Encryption

What is the Encryption course?

This course is an introduction to encryption, and is intended to serve both as an overview and as a level set and foundation. Encryption is a key element in protecting us and our information as we go about our daily lives and as we interact with others online. It ensures our information and our communications remain confidential, protected, and available only to those for whom we intend.

What are the course objectives?

• Describe encryption concepts at a high level, and the benefits encryption offers to us individually and as a society.
• Find out why it is important, and the ways in which we rely upon strong encryption in our daily lives.
• Understand how and why efforts to weaken encryption pose a serious threat.
• Learn about various “backdoor access” proposals and why they are problematic.
• Learn about the Internet Society’s goals and activities related to supporting strong encryption and defending against threats to it.
• Discover what actions you can take to advocate for strong encryption in your community and beyond.

What are the expected outcomes of this course?

• Define key encryption concepts (e.g., plaintext, ciphertext, encryption key, decryption key, encryption algorithm) and explain their roles in securing data.
• Explain how encryption ensures the confidentiality, integrity, and authenticity of data transmitted over the internet.
• Demonstrate the ability to use encryption tools and techniques to protect personal data in everyday life.
• Identify real-world examples of encryption in everyday life, such as secure communication, online banking, and e-commerce.
• Critique potential threats to encryption and propose solutions to maintain strong encryption standards.
• Identify key threats to encryption, including government surveillance, cyberattacks, and technological limitations.
• Analyze the potential consequences of weakened encryption, such as data breaches, identity theft, and erosion of privacy rights.
• Evaluate the impact of different types of attacks on encryption systems, including brute-force attacks, man-in-the-middle attacks, and quantum computing attacks.
• Understand the legal framework surrounding encryption.
• Analyze the implications of encryption laws on privacy, security, and societal interests.
• Evaluate the ethical dilemmas posed by encryption and surveillance.
• Analyze the ethical implications of encryption policies and advocate for privacy rights.
• Understand the role of citizens in shaping technology policy and advocating for their rights.

Who should attend this course?

This course does not have prerequisites.

You should attend this course if:

• You would like to have a solid understanding of how encryption relates to you as an Internet user and what threats it may face from governments, industry, and criminals.
• You would like to be able to advocate for strong encryption.
• You would like to become an encryption supporter and activate a Chapter.
• You want to build awareness of the importance and benefits of encryption.
• You want to help shape the encryption process to protect data on the Internet.
• You would like to learn why encryption is fundamental for a secure, trusted and more resilient Internet.

How do I enroll in a course?

When do I start?

This course lasts four weeks. Registration period opens three weeks prior to the course start date.