Preparation for Exam 1

Which topics and ideas do you think are the most important out of those we have studied?

For this class I think the most important topics are those based in abstract algebra and linear algebra. Most of the mathematics that go into cryptography are derived from these two topics. I think the analysis of cryptosystems is the next important idea we have covered. Our ability to understand how a particular cryptosystem works, and what advantages/disadvantages it has. 

What kinds of questions do you expect to see on the exam?

I imagine there will be questions in which we will use specific cryptosystems either to encrypt or decrypt a message. I also expect a few questions in which we will be asked to find weaknesses in different cryptosystems. Of course there will be some questions to test our understanding of the underlying mathematical principles (mods, linear algebra, fields, etc.) There should also before a few questions to test our knowledge of terminology used in cryptography.  

What do you need to work on understanding better before the exam?

I need to work on my understanding of the modes of encryption, ECB, CFB, OFB, CTR. I feel comfortable with the linear and abstract algebra covered in class, but I need to understand the modes if there are any encryption problems on the test. Right now I can perform all the encryption modes if I reference them from the book, but without looking at the drawings for each one I have a hard time remembering the order of the encryption process.