G22.3033-008
Security/Applied Cryptogaphy in Distributed Systems

Instructor/Teaching Assistants:

References:

• Applied Cryptography, Bruce Schneier
• Other papers/books as appropriate

Course Contents:

The popularity of the Web and of electronic commerce have renewed the interest in cryptographic algorithms for distributed systems. This is a course that will review cryptographic algorithms and study current techniques for enhancing effectiveness of distributed computing using cryptographic techniques. The course contents will include (but not limited to) the topics below).


1. Cryptographic Protocols
* Key Exchange
* Authentication
* Secret Sharing
* Digital Signatures
* Subliminal Channels
* Bit commitment
* Digital Certified Mail
* Elections
* Digital Cash

2. Programming Cryptographic Protocols
* Cryptographic functions and Cryptographic API's

3. Use of Cryptography on the Web
* Certificates
* Secure Sockets Layer

4. Advanced Cryptographic Applications
* Micropayments
* Stored value cards
* Encrypted File Systems
* Code mixing
* Managing Trust Relationships
* Protective Mobile Systems
* Security of Agent Computing
* Security of Remote access methods
* Security of Remote executions

The class will consist of mainly student presentations of research material and papers. I will present some background material. Students are expected to know some basic cryptography (encryption techniques, etc).

The course will NOT cover encryption techniques.

Projects

Class presentations, term papers, design documents and possible some programming (not decided yet)

Grading

Will depend upon class participation, presentation and other assigned work.