MATH 1025: Introduction to Mathematical Cryptography
Spring 2021 and Spring 2023

Instructor: Boris Tsvelikhovskiy    bdt18 AT pitt.edu

Overview

This is an introductory course in mathematical cryptography. It focuses on covering the basic aspects of design of cryptosystems and in analysis of their limitations and vulnerabilities. Students will learn the underlying principles behind cryptosystems and will see how some of these systems are used in real-world applications such as digital signatures and bitcoin. The course places a special emphasis on public-key cryptosystems. Elliptic curve cryptography will be introduced.

Texts

  1. J. Hoffstein, J. Pipher, and J. H. Silverman, An introduction to mathematical cryptography, 2nd ed., Undergraduate Texts in Mathematics, Springer, New York, 2014.
  2. N. Koblitz, A course in number theory and cryptography, 2nd ed., Graduate Texts in Mathematics, vol. 114, Springer-Verlag, New York, 1994.
The first book is available for free download in pdf format from the University of Pittsburgh library. The second book is an excellent source of supplementary material.

Syllabus

Please find the syllabus here.

Lecture notes

Supplementary notes and materials

Homework problems

Exams

The programs, that are referred to in the assignments, can be found here.