NEW Cybersecurity and Cryptography Workshop
Cybersecurity and cryptography are closely related fields focused on protecting digital information, and is a vital field of study in the digital age!
Cybersecurity is the broader practice of defending computer systems and networks from theft, damage, or disruption.
Cryptography is the science of secure communication. This practice secures information by encoding it in a way that only authorised parties can access or understand. Essentially, cryptography is a set of techniques used within cybersecurity to ensure confidentiality, integrity, and authenticity of data.
Cryptography includes 4 components:
Encryption: The process of converting plaintext into ciphertext.
Decryption: The process of converting ciphertext back into plaintext.
Keys: Cryptographic keys are used to encrypt and decrypt data, acting as secret codes.
Algorithms: Mathematical formulas that define how encryption and decryption are performed.
Our Workshop is the first step for students in developing an understanding of this exciting application of computer science.
Children will collaborate to investigate clues and use cybersecurity techniques to crack a digital safe.
In our Cryptography workshop, students:
learn about the historical and contemporary importance of cryptography in securing communications, including online communications.
explore Caesar Shifts and other simple cryptography techniques, and practise encrypting and decrypting messages on paper.
use a bespoke Hyett Education program to encrypt and decrypt messages and simple pixel art images.
understand why computers are so efficient in encrypting and decrypting information, and the potential risks of this.
discuss the implications for selecting appropriate passwords for their own use online
Students will then use what they have learned to compete as a team in a code-breaking challenge within one of a number of bespoke scenarios:
Astronaut Emergency: taking on the role of astronauts, can students break the security codes to unlock the emergency escape module?
Spitfire Medal Predicament: taking on the role of a World War II historian, can students help the great-granddaughter of a Spitfire pilot unlock the safe that contains his medals?
Unmask The Hackers: taking on the role of a cybercrime police officer, can students unlock the secrets of a criminal hacking gang?
Students have to analyse documents, letters, photos and plans to try and work out what the decryption keys might be, and then test their ideas to open the locked safe that taunts them on their desk!
Our workshop is both fun and engaging - we have had brilliant feedback from the schools who have already taken part.
Interested? Jump on to https://www.hyetteducation.com/schoolworkshops/cybersecurity-and-cryptography-workshop-y5-y9 to enquire!