We just posted a course on the freeCodeCamp.org YouTube channel that will teach you all about cryptography. You'll learn essential techniques like hashing (SHA-256) for verifying file integrity, symmetric encryption (AES), and asymmetric encryption (RSA) using public and private keys. The practical focus of the tutorial involves building a fully functional command-line cryptography tool in Python. Upon completion, you'll have a complete practical toolkit and the skills to safeguard data, secure passwords, and deter tampering.

This course was developed by Thanishkka. She is part of Hack Club. Hack Club is a global non-profit organization that creates a community for high school students interested in coding and making things with technology.

Here are the sections in the course:

  • Introduction: What is Cryptography?

  • About Hack Club and the Course Creator

  • Cryptography Basics & Cybershe Demo

  • Three Main Areas: Hashing, Symmetric, and Asymmetric Encryption

  • Deep Dive into Hashing (SHA 256) and File Integrity

  • Symmetric Encryption with AES (Key, IV, and Modes)

  • Asymmetric Encryption with RSA (Public and Private Keys)

  • Setup: Python and VS Code Installation

  • Creating and Activating a Virtual Environment

  • Installing Required Python Libraries (cryptography, zxcvbn, bcrypt)

  • Coding the File Hashing Function (hash.py)

  • Coding the File Integrity Verification Function

  • Coding AES Symmetric Encryption/Decryption (encryption.py)

  • Coding RSA Asymmetric Encryption/Decryption

  • Coding the Password Strength Checker (password.py)

  • Coding Password Hashing and Verification (using bcrypt)

  • Building the Command Line UI (main.py)

  • Final Toolkit Demo and Testing

  • Conclusion and Next Steps

Watch the full course on the freeCodeCamp.org YouTube channel (1-hour watch).