Applied Cryptography Workshop
Privacy is not a feature you can buy. It is a skill you build through deliberate practice with real encryption systems.
This workshop teaches you to implement cryptographic protocols that protect data in transit and at rest. You will work with actual encryption libraries, debug authentication flows, and configure secure communication channels. Each session builds on the previous one, moving from symmetric encryption basics to public key infrastructure deployment.
How encryption breaks and how to prevent it
Week one covers AES-256 implementation with proper initialization vectors. You will encrypt files, test different modes of operation, and identify common mistakes that compromise security.
Week two introduces RSA key generation and digital signatures. You will create key pairs, sign messages, verify authenticity, and understand the mathematical principles that make public key cryptography possible. Week three focuses on TLS configuration for web servers. You will set up certificates, enable perfect forward secrecy, and test protocol versions using industry-standard tools. Week four examines password hashing with bcrypt and Argon2. You will compare different algorithms, adjust work factors, and implement secure authentication systems. Week five covers end-to-end encryption in messaging applications. You will build a simple encrypted chat system, manage key exchange, and handle message integrity verification. Week six addresses key management and rotation strategies. You will design systems that allow key updates without service interruption and implement secure key storage solutions. Week seven is a capstone project where you design and implement a complete encrypted data pipeline from client to server with proper authentication, authorization, and audit logging.
How far can you get in seven weeks?
Progress depends on how much time you invest outside scheduled sessions. These milestones represent realistic outcomes based on previous cohorts.
Weeks 1–2
You can encrypt and decrypt data using symmetric algorithms. You understand block cipher modes and can explain when to use each one.
Weeks 3–4
You have configured TLS on a web server and implemented password hashing in an application. You can audit basic authentication systems.
Weeks 5–6
You have built an end-to-end encrypted messaging prototype. You understand key exchange protocols and can identify implementation vulnerabilities.
Week 7+
You have designed a complete encrypted system with proper key management. You can evaluate cryptographic libraries and make informed security decisions.
Registration opens March 15
The next cohort starts April 8 and runs for seven consecutive weeks with live sessions every Tuesday and Thursday evening.
Each session lasts two hours. The first hour is instruction and demonstration. The second hour is supervised implementation where you write code and configure systems while instructors are available for questions. Between sessions you complete assignments that reinforce what you practiced during class. Assignments typically require three to five hours depending on your existing programming experience. You will need a laptop running Linux, macOS, or Windows with WSL2. All software tools are open source and free. The workshop costs 12,800 UAH for the full seven weeks. This includes access to all materials, code repositories, and a private discussion forum that remains available after the workshop ends. If you cannot attend live sessions, recordings are available within 24 hours, but you will miss the opportunity to ask questions during implementation time. Contact us if you have questions about prerequisites or technical requirements.