Cryptography and Security

This lecture introduces the Advanced Cryptography course, focusing on cryptanalysis, security proof techniques, cryptographic schemes, and foundational concepts. The instructor emphasizes the challenging nature of the course and the importance of mastering prerequisites in cryptography and security, algorithmics, probability theory, discrete math, algebra, number theory, and complexity theory. The lecture covers cryptographic security models, interactive proofs, zero-knowledge, statistical analysis, and hybrid cryptography. Further references and study materials are provided, along with the course schedule, policies, surveys, homework expectations, and grade statistics. The instructor stresses the rigorous grading system and the tough nature of the homework assignments.