Network Security (CY-503 (B)) - Important Questions

Explain public-key cryptographic principles and the construction, working and use of the RSA encryption algorithm with an example.

Explain the principles of symmetric encryption, distinguishing stream and block ciphers, and discuss key distribution and key management issues with suitable examples.

Explain with an example how encryption and decryption is performed in AES. Discuss the role of Feistel structure in symmetric block cipher design.

Write short notes on secure hash functions, their properties and applications in message authentication. Describe the steps to compute message digest using SHA-512.

Compare and contrast ECB versus CBC modes of operation. Explain their security properties, error propagation and suitability with neat diagrams.

Discuss the RC4 encryption algorithm and generate the first bytes of pseudo-random key stream for a given small key.

Explain how public-key cryptography can be used for digital signatures. Why are digital signatures considered a crucial aspect of secure communication?

Explain with a neat diagram how PGP provides authentication and confidentiality for securing email communication.

Explain transport mode and tunnel mode operations for AH in IPSec. Discuss the security services provided by IPSec.

Explain in detail the types of malicious software and discuss how IDS and firewalls help safeguard against them.

Define and classify firewalls and explain packet filtering firewalls.

Describe the difference between Host-based IDS and Network-based IDS.

Discuss the security challenges associated with Wireless LANs (WLAN security).

Explain the WAP architecture with suitable diagram/example.

Explain the Secure Electronic Transaction (SET) protocol, the security concerns in online financial transactions it addresses, its working with example, and its application in business environment.

Outline the SSL Handshake Protocol and explain each step in establishing a secure connection between client and server.