Build Cryptographic Skills That Matter

Security isn't abstract anymore. Every application handles sensitive data, and most developers get cryptography wrong because they've never learned the practical side.

Our program focuses on hashing algorithms and digital signatures through hands-on projects. You'll work with real tools, debug actual vulnerabilities, and understand why certain approaches fail in production.

Starting September 2025, we're running a six-month intensive that covers everything from hash function internals to implementing signature schemes that won't break under pressure.

Students collaborating on cryptographic implementations during workshop session

What You'll Actually Learn

We've stripped out the theory-heavy lectures that put people to sleep. Instead, you'll spend most of your time writing code, breaking things, and fixing them.

Months 1-2

Hash Functions Deep Dive

Understanding how SHA-256, Blake2, and modern hash algorithms work under the hood.

  • Building a simple hash function from scratch
  • Collision resistance and preimage attacks
  • Password hashing with bcrypt and Argon2
  • Merkle trees for data integrity
Months 3-4

Digital Signature Systems

Creating and verifying signatures using RSA, ECDSA, and EdDSA schemes.

  • Public key cryptography fundamentals
  • Implementing signature verification
  • Certificate chains and trust models
  • Common implementation mistakes
Months 5-6

Real-World Applications

Taking everything you've learned and applying it to actual security challenges.

  • Secure authentication workflows
  • API request signing and verification
  • Blockchain transaction validation
  • Final project: build your own PKI

Program Schedule

Start Date September 15, 2025
Duration 24 weeks (6 months)
Class Format Tuesday & Thursday evenings, 7:00-9:30 PM
Location No. 151, Section 4, Zhongxiao E Rd, Da'an District, Taipei
Class Size Maximum 16 students

Learn From People Who've Done This

Our instructors work in security every day. They've dealt with breached systems, implemented cryptography in high-stakes environments, and made plenty of mistakes along the way—which means they know exactly what to teach you.

Kieran Thorvaldsen teaching cryptographic concepts at whiteboard

Kieran Thorvaldsen

Lead Instructor

Spent eight years building security infrastructure for financial services. These days he consults for startups that need their cryptography implementations audited before they ship.

Lachlan Vukovic reviewing student code during lab session

Lachlan Vukovic

Technical Mentor

Former blockchain engineer who's implemented signature schemes for multiple cryptocurrency projects. He'll show you the mistakes that cost him weeks of debugging so you can avoid them.

Dashiell Koskinen demonstrating hash collision attack in workshop

Dashiell Koskinen

Guest Lecturer

Security researcher who breaks things for a living. He's discovered vulnerabilities in production systems and will teach you how attackers think about cryptographic implementations.

Getting Started Is Straightforward

1

Submit Your Application

Tell us about your programming background and why you want to learn cryptography. We're looking for people with basic coding skills who are genuinely curious about security.

2

Technical Assessment

Complete a short coding challenge that tests your problem-solving abilities. It's not about cryptography knowledge—we just want to make sure you can write working code.

3

Quick Interview Chat

A 30-minute conversation with one of our instructors to discuss your goals and make sure the program matches what you're looking for.

4

Enrollment Confirmation

If accepted, you'll receive your enrollment package with pre-course materials. We recommend getting familiar with the basics before September.

Student working through cryptographic algorithm implementation on laptop

Applications Open July 2025

We're keeping the cohort small so everyone gets enough attention. If you're interested in joining the September program, reach out now to get notified when applications open.

Get Program Details