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Cambridge AS & A Level Computer Science

17.1Encryption, encryption protocols and digital certificates

Encryption, encryption protocols and digital certificates in Cambridge AS & A Level Computer Science: what the syllabus expects you to know, the learning objectives and how to practise.
Subtopic42 practice questions2 lessons

Learning objectives

What the syllabus expects you to be able to do.

  1. 17.1.1Explain symmetric and asymmetric encryption with public and private keys, and how they give private and verified messages.
  2. 17.1.2Describe the purpose, benefits and drawbacks of quantum cryptography.
  3. 17.1.3Explain the purpose and use of SSL/TLS and digital certificates and signatures.

Lessons

  • Encryption: symmetric and asymmetric keys

    55 min

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  • SSL/TLS, digital certificates and digital signatures

    55 min

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Sample question

A sample question on this topic. Answer it, check it, then read the worked answer.

Encryption, encryption protocols and digital certificates: sample question

1 mark

Which key does a sender use to encrypt a message so that only the receiver can read it?

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