Can You Keep a Secret? Learn to Send Encrypted Messages

[ UUID ] 0f695b77-909a-4b7f-a87b-d05b95b4a3b7

[ Session Name ] Can You Keep a Secret? Learn to Send Encrypted Messages [ Primary Space ] Privacy and Security [ Secondary Space ] Youth Zone

[ Submitter's Name ] [redacted] [ Submitter's Affiliated Organisation ] [redacted] [ Submitter's GitHub ] [redacted]

[ Other Facilitator 1's Name ] [redacted] [ Other Facilitator 1's GitHub ] [redacted]

[ Other Facilitator 2's Name ] [redacted]

[ Other Facilitator 3's Name ] [redacted]

What will happen in your session?

Using the Caesar cipher and a public key, pairs of participants will send encrypted messages to each other in full view and hearing of other eavesdropping participants in the group, who will race to decrypt the messages before the intended recipient.

Pairs of participants will then attempt to establish a shared, secret key while others eavesdrop. Previous creative solutions have involved sign language and interpretive dance!

Diffie-Hellman will be introduced as a secure algorithm for key exchange. Pairs of participants will follow this method and agree on a shared, secret key which eavesdroppers will be unable to guess.

The group will discuss topical issues involving encryption including the Investigatory Powers Bill, backdoors, and messaging apps such as WhatsApp.

What is the goal or outcome of your session?

Participants will understand that many aspects of modern life and communication rely on encryption. Through a series of three challenges, they will gain a practical knowledge of state of the art encryption methods.

Participants will appreciate the importance and challenges associated with secret cryptographic keys and secure key exchange. They will understand that the Diffie-Hellman method for key exchange underpins most secure messaging services such as WhatsApp.

Attendees will feel confident engaging in debates and discussions on topical issues including end-to-end encryption and backdoors.

Time needed

60 mins