I can access the online testing platform and test prep platform by logging into the College Board Bluebook website and the CompTIA TestOut website so I can prepare for and take the AP Cybersecurity exam.
Identify common cryptographic flaws and vulnerabilities in various systems.
Explain how specific attacks, such as man-in-the-middle or brute force attacks, exploit these flaws.
Analyze case studies of real-world cryptographic breaches to understand their impact.
Evaluate the effectiveness of different cryptographic algorithms and protocols.
Recommend best practices for securing cryptographic implementations in applications.
Standards:
CompTIA Security+ Objective(s):
3B-NI-04 – Compare ways software developers protect devices and information from unauthorized access.
2.4 Given a scenario, analyze indicators of malicious activity.
Downgrade
Collision
Birthday
Guiding Question:
How does cryptography and encryption protect our daily digital interactions and ensure the security of information?
Resources:
Lesson 2.6.1 – Cryptographic Flaws and Attacks.pptx and Lab 2.6.1 – RSA Key Generation and Secure Shell.pptx presentations and Lab 2.5.1 – Caesar and GPG Activity sheet available on Google Classroom
Assignment:
Read the Lesson 2.5.1 – Daily Application of Cryptography and Encryption.pptxpresentation in today’s class.
Complete the Lab 2.5.1 – Caesar and GPG Activity Form using the Lab 2.5.1 – Caesar and GPG.pptx Powerpoint Presentation posted in the Google Classroom.
Hand in the completed Lab 2.6.1 – RSA Key Generation and Secure Shell Activity Form to complete the lab (50 pts).
Assigned: April 20th, 2026 Teacher Pacing Due Date: April 21st, 2026
Understand the basic concepts of cryptography and encryption.
Identify common uses of encryption in daily life.
Explain the importance of encryption in securing information.
Analyze case studies of encryption in action.
Demonstrate the use of basic encryption tools or methods.
Standards:
CSTA Standard: 3B-NI-04 – Compare ways software developers protect devices and information fromunauthorized access.
Guiding Question:
How does cryptography and encryption protect our daily digital interactions and ensure the security of information?
Resources:
Lesson 2.5.1 – Daily Application of Cryptography and Encryption.pptx and Lab 2.5.1 – Caesar and GPG.pptx presentations and Lab 2.5.1 – Caesar and GPG Activity sheet available on Google Classroom
Assignment:
Read the Lesson 2.5.1 – Daily Application of Cryptography and Encryption.pptxpresentation in today’s class.
Complete the Lab 2.5.1 – Caesar and GPG Activity Form using the Lab 2.5.1 – Caesar and GPG.pptx Powerpoint Presentation posted in the Google Classroom.
Hand in the completed Lab 2.5.1 – Caesar and GPG Activity Form to complete the lab (50 pts).
Assigned: April 16th, 2026 Teacher Pacing Due Date: April 17th, 2026
Be able to explain the fundamental concepts of hashing and its historical development in computer science.
Identify and compare various hash functions, including MD5, SHA-1, SHA-2, and SHA-3, along with their applications and vulnerabilities.
Discuss the role of hashing in data integrity, security, and modern technologies such as blockchain.
Evaluate the implications of current challenges in hashing and consider future trends in cryptography, especially in the context of quantum computing.
Standards:
CompTIA Security+ SYO-701 Objective:
1.4 – Explain the importance of using appropriate cryptographic solutions
Hashing
Salting
Guiding Question:
What are the different types of encryption?
Resources:
Lesson 2.3.1 – Hashing Past and Present.pptx and Lab 2.3.1 – Hashing.pptx presentations and Lab 2.3.1 – Hashing Activity sheet available on Google Classroom
Assignment:
Read the Lesson 2.3.1 – Hashing Past and Present.pptxpresentation in today’s class.
Complete the Lab 2.3.1 – HashingActivity Form using the Lab 2.3.1 – Hashing.pptx Powerpoint Presentation posted in the Google Classroom.
Hand in the completed Lab 2.3.1 – Hashing Activity Form to complete the lab (50 pts).
Assigned: April 15th, 2026 Teacher Pacing Due Date: April 16th, 2026
Be able to distinguish between block and stream ciphers.
Explain how block and stream ciphers operate.
Be able to provide examples of where these ciphers would be used.
Standards:
CompTIA Security+ SYO-701 Objective:
1.4 – Explain the importance of using appropriate cryptographic solutions
Guiding Question:
How are ciphers categorized in today’s usage and how are they used for the protection of data?
Resources:
Lesson 2.2.1 – Cipher Types and Early Examples.pptx and Lab 2.2.1 – Encrypting with ChaCha20 and AES.pptx presentations and Lab 2.2.1 – Encrypting with ChaCha20 and AES form available on Google Classroom
Assignment:
Read the Lesson 2.2.1 – Cipher Types and Usage.pptxpresentation in today’s class.
Complete the Lab 2.2.1 – Encrypting with ChaCha20 and AES Activity form using the Lab 2.2.1 – Encrypting with ChaCha20 and AES.pptx Powerpoint Presentation posted in the Google Classroom.
Assigned: April 13th, 2026 Teacher Pacing Due Date: April 14th, 2026
Examine cryptography vocabulary terms and methods of encryption.
Identify cryptographic algorithms and define how they can be used to help improve security.
Standards:
CompTIA Security+ SYO-701 Objective:
1.4 – Explain the importance of using appropriate cryptographic solutions
Guiding Question:
How have various cryptography methods been used from ancient history to modern day to protect vital information?
Resources:
Lesson 4.2.1 – Cryptography Concepts.pptx presentation and Activity 4.2.1 – Breaking Ciphers form available on Google Classroom
Assignment:
Read the Lesson 4.2.1 – Cryptography Concepts.pptx presentation in today’s class.
Complete the Activity 4.2.1 – Breaking Ciphers Activity using the form posted in the Google Classroom. Solve the Ciphers and hand in the completed form to complete the Lab Activity (50 pts).
Assigned: April 10th, 2026 Teacher Pacing Due Date: April 13th, 2026
Students will be able to apply asymmetric encryption algorithms to encrypt and decrypt data.
Standards:
CompTIA Security+ SYO-701 Objective:
1.4 – Explain the importance of using appropriate cryptographic solutions.
Encryption
Asymmetric
Symmetric
Key exchange
Algorithms
Guiding Question:
How does Assymetric Cryptography power modern communications?
Resources:
5.4 Asymmetric Cryptography.pptx and 5.4 – Asymmetric Cryptography: Secrets – Student Activity Guide available on Google Classroom
Assignment:
Read through the 5.4 Asymmetric Cryptography.pptxpresentation in today’s class. We will use the information in the presentation along with what we learned yesterday about Asymmetric Cryptography to complete an in-class Lab Activity.
Follow the instructions provided in the 5.4 – Asymmetric Cryptography: Secrets – Student Activity Guide in today’s Google Classroom Assignment Post to complete the lab activity.
Assigned: April 9th, 2026 Teacher Pacing Due Date: April 10th, 2026
