gmu it 223 exam 2 studyguide

Flashcards covering key terms and definitions from Modules 5 to 8 on Cryptography and Network Security.

Cryptography

The science of securing communication through encoding information.

Cryptanalysis

The science of breaking cryptographic codes and ciphers.

Plaintext

The original readable message before encryption.

Ciphertext

The encrypted version of the plaintext.

Code

Replaces entire words or phrases in a message.

Cipher

Replaces individual letters or bits in a message.

Algorithm

A set of rules or steps used to encrypt or decrypt information.

Key

A value that works with an algorithm to encrypt or decrypt data.

Keyspace

The total number of possible keys in an algorithm.

Encryption

Converts plaintext to ciphertext.

Decryption

Converts ciphertext back to plaintext.

Symmetric Cryptography

A method using the same key for both encryption and decryption.

Asymmetric Cryptography

A method using a public key for encryption and a private key for decryption.

Hashing

A one-way function that converts data into a fixed-length string (digest).

Substitution Cipher

Replaces elements of plaintext with ciphertext.

Transposition Cipher

Reorders characters without changing them.

Product Cipher

Combines both substitution and transposition ciphers.

Brute Force Attack

Trying all possible key combinations until the correct one is found.

Dictionary Attack

Uses a list of common passwords to crack a password.

Side-Channel Analysis

Attacks based on physical implementation, like timing or power consumption.

Digital Signature

Provides integrity and non-repudiation to a message.

MAC Function

Message Authentication Code; verifies data integrity and authenticity.

Hash Collision

When two different inputs produce the same hash output.

HMAC

A MAC based on a hash function and a secret key.

Quantum Computing Impact on Cryptography

Could break current algorithms like RSA by factoring large primes quickly.

Steganography

Hiding data within other files, such as images.

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Using two or more factors to authenticate identity.

Access Control

Mechanisms to restrict access to resources.

Principle of Least Privilege

Users are granted the minimum level of access necessary.

NAT (Network Address Translation)

Allows private IPs to access the internet.

Three-Way Handshake

SYN → SYN-ACK → ACK; a method to establish a TCP connection.

Firewall

A device or software that filters network traffic.

proper format of socket

ip address, port