Tools offering ready-to-use cryptographic functions.
Explanation: Libraries simplify implementing encryption, reducing errors.
Example: OpenSSL library for enabling HTTPS on a server.
Slide 13: Implementing Cryptographic Algorithms
Definition: Correctly integrating encryption into applications.
Explanation: Careless implementation can cause vulnerabilities.
Example: Developing a secure file encryption application using AES-256.
Slide 14: Digital Signatures and Authentication
Digital Signature: Verifies the authenticity and integrity of a message.
o Example: Signing an official document digitally using Adobe Sign.
Authentication: Confirming the identity of a user or device.
o Example: Multi-factor authentication when logging into email accounts.
Slide 15: Secure Communication with Cryptography
Definition: Ensuring that messages remain confidential and untampered during
transmission.
Example: Secure email services like ProtonMail encrypt emails end-to-end.
Slide 16: Cryptography in Blockchain Technology
Definition: Cryptographic methods protect blockchain transactions and identities.
Explanation: Provides transparency, security, and immutability.
Example: Bitcoin uses SHA-256 to link blocks securely.
Slide 17: Cryptography in Network Security
Definition: Encrypting data in transit to prevent interception.
Explanation: Protects sensitive information over public networks.
Example: Using IPSec to encrypt communication between two networks.
Slide 18: Cryptography in Mobile Security
Definition: Securing personal data on smartphones and tablets.
Example: Android and iOS devices encrypt all stored data.
Slide 19: Cryptography in Web Application Security
Definition: Protecting user data on web applications using encryption.
Explanation: Essential for protecting sensitive personal information.
Example: Online banking websites using HTTPS encryption.
Slide 20: Real-World Cryptographic Attacks and Defenses
Example Attack: Heartbleed vulnerability leaked memory content from servers.
Defense: Regular updates, strong encryption standards, and secure coding practices.
Slide 21: Kali Linux Tools for Cryptography
hashcat: Recovers passwords from hashes.
o Example: Testing password strength.
hydra: Brute-force tool for login credentials.
o Example: Testing network security.
john the ripper: Cracks password hashes efficiently.
o Example: Penetration testing password security.
openssl: Toolkit for SSL/TLS and general-purpose cryptography.
o Example: Creating self-signed certificates for secure servers.
