Building Cryptosystems

Building Cryptosystems
English


Instructors

Daniel J. Sturtevant
Engineering Systems Division
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139 USA

Lesson Feedback

Introduction

This video module presents an introduction to cryptography – the method of sending messages in such a way that only the intended recipients can understand them. In this very interactive lesson, students will build three different devices for cryptography and will learn how to encrypt and decrytp messages. There are no prerequisites for this lesson, and it has intentionally been designed in a way that can be adapted to many audiences. It is fully appropriate in a high school level math or computer science class where the teacher can use it to motivate probability/statistics or programming exercises. The video module itself should take one class session, although the building of the cryptography devices may take longer and could be done ahead of time. Materials necessary for this lesson include paper cups, scissors, tape or glue and pens or pencils. Additional materials are downloadable from this website. During the in-class portion of this interactive lesson, students will learn to build the cryptography devices and will learn how to send and “crack” secret messages.

Instructor Biography

Dan Sturtevant is a Ph.D. student with prior degrees in engineering, political science, and management. He is a software engineer with industry experience in Linux, cryptosystems, and simulation modeling. He is interested in how computers can help us improve our lives and better understand ourselves.

Additional Online Resources

Thomas Jefferson Monticello: Wheel Cipher
This page is from the website of Thomas Jefferson's home, Monticello, and discusses the history and mechanics of Jefferson's Wheel Cipher.

Computer Code Cracking and Cryptology
This article provides a comprehensive history of the British cryptoanalysts who broke the Enigma Machine code during World War II.

+Plus Magazine: Exploring the Enigma
This site provides extensive information on the Enigma Machine, including history, classroom exercises and additional resources on the topic.

LEARNING: Learning About Cryptography
A more advanced and comprehensive introduction to cryptography

Secret Code Breaker
Downloadable video clips of famous code breakers taken from history

Barcodes: Cryptography
This website, sponsored by the company, Barcodes, Inc., provides articles on a wide variety of topics related to cryptography.