brian will . net

Sneak some cryptography in early

I’ve decided that the opening course, data representation, should sneak in the basic concepts of hash functions and cryptography:

1. Number representation

   A discussion of bits and how they can be used to represent numbers.

2. Text representation

   How bits can be used to represent text.

3. Introduction to hash functions and cryptography

   How to create digital “fingerprints” and how to keep digital information secret.

4. Data compression and integrity checks

   Using fewer bits and making sure you have the right bits.

5. Image and audio representation

   How bits can be used to represent images and audio.

This makes sense because data compression relates to encryption, and hashing relates to integrity checks. In turn, lossless compression shows up in image and audio formats.

What I have in mind for this cryptography intro is something a lot like what Steve Gibson covered in several episodes of his podcast, Security Now. (The relevant episodes are numbers 30, 31, 33, 34, 35, and 37.) As for books, I haven’t looked too deeply into the offerings for intro crypto yet.

Only problem now is that I’m only really versed enough in these subjects to see that a broad overview of the theory should go here in the project, so I guess making this unit will have to be put off for quite a while until I can do some serious reading.