Cryptography Study Plan

In this plan, let's assume that you already have some computer science skills (linux basics, common windows or mac os use, search on the internet, edit a file...).
But first, what is cryptography ? cryptography is the practice and study of techniques for secure communication in the presence of adversarial behavior.

This plan has several objectives, in short :

• learn about cryptography theoric concepts
• become familiar with useful cryptography tools
• how to apply all this acknoledgment in the context of cybersecurity

ToC

1. Theoretical Concepts - 2 weeks
2. Applied Cryptography - 2 weeks
3. Cryptography Tools - 2 weeks
4. Cryptanalysis & Challenges - 2 weeks
5. Resources

Theoretical Concepts

Duration: 2 weeks

In this first part you will focus on learning the basics concepts of cryptography (algorithms, keys, PKI, hashing).

Week 1-2: Core Concepts

1. Symmetric vs Asymmetric Encryption: DES, AES, RSA, ECC.
2. Hashing Algorithms: MD5, SHA-1, SHA-256, SHA-3.
3. Public Key Infrastructure (PKI): Certificates, CAs, Chain of Trust.
4. Digital Signatures: How they work and why they are important.

Resources:

• Basic Cryptography from Sunny Classroom
• Cryptography Module on TryHackMe

Applied Cryptography

Duration: 2 weeks

How to apply this knowledge in the context of cybersecurity and secure communications.

Week 3-4: Protocols & Implementation

1. SSL/TLS: Handshake process, versions, and security.
2. SSH: Secure remote access, key management.
3. Email Security: PGP, GPG, S/MIME.
4. Data at Rest vs Data in Transit.

Resources:

• Hak5: SSH Inside and Out
• Real-world Cryptography (Book)

Cryptography Tools

Duration: 2 weeks

Become familiar with useful cryptography tools for analysis and implementation.

Week 5-6: Hands-on Tools

1. OpenSSL: Generating keys, CSRs, and testing connections.
2. GPG: Encrypting and signing files.
3. John the Ripper / Hashcat: Password cracking basics (understanding strength).
4. CyberChef: The "Swiss Army Knife" for encryption/decoding.

Resources:

• TryHackMe Practice
• CyberChef

Cryptanalysis & Challenges

Duration: 2 weeks

Time to challenge yourself with CTFs and cryptanalysis puzzles.

Week 7-8: Breaking Codes

1. Classical Ciphers: Caesar, Vigenère (for historical context).
2. Modern Attacks: Padding Oracle, POODLE, Heartbleed (understanding the flaws).
3. CTF Challenges: Solve crypto challenges on platforms.

Resources:

• RootMe Cryptanalysis Challenges
• Cryptopals Crypto Challenges

Resources

Platforms

• pwn.guide
• TryHackMe
• RootMe

Books

• Serious Cryptography by Jean-Philippe Aumasson
• Real-World Cryptography by David Wong