README.md

Sidepit Cryptography Tutorial

What is Cryptography?

Cryptography is the practice of developing and using coded algorithms to protect and obscure transmitted information through encryption such that it may only be read by those with the permission and ability to decrypt it.

Cryptography is critical in many fields to secure communications and protect data. It is commonly used to secure websites (SSL), and blockchain.

Key concepts in cryptography include:

• Encryption: Transforming readable data into an unreadable form.
• Decryption: Converting the unreadable form back into its original, readable form.
• Public/private keys: Unique values used to encrypt and decrypt information.

The padlock analogy

Encryption is like locking a box with a padlock. Anyone can lock the box using a public key, but only the person with the private key can unlock it and read what's inside.

Cryptography serves as the foundation for secure digital communication and data protection.

Getting Started

1. Navigate to education/cryptography

cd education/cryptography

2. Create a Virtual Environment

python -m venv .env

3. Activate the Virtual Environment

Windows:

.env\Scripts\activate

Mac/Linux:

source .env/bin/activate

4. Install Necessary Packages

pip install secp256k1
pip install ecdsa
pip install base58

5. Install OpenSSL

Mac: OpenSSL is pre-installed.

Linux:

sudo apt install openssl

Explore specific cryptographic technologies and methods below:

• SSL
• ECDSA
• SECP256K1