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Conversations in Cryptography

Instructor: Mike Meyers

Included with Learn more

5 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

Beginner level

Recommended experience

4 hours to complete

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

5 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

Beginner level

Recommended experience

4 hours to complete

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

Explain how classical ciphers like Caesar and Vigenère work and how they evolved into the binary XOR operations behind modern encryption
Describe how hashing verifies data integrity and how asymmetric key pairs solve the key exchange problem in symmetric encryption
Explain how digital certificates and PKI bind identities to public keys to enable trusted communication across the internet

Skills you'll gain

Tools you'll learn

Data Encryption Standard

Details to know

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

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There are 5 modules in this course

Discover how cryptography really works, with no math or computer science background needed. This conversational course takes you from ancient ciphers to the public key infrastructure (PKI) that secures the modern internet. Across four modules (Classical Ciphers, Binary & Hashing, Asymmetric Cryptography, and Certificates & PKI), each concept builds naturally on the last, so even complex ideas feel approachable. From rotating ciphers and XOR logic to RSA key pairs, you'll see how the ideas fit together.

By the end, you'll be able to explain how symmetric and asymmetric encryption work, how hashing protects data integrity, and how digital certificates create trust online. Ideal for curious learners and IT or security professionals who want a clear, intuitive foundation in encryption, whether you're exploring cybersecurity or just curious about how secure communication works. Clear, conversational explanations make it easy to follow, and the whole course takes about three hours. Basic computer literacy is all you need.

What's included

3 videos1 assignment

What's included

2 videos1 assignment

What's included

2 videos1 assignment

What's included

3 videos1 assignment

Final graded assessment

What's included

1 assignment

Instructor

Mike Meyers

Total Seminars

31 Courses4,569 learners

Offered by

Total Seminars

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Frequently asked questions

A: No. The course is designed to build intuition for cryptography concepts without requiring a math or computer science background.

A: You’ll be able to explain how symmetric and asymmetric encryption work, how hashing verifies data integrity, and how PKI enables trust on the internet.

A: The course includes about 3 hours of material: videos, quizzes, and optional assignments. How long it takes you depends on your starting knowledge and how you like to study, so here are some typical ranges. If you already have experience with these topics, you may finish in about 2 to 3 hours by skimming familiar lessons. If you have some background, plan on about 3.5 to 4.5 hours. If you are new to the topic, plan on about 4.5 to 6 hours, because you may want to rewatch lessons and review quizzes. At the recommended 2 to 3 hours per week, this works out to about 1 to 3 weeks. The course is self-paced, so you can rewatch any lesson as often as you need.

To access course materials, assignments, and earn a Certificate, you'll need to purchase the Certificate experience when you enroll in a course. Eligible learners may also have the option to start with a Free Trial. Some courses may also offer a Full Course, No Certificate option. This lets you access course materials, submit required assessments, and receive a final grade, but you won't be able to earn or purchase a Certificate.