github.com/randallyan/practical-cryptography-series

Practical Cryptography Series

Welcome to the Practical Cryptography Series! This repository contains articles aimed at introducing the fundamentals of cryptography and exploring its various aspects in depth. Whether you are a beginner or looking to deepen your knowledge, this series will guide you through essential concepts and applications of cryptography.

Overview

In this repository, you will find a structured series of articles that cover a range of topics in cryptography. Each article is designed to be informative and accessible, breaking down complex concepts into digestible pieces.

Current Article

1. Why Learn Cryptography?

   This article explores the applications of cryptography in everyday life and explains why having a basic understanding of cryptographic principles is essential for everyone.

Future Content

Chapter 1: Introduction to Cryptography

• Article 2: A Journey Through the History of Cryptography

Chapter 2: Fundamental Concepts

• Article 3: Demystifying Basic Cryptographic Concepts
• Article 4: The Pillars of Cryptographic Security
• Article 5: Designing Robust Cryptographic Protocols

Chapter 3: Hash Functions

• Article 6: One-Way Hash Functions: Ensuring Data Integrity
• Article 7: Setting Appropriate Security Levels
• Article 8: Hash Algorithm Selection Guide: Security, Performance, and Use Cases
• Article 9: Preventing Length Extension Attacks
• Article 10: Practical Applications of Hash Functions

Chapter 4: Symmetric Encryption

• Article 11: Protecting Confidential Data with Symmetric Keys
• Article 12: Selecting the Best Symmetric Key Algorithm
• Article 13: The Importance of Initialization Vectors
• Article 14: The Insecurity of ECB Mode
• Article 15: Preventing Replay Attacks
• Article 16: Decryption Side Attacks: Case Studies
• Article 17: Encryption Side Attacks: Case Studies
• Article 18: Preventing Data Tampering
• Article 19: Self-Verifying Encrypted Data
• Article 20: The Pitfalls of AEAD

Chapter 5: Asymmetric Encryption

• Article 21: Public Key Cryptography: Solving the Key Distribution Problem
• Article 22: Digital Signatures: Ensuring Reliable Information Sources
• Article 23: Key Exchange: The Diffie-Hellman Algorithm
• Article 24: The Role of Digital Certificates and CAs in PKI
• Article 25: Real-World Applications of Asymmetric Encryption

Chapter 6: Random Numbers and Key Management

• Article 26: The Challenge of Random Number Generation
• Article 27: The Process of Key Generation
• Article 28: Strategies for Symmetric Key Management

Chapter 7: Advanced Topics

• Article 29: Preparing for the Quantum Age
• Article 30: Zero-Knowledge Proofs: Proving Without Revealing
• Article 31: Homomorphic Encryption: Computing on Encrypted Data
• Article 32: The Future of Post-Quantum Cryptography

Chapter 8: Practice and Case Studies

• Article 33: Cryptographic Toolbox: Essential Software and Libraries
• Article 34: Best Practices for Using TLS/SSL
• Article 35: Real-World Cryptographic Challenge: A Case Study

Chapter 9: Conclusion

• Article 36: The Importance of Continuous Learning in Cryptography
• Article 37: Final Self-Assessment: Mastering Cryptographic Concepts