Course Duration: 2 Years (4 Semesters, including holidays and attachment)
Course Fee: 30,000 Kenyan Shillings per semester
Weekly Commitment: Minimum of 2 hours per day
Course Overview:
This diploma provides an in-depth understanding of cryptographic principles, security protocols, and their applications in securing information systems. Students will learn about encryption algorithms, cryptanalysis, secure communication, and the implementation of security measures in various digital environments.

Year 1

Semester 1: Foundations of Cryptography

Week 1-4: Introduction to Cryptography

• History and Evolution of Cryptography
• Basic Concepts: Encryption, Decryption, and Keys
• Types of Cryptography: Symmetric and Asymmetric
• Practical Exercises: Implementing basic encryption algorithms

Week 5-8: Number Theory and Algebra for Cryptography

• Modular Arithmetic and Number Theory Basics
• Prime Numbers and Factorization
• Algebraic Structures in Cryptography
• Practical Exercises: Solving cryptographic problems using number theory

Week 9-12: Symmetric Cryptography

• Block Ciphers and Stream Ciphers
• Data Encryption Standard (DES) and Advanced Encryption Standard (AES)
• Key Management and Distribution
• Practical Exercises: Implementing and analyzing symmetric encryption algorithms

Week 13-16: Asymmetric Cryptography

• Public Key Infrastructure (PKI)
• RSA, Diffie-Hellman, and Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC)
• Digital Signatures and Certificates
• Practical Exercises: Implementing and analyzing asymmetric encryption algorithms

Semester 2: Cryptographic Protocols and Applications

Week 1-4: Secure Communication Protocols

• SSL/TLS and HTTPS
• VPNs and Secure Tunneling Protocols
• Cryptographic Handshakes and Key Exchange
• Practical Exercises: Configuring secure communication channels

Week 5-8: Authentication and Authorization

• Password Security and Hash Functions
• Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
• Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) and Identity Management
• Practical Exercises: Implementing authentication mechanisms in systems

Week 9-12: Cryptanalysis and Attack Strategies

• Types of Cryptanalytic Attacks (Brute Force, Side-Channel)
• Analyzing Weaknesses in Cryptographic Systems
• Defensive Measures and Mitigation Strategies
• Practical Exercises: Performing cryptanalysis on sample cryptographic systems

Week 13-16: Applied Cryptography in Systems

• Cryptography in Cloud Computing and IoT
• Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies
• Secure Software Development Practices
• Practical Exercises: Applying cryptography to secure various systems

Year 2

Semester 3: Advanced Topics in Cryptography and Security

Week 1-4: Quantum Cryptography

• Principles of Quantum Computing and its Impact on Cryptography
• Quantum Key Distribution (QKD)
• Post-Quantum Cryptography
• Practical Exercises: Exploring quantum-resistant cryptographic algorithms

Week 5-8: Cryptographic Applications in Real-World Systems

• Secure Email (PGP, S/MIME)
• Cryptographic Applications in Payment Systems and Banking
• Digital Rights Management (DRM) and Intellectual Property Protection
• Practical Exercises: Implementing cryptography in real-world scenarios

Week 9-12: Security Protocols and Network Security

• Network Security Protocols (IPSec, SSH)
• Wireless Security (WPA3, WEP)
• Firewalls, Intrusion Detection, and Prevention Systems
• Practical Exercises: Configuring and securing network infrastructure

Week 13-16: Security Compliance and Standards

• International Standards (ISO/IEC 27001)
• Regulatory Compliance (GDPR, HIPAA)
• Auditing and Risk Management in Security
• Practical Exercises: Conducting security audits and ensuring compliance

Semester 4: Capstone Project and Industry Attachment

Week 1-4: Capstone Project

• Identifying a Problem Statement in Cryptography or Security
• Project Planning, Research, and Development
• Implementation, Testing, and Documentation
• Final Presentation and Evaluation

Week 5-8: Industry Attachment

• Hands-On Experience in Security and Cryptography Roles
• Applying Learned Skills in Real-World Security Projects
• Industry Networking and Professional Development

Week 9-12: Professional Development and Career Planning

• Building a Professional Portfolio and Resume
• Job Search Strategies and Interview Preparation
• Understanding Industry Certifications (CISSP, CEH) and Pathways

Week 13-16: Course Review and Final Exam

• Comprehensive Review of All Topics Covered
• Practice Projects and Final Assessments
• Final Exam and Evaluation

Certification:
Upon successful completion of the course, students will receive a "Diploma in Applied Cryptography and Security," certifying their expertise in cryptographic principles, secure system design, and cybersecurity protocols. This certification prepares them for roles such as Cryptographer, Security Analyst, Network Security Engineer, and similar positions in cybersecurity and cryptography.