Hello there fellow WGU student. Welcome to our article on the “Introduction to Cryptography WGU D334 ” where we discuss and provide you with the information you need to ace this module with ease. If you are just starting the module and do not know where to start, or if you are going to sit for the OA and don’t feel well prepared… you have come to the right place to help you reach your academic goal. In this article, we will be discussing below key points to give you all the information you require to pave your own path to victory.
So leave all your worries behind and let us guide you on your journey. Let’s get started!!
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About Introduction to Cryptography WGU D334 đź“–
Welcome aboard to Introduction to Cryptography (D334)! This module is your gateway to the intriguing universe of cryptography and its pivotal role in fortifying our digital world. Here, we’ll delve deep into the art and science of encryption, exploring its applications and significance in information security.
Before we dive in, it’s important to note that WGU requires students to have a solid understanding of several competencies as prerequisites:
- IT Foundations, aligned with the CompTIA A+ certification
- IT Applications, also aligned with the CompTIA A+ certification
- Network and Security Foundations
- Networks, aligning with the CompTIA Network+ certification
- Network and Security – Applications, in line with the CompTIA Security+ certification
The course will cover every aspect of cryptography starting from the basic principles to more advanced encryption techniques using both symmetric and asymmetric algorithms. But fret not! We will go through this content bit by bit using engaging videos, interactive quizzes and practical exercises which would increase your knowledge and level of proficiency.
At the end of the module, you will have to respond to the objective assessment, which will give you an opportunity to demonstrate what you have learned. Completing this assessment will be the final step towards passing this module as well as earning the course completion rewards.
The objective assessment (OA) is structured as follows:
- Number of questions: 60
- Time allocated: 120 minutes (2 hours)
- Type of questions: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
- Venue: Online proctored
- Passing score: 70%
Whether you’re a seasoned cybersecurity professional looking to deepen your understanding or a curious learner eager to explore the secrets of encryption, this module is tailor-made for you. So, buckle up and get ready for an exhilarating journey into the world of cryptography. Let’s dive in and unlock the mysteries together!Â
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Study Guide đź“ť
As mentioned above, we advise you to have a strong knowledge of the prerequisites for this module to help you grasp the course content better. If you do not have at least a basic understanding of these prerequisites, we recommend checking with your course instructor before starting this module. If you are competent with the basics of IT and Networking, the study guide we have laid out for you below will help you complete this module with ease. We recommend going through each step in the study guide as it is to get the most results out of it. Alternatively, feel free to extract the necessary information you need and prepare your own study guide that fits your daily routine.
Week 1 – Watch the Webx videos on every chapter
Normally, we would recommend starting your studies with the Textbook provided by WGU. However, in this module, we have found that the Textbook does not meet the requirements to be treated as your main resource for course content. The Textbook contains too much information on each topic that is not required to attempt the OA. Additionally, the Textbook contains a lot of grammatical errors that make reading it feel dry and dull.
So instead, we advise you to go through the recorded Webx videos by the course instructors to gain your initial knowledge of the course content. The links to these videos can be found in the course chatter section in the Introduction to Cryptography WGU D334 module. Follow the steps below to navigate to the correct location and find the links.
1. Login to your student profile on the WGU website
2. Go to the Degree Plan tab
3. Find the “Introduction to Cryptography – D334” on the degree list and click on it
4. Find the “Course Chatter” on the right side of the web page. (Refer to the below image)
5. Find the file list on the course chatter on the right side of the web page and click the file “D334 Cryptography Book Chapter Video Summaries and Videos.txt”(Refer to the below image)
Inside this file, you will find the links to 12 videos that cover the course content from top to bottom. The password to access these links can be found in the course chatter itself.
While you are going through these videos, we recommend you take short notes of each chapter to help you revise the course content later.
Week 2 – Extra reading (Optional)
If going through the above videos was not enough for you to get a proper grasp of the course content, we recommend you watch “Professor Wolf’s – Cryptography all videos in one giant playlist” to gain a deeper understanding. This playlist contains 47 total videos covering all the course content and the Pre-A questions in a comprehensive manner. Click on this Link to access the videos.
Week 3 – Go through the study guide provided in the course chatter
One of the most significant documents to assist you in studying for this module can be found in the course chatter. Navigate to the Group Files and locate the document named “Cryptography Additional Study Guide.pdf“. If you encounter difficulty finding this document, refer back to the steps outlined in Week 1 and follow them accordingly.
This file comprises concise notes on every key concept covered in the module, facilitating your revision and retention of knowledge before attempting the assessments. Essentially, it serves as a comprehensive guide covering all you need to know prior to the OA. Therefore, carefully review this document and ensure you understand each concept it encompasses.
Week 4 – Try out the quizzes and practice questions
At this stage of the study guide, you should have a strong understanding of the course content. If not, refer to the External Resources section of the article to find additional resources to aid your study. Now, all that remains is to apply that knowledge and assess your skills with practice questions related to the module. Proceed through the quizzes listed below one by one and strive to answer them correctly. If you encounter difficulty with the quizzes, continue attempting them until you achieve a satisfactory score (85% or higher is recommended).
1. Quizzlet #1
2. Quizzlet #2
3. Quizzets Quiz Bank – Register with your WGU email address. Go to the courses drop-down menu and select D334 “Introduction to Cryptography” to access the quizzes.
Week 5 – Take the Pre-A
In this step, we will attempt the Pre-A of D334. Keep in mind that this is the final preparation step before we attempt the OA. So, ensure you are well-prepared to take the Pre-A to gauge the knowledge you have gathered so far. It’s important to approach the Pre-A as if it were a real exam, allowing you to accurately assess your readiness for the OA. If you identify any gaps in your knowledge of the course content, we recommend revisiting those topics for revision before starting the Pre-A.
To begin the Pre-A, navigate to the home page of the “Introduction to Cryptography – D334” module and scroll down to find the link to the assessment. Click on the “TAKE NOW” button to initiate the Pre-A.
Once you have completed the Pre-A, a coaching report will be autogenerated in the same section of the home page. (Refer to the image below)
The coaching report showcases your understanding of each topic in the module. This will help you clearly identify your weak points so you can revisit these topics before moving to the final assessment. Use the short notes that you have made during your studies as well as the study guide mentioned above to revise your knowledge on these weak points.
If you have failed the Pre-Assessment in your first attempt, retake it again after revisiting your weak points. Once you have successfully passed the OA, move on to the next step.
Week 6 – Attempt the OA
You are now well-prepared to tackle the final assessment of D334. First of all, congratulate yourself for coming this far on your journey. You have done all the hard work on this module, and the only thing that remains is to tackle the final hurdle.
We recommend that you schedule the OA as soon as possible after completing the Pre-A. This will allow you to take the OA with the same knowledge you had when you passed the Pre-A.
Before taking the assessment, make sure that you are in a quiet and calm environment so you can focus on the assessment and nothing else. Ensure you have a stable internet connection, a webcam, and a microphone. Read through the proctoring instructions and rules carefully. And most of all, be confident in yourself… you got this!!
We wish you all the best on your OA. If you have followed the study guide step by step, you will ace the assessment in no time.
Key Topics in D334 🔑
We have listed some of the most important topics and concepts in the “Introduction to Cryptography WGU D334” module below. We recommend you focus on these topics in your studies to give you an added advantage in the final assessment.
Asymmetric and symmetric cryptography
Asymmetric and symmetric cryptography are two fundamental approaches to encryption, each with its own strengths and use cases.
Symmetric cryptography refers to procedures where the key is applied both for encryption and decryption. That is, this involves the use of the same key by the sender and the receiver to encrypt and decrypt the messages. The symmetric encryption algorithms are efficient and faster for high volumes of data. Nevertheless, this will require the secure distribution of the key to all parties that are meant to use it.
On the other hand, asymmetric cryptography, also known as public-key cryptography, uses a pair of keys: whereas the public key and the private key. Whereas the public key is released and employed for encryption, the private key is kept secret and used for decryption. Symmetric encryption is the higher level of security that no password interchange channel is required. Nevertheless, Symmetric encryption is a culprit of high usage, but it is relatively slower and less efficient than asymmetric encryption.
However, in practice symmetric encryption is usually employed to protect data at rest and for secure data exchange between two entities that already have a secret key. Asymmetric encryption, the other frequently used encryption type, is largely applied to more advanced tasks like secure communication over insecure channels such as the internet, digital signatures, and key exchange protocols.
By understanding the differences and applications of asymmetric and symmetric cryptography, you can effectively implement cryptographic solutions to meet various security requirements in your digital endeavors.
How asymmetric cryptography works
- Key Generation: Each user generates a pair of keys: a public key and a private key. The public key is shared openly and may be disseminated to many people, but the private key should be kept secret and is known only to the owner.
- Encryption: Once an encrypted message is sent by a sender to a receiver, the sender employs the public key of the recipient to encrypt the message encrypted. This operation assures uniqueness and confidentiality of encryption which prevents others from reading the message.
- Decryption: After receiving the encrypted message, the recipient identifies their private key to decipher it. Since it’s with the person’s private key and it’s known only to the receiver, the correspondence has no way of being accessible to others than just the addressee.
- Digital Signatures: Asymmetric cryptography is also used for creating digital signatures, which are used to verify the authenticity and integrity of messages or documents. To create a digital signature, the sender uses their private key to encrypt a hash (a unique identifier) of the message. The recipient, who has access to the sender’s public key, can then decrypt the signature and compare it with the hash of the received message to verify its authenticity and integrity.
Public Key Infrastructure âś…
The Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) can be referred to as the infrastructure that allows the secure management of certificates and keys used in asymmetric cryptographic systems. It ensures the development of the needed tech that guarantees the privacy, security, and integrity of various online transactions and communications.
Certificate Authorities (CA):
- PKI relies on trusted third-party entities known as Certificate Authorities (CAs).
- CAs are responsible for issuing digital certificates, which serve as proof of identity for entities such as individuals, organizations, or devices.
- CAs digitally sign these certificates using their private keys to ensure their authenticity and integrity.
Digital Certificates:
- A digital certificate contains information about the entity it identifies, including its public key and other relevant details.
- These certificates are issued by CAs and are digitally signed by them, establishing trust in the certificate’s authenticity.
- Digital certificates are typically used for purposes such as secure email communication, SSL/TLS encryption in web browsing, and authentication in VPN connections.
Certificate Revocation:
- PKI includes mechanisms for revoking certificates in case they are compromised or no longer valid.
- CAs maintain Certificate Revocation Lists (CRLs) or use Online Certificate Status Protocol (OCSP) to inform users and systems about revoked certificates.
Key Management:
- PKI manages the lifecycle of cryptographic keys used in asymmetric cryptography.
- It includes processes for key generation, distribution, storage, and renewal, ensuring the secure handling of keys throughout their lifespan.
- Key management practices help prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information and protect against cryptographic attacks.
Trust Hierarchies:
- PKI establishes trust hierarchies, where CAs at higher levels certify the authenticity of CAs at lower levels.
- This hierarchical structure enables the delegation of trust and allows users to verify the authenticity of digital certificates issued by different CAs within the hierarchy.
In general, the public key plays an essential role in providing secure communication, authentication and protection to the data in modern online environments. It is the foundation of safe web transactions and constitutes an essential link in the processes when private and business parties communicate digitally.
Common ciphers and their block and key sizes
| Cipher | Block Size | Key Size |
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AES (Advanced Encryption Standard)
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128 bits (16 bytes) |
128-bit, 192-bit, 256-bit |
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DES (Data Encryption Standard)
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64 bits (8 bytes) |
56 bits |
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Triple DES (3DES)
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64 bits (8 bytes)
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112 bits, 168 bits
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RSA (Rivest–Shamir–Adleman)
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Not applicable
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Key sizes vary (commonly 1024, 2048, 3072, or 4096 bits)
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Blowfish
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64 bits (8 bytes)
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Key sizes vary (32 to 448 bits, typically in multiples of 8)
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Twofish
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128 bits (16 bytes)
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Key sizes vary (128, 192, or 256 bits)
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RC4
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Not applicable (stream cipher)
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Key sizes vary (typically 40 to 2048 bits)
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External Resources đź“‚
- Udemy course provided by WGU – TOTAL: Conversation on Cryptography: w/ Mike Meyers
- Additional reading material – Shawn’s Study Guide
- Quizzlet #3 – Link
- Quizzlet # 4 – Link
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FAQâť“
1. Q: How can I prepare for the objective assessment?
A: In order to take the OA successfully the best way is to learn the course material completely as well as to do the practice quizzes and understand what are the important concepts and the techniques that you need to know.
2. Q: How can I stay engaged and motivated throughout the course?
A: In order to remain enthusiastic at all times, set a couple of important targets and milestones for yourself in addition to participating in online forums with other students and taking advantage of the assistance of your course mentor when you face some hurdles or have questions about the course material.
3. Q: Will I receive any industry-recognized certifications upon completing this course?
A: Although this cryptography course of WGU D334 does not carry any specific certification, the knowledge and skills gained from the course can lay really good the important propagation for trying the proper certifications in cybersecurity, or in cryptography, like CompTIA Sec+ or Certified IS Information Systems Security Professional.
4. Q: Can I apply the knowledge gained in this course to real-world scenarios?
A: Absolutely! Students taking the course Introduction to Cryptography will see the subjects and methods employed there being employed in different real-life situations such as secure communication, data protection, digital signatures, and designing cryptographic protocols.
5. Q: What software or tools will I need for this course?
A: When it comes to this course, you may need soft cryptographic or encryption-specific programs to work with the code and be able to encrypt and decrypt it. For instance, cryptographic software such OpenSSL, GnuPG, and Crypto++ are the prominent programs.
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Conclusion đź“„
Embarking on the journey of Introduction to Cryptography (WGU D334) opens doors to a fascinating realm of encryption and security. As you navigate through this course, remember to utilize the study guide provided and explore the external resources recommended to deepen your understanding of cryptographic concepts. Additionally, don’t forget to check out our Pre-A questions and answers article for valuable insights and knowledge enhancement. With dedication, perseverance, and a solid grasp of the course material, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle the objective assessment and emerge successful. Best of luck on your journey, and may you excel in mastering the art and science of cryptography!
