Guide on Encryption and Cryptography for CISSP
Importance:
Encryption and cryptography are important topics for the CISSP exam and in the realm of cybersecurity in general. They serve as key measures in securing data and communication from unauthorized access or modifications.
What is Encryption and Cryptography:
Encryption is the process of converting plaintext into ciphertext which is ununderstandable without the decryption key. Cryptography is the study of secure communication techniques and includes concepts like encryption, decryption, and cryptanalysis.
How it works:
Encryption works by using algorithms and a key to transform the plaintext into ciphertext. The decryption process is the reverse, it takes ciphertext and the same or a different key (depending on the encryption type) and transforms it back into plaintext.
Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Encryption and Cryptography:
1. Understand the difference between symmetric (private-key) and asymmetric (public-key) encryption.
2. Familiarize yourself with common encryption algorithms such as AES, DES, RSA etc. and their characteristics.
3. Know the applications of encryption: email security, VPNs, SSL/TLS for web security etc.
4. Be sure to understand how cryptographic keys work and their management, including the concept of key exchange and Public Key Infrastructure (PKI).
5. Practice questions to get a clear concept of the topic as encryption and cryptography can be trickier sections of the CISSP exam.