Cryptography is more fun with R!

🔑 Unlock the Secrets of Public Key Cryptography with R!

COURSE SUMMARY

Learn and use Public Key Cryptography within the powerful environment of R Statistical Software. This course will guide you through the process of securing your passwords and datasets using open-source tools, specifically R combined with the OpenSSL library. You'll understand the intricacies of cryptography without relying on paid or 'locked' software, and you'll learn how to do it all securely and effectively.

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN

• Understanding Cryptography: Dive into the world of Cryptography and learn how to apply it using R to secure your information.
• OpenSSL with R: Master the OpenSSL library within R, and execute cryptographic functions like encryption, decryption, and key management without additional software.
• Hands-On Practice: Get hands-on experience with real-world applications of encryption, such as managing ShinyApp keys, storing encrypted passwords in GitHub, and using batch/shell scripts for fast encryption/decryption tasks.
• Hashing Basics: Learn to generate unique hashed password strings, enhancing your security practices.

COURSE OUTLINE

1. Introduction to Public Key Cryptography: Understand the fundamentals of public key cryptography and its significance in protecting sensitive data.
2. Setting Up Your Development Environment: Get started with RStudio and the OpenSSL package, ensuring you have everything needed for encryption tasks.
3. Generating Private & Public Keys: Learn how to generate and store your private and public keys securely within a file system.
4. Encryption/Decryption Process: Walk through the steps required for encrypting and decrypting passwords or text with R, using the OpenSSL package.
5. Key Management: Discover best practices for managing your keys, including storing them on removable USB sticks and understanding the risks associated with key loss.
6. Use Cases for Encryption: Explore various scenarios where encryption can be beneficial, such as:
   • Managing ShinyApp keys and encrypted passwords
   • Securely sharing credentials in GitHub projects
   • Encrypting passwords in R-Server projects
   • Storing encrypted data in Google Drive accounts
   • Using batch/shell scripts for efficient encryption/decryption of passwords
7. Hashing: Get to grips with hashing and how it can be used to generate unique, secure password strings.

WHY TAKE THIS COURSE?

• Ease of Learning: This course is designed for those with minimum coding skills. No deep information or complex algorithms are involved; just practical knowledge to apply public key cryptography in everyday situations.
• Practical Application: Gain the advantage of knowing exactly how to manage passwords and protect sensitive data using public key cryptography within R.
• Hands-On Exercises: Engage with multiple practice exercises throughout the course to keep you interested and applying what you learn.
• Expand Your R Skills: If you're already familiar with R, this course will help you further utilize its capabilities for secure data handling.
• Quick Setup: Get up and running with provided templates that allow you to start using encryption methods in just a few minutes if you're already comfortable with R.

DISCLAIMER

• Training Purposes: The methods taught in this course are intended for educational purposes only. Always test your skills on dummy data before moving on to sensitive information.
• Risk Awareness: Be aware that improper key management and other security oversights can lead to the loss of valuable information. Never use cryptographic techniques without understanding the potential risks.
• Legal Compliance: Ensure that you are legally permitted to use cryptography in your country or region.

📝 Note: You are using this course material at your own risk! The author cannot be held responsible for any direct or indirect damage arising from the use of these techniques. Always prioritize data security and act responsibly.