Unplugged: The show. Part 9: Public key encryption

This video shows an entertaining way to introduce Computer Science to school students.

For the next part, see http://nz.youtube.com/watch?v=iDVH3oCTc2c

For the first part in the series, see http://nz.youtube.com/watch?v=voqghyZbZxo

The full show is available in one clip at http://nz.youtube.com/watch?v=VpDDPWVn5-Q

For more information, see http://csunplugged.org

Category:

Education

Tags:

• Computer
• Science
• education

[csunplugged]

Well spotted. This is called the "man in the middle" attack, and is indeed a flaw in the system here. When we have more time in the shows, we encourage kids to work this out for themselves, and point out that a good Computer Scientist needs to be able to think of these weaknesses before the bad guys do. A real public-key system is a bit different; it's more like having one personal key, and giving everyone a lock to use if they want to send you something. Glad we got you thinking!

[TheRealNotary]

The box should only have one lock on it at a time, and the first lock should be mailed in an unlocked box...

Then the girl's lock (unlocked) should be mailed in the box, now locked with the dude's lock...

Then the dude should unlock it and lock in the candy with the girl's lock...

...but this conceptualization of children passing a lock box back and fourth is extremely helpful in visualizing encrypted transactions. Amazing work for less than 5 minutes! Thanks for upping it.

[Chuc2311]

Woa it's to easy to understand :d thanks for your vid ^^

[li54188]

This is the worst RSA explaination that I have ever seen

[FunIsPhun]

this is a slightly more technical explanation:

Sender encrypts and sends a message to receiver

Receiver encrypts the encrypted message and sends it back

Sender decrypts his encryption leaving the receivers encryption and sends it back

Receiver decrypts his encryption

The receiver can now read the message.

[chintandd]

Well...video explain in better way. But, if this could further explain with public and private key combination, then it could be awesome.

overall - it was good

[carterfuel]

Smart kid. At about 1:30, they said "How are you gonna get them the key?"

[GovG33k]

Bravo! I sure wish this was taught like this when I was a youngster. Times sure have changed!

[itspj]

This is good, Stuff like this I've learned myself via videos, books and the Internet and I'm 20 studying for a Computer Security degree. This I knew (which I should hope so) but the way of teaching it is something completely different and it is very inspirational. A great way for kids to learn and how kids should learn. Well done =]