Computer Science

to take readable information and convert it into a coded unreadable form

to take unreadable information and convert it back into a readable form

a scrambled, unreadable version of a message

Common ciphers

This unit enables pupils to develop awareness of a range of cybersecurity threats that impact the world and us as individuals. They will explore different forms of attack, both non-automated and automated and how encryption tools can be used to protect communication.

Cyber threats and security

Which of the following is a common example of a simple cipher?

What is the process of turning ciphertext back into readable text called?

to turn ciphertext back into readable text

a method for encrypting or decrypting messages

apply the current shift to the ciphertext to generate possible plaintext

increase the shift value by 1 and repeat until all shifts have been tried

identify the correct readable message from the possible plaintexts

Arrange the steps for brute force decryption of a Caesar cipher:

What is used in a cipher to set the pattern for encryption and decryption?

Ciphers and encryption are exactly the same.

All encryption uses ciphers, but not all encryption is just ciphers.

Which of these statements is correct about ciphers and encryption?

to make data unreadable to unauthorised users

the process of converting data into an unreadable format

a method or algorithm used to encrypt or decrypt information

information used by an algorithm to lock or unlock data

to keep messages unreadable by unauthorised users

to translate messages into another language

Why might someone use encryption on their messages?

Arrange these steps in the process of encrypting a message:

What is the secure protocol used by websites to protect data during online transactions?

Which of these is an example of where encryption is used?

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

Common ciphers

Lesson outcome

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.