Networking & Cryptography

About this track

Computer networking, symmetric and asymmetric encryption, TLS, and applied cryptography.

The Networking & Cryptography track collects 5 modules and 20 lessons into a single ordered path. Each module ends with a checkpoint quiz; passing the checkpoint unlocks the next module so you can track your progress without guessing whether the material has stuck.

You start with "Computer Networking Basics" and finish on "Applied Crypto & Common Pitfalls". The whole track sits inside the Core Computing area of the curriculum, so the writing assumes the prerequisites listed above and skips ground that an earlier track has already covered.

What this track covers

• Computer Networking Basics — How computers talk to each other - from electrical signals on a wire to the protocols that power the internet.
• Symmetric Encryption — One key to lock and unlock. Learn how XOR ciphers, AES, block ciphers, and stream ciphers work. See why the ECB penguin problem matters and how modes of operation keep your data safe.
• Asymmetric Encryption — Two keys instead of one. Learn how RSA, Diffie-Hellman key exchange, elliptic curve cryptography, and digital signatures enable secure communication between strangers.
• Cryptographic Protocols — See how encryption primitives combine into real protocols. Walk through the TLS handshake step by step, understand certificate chains, PKI, HMAC, and key derivation functions.
• Applied Crypto & Common Pitfalls — Why you should not roll your own crypto. Learn about real-world failures: padding oracle attacks, nonce reuse, timing attacks, and the subtle mistakes that break otherwise strong cryptography.