# Module Overview

This module focuses on symmetric key cryptography.

## Module Objectives

By the end of this module you should be able to:

- define encryption, decryption, plaintext, ciphertext, and encryption/decryption key, and explain their use in cryptography.
- compare attack scenarios against an encryption algorithm.
- use early cipher methods such as a Caesar cipher and substitution cipher to encrypt/decrypt data
- identify commonly used algorithms for symmetric encryption.
- explain the challenge of key distribution in symmetric key encryption.
- illustrate how symmetric key encryption is used to secure data using freely available tools.

## Task List

The tasks included in this module are:

1. Study the slides on symmetric key cryptography posted in this module.
2. Complete the assignment on decrypting classical ciphers.
3. Complete the lab assignment on securing data with encryption software