Cryptography in decentralized systems

About course

This course is dedicated to the theoretical foundations and practical aspects of cryptography in decentralized systems. It covers key cryptographic methods and algorithms used to ensure data security and communication confidentiality in decentralized networks such as blockchain and cryptocurrency platforms.

The main topics of the course include:

Hash function. Features. SHA: Basic properties of hash functions, their applications in cryptography and decentralized systems. Overview of the SHA algorithm family and their features.

Symmetric encryption. Structure of modern encryption methods. DES/AES: Study of key concepts of symmetric encryption, including block and stream ciphers, as well as analysis of the structure and security of DES and AES algorithms.

Key distribution problem. Key exchange protocols: Discussion of the importance of secure key distribution and analysis of various key exchange protocols such as the Diffie-Hellman protocol and RSA protocol.

Asymmetric cryptographic algorithms. Digital signature. Directed encryption: Study of asymmetric algorithms such as RSA, DSA, and ECDSA, their applications in digital signatures and directed encryption.

Application of cryptographic methods in decentralized systems such as blockchain, with a focus on Zero Knowledge Proof. As well as general cybersecurity issues in cryptosystems.

A course duration - up to three months. Classes are held once a week.

Estimated time that needs to be spent during the week is 5-6 hours