Cryptosmith

This is a short, gentle two-part introduction to basic cryptographic concepts using text-based crypto examples. The videos illustrate encryption, decryption, ciphers, keys, algorithms, code cracking, cryptanalysis, and letter frequency analysis. 

Full disclosure: I produced these videos over a decade ago. Now they are hosted directly on this web site. The technical details in the videos are based on ancient technologies which are already obsolete except for teaching purposes.

Here is a PDF built from the animated slide decks: Grade School Crypto.

Part 1

A light introduction to basic cryptography. Topics include Caesar-like ciphers, cipher disks, modular arithmetic, keys, algorithms, and basic cryptanalysis by counting letters. The video lasts 9 minutes, 47 seconds.

Part 2

Continuing a light introduction to basic cryptography. Topics include shortcomings of Caesar-like ciphers, using symbols or scrambled alphabets for ciphers, and cracking such ciphers by recognizing patterns or by additional frequency analysis. The video lasts 7 minutes, 48 seconds.

Usage Rights

The copyright is held by Richard E. Smith, aka Cryptosmith LLC, aka Cryptosmith Institute.

Grade School Crypto, parts 1 and 2 © 2013 by Rick Smith/Cryptosmith is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International.