BTC2019

This session will delve into a brief history of cryptography from early ciphers, through the introduction of computation, culminating in modern asymmetric encryption techniques. The focus will be on understanding how cryptography developed over time driven by (or in many cases driving) technology, to arrive where it is now and how blockchain technology is a natural progression. This session is intended for beginners and/or non-computer professionals.

During the session Dirk will help you to work through how cryptography works conceptually, not entirely without math, but concentrating more on how the math is applied (while allowing computers to do the heavy lifting for us). A computer, tablet, or phone with web access will be needed to access the tools that will be used to demonstrate and play with some of the cryptographic techniques discussed.

This is a cornerstone course that will help you build a greater understanding of the industry and prepare you for the CBP examination.

What will students learn?
You will learn how cryptography developed, how cryptographic keys work, the difference between symmetric and asymmetric encryption, what elliptic curve cryptography means, how to use hashes, and how it all goes together in the blockchain world.

This course is appropriate for people new to the industry, professionals, and aspiring blockchain developers who do not yet understand the basics of cryptography.

Prerequisite(s): none