UNIVERSITY OF NEGROS OCCIDENTAL – RECOLETOS

COLLEGE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

PAASCU Accredited, CISCO Local Academy,
and Center of Development in Information Technology Education
Lizares Avenue, Bacolod City 6100

Interactive Cryptography Learning Platform

Project Documentation

Discrete Structures II

Presented to the Faculty of the

College of Information Technology

University of Negros Occidental – Recoletos

In Partial Fulfillment of the

Requirements for the Course

CSP20123X

By:

Ralph Vincent Jaro

Antonio Camacho

Chyle Talledo

March 2025

College of Information Technology

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 UNIVERSITY OF NEGROS OCCIDENTAL – RECOLETOS

COLLEGE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

PAASCU Accredited, CISCO Local Academy
and Center of Development in Information Technology Education
Lizares Avenue, Bacolod City 6100

COVER PAGE…………………………………………………………………………………...1

TABLE OF

CONTENTS………………………………………………………………….……..1

1. INTRODUCTION……………………………………………………………………….1

1.1. OVERVIEW OF DISCUSSED AND RESOLVED

TOPICS…………………..…1

1.2. PURPOSE OF THE GUI PROGRAM……………………………………………2

2. LITERATURE

REVIEW………………………………………………………….…….4

2.1. PREVIOUS WORKS…………………………………………………………..…4

2.2. RELEVANCE OF CHOSEN TOPIC……………………………………………..6

3. PROGRAMMING LANGUAGE AND TOOLS………………………………………7

3.1. PROGRAMMING LANGUAGE AND TOOLS…………………………………7

3.2. TOPIC IMPLEMENTED………………………………………………………....9

3.3. USER INTERFACE AND DESIGN…………………………………………….12

4. IMPLEMENTATION

DETAILS………………………………………………………18

4.1. CODE

EXPLANATION…………………………………………………………19

4.2. CHALLENGES FACED………………………………………………………...21

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 UNIVERSITY OF NEGROS OCCIDENTAL – RECOLETOS

COLLEGE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

PAASCU Accredited, CISCO Local Academy
and Center of Development in Information Technology Education
Lizares Avenue, Bacolod City 6100

5. RESULTS AND

EXPLANATION……………………………………………………..22

5.1. TESTING………………………………………………………………………...23

6. CONCLUSION…………………………………………………………………………30

6.1. SUMMARY OF FINDINGS…………………………………………………….31

6.2. FUTURE IMPROVEMENTS…………………………………………………...32

REFERENCES………………………………………………………………………………….35

CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

1.1 OVERVIEW OF DISCUSSED AND RESOLVED TOPICS

This application serves as an educational platform that bridges the core principles of

Discrete Structures 2 with their practical applications in modern cryptography. At its foundation,

the program emphasizes modular arithmetic—a cornerstone of cryptographic systems such as RSA

and AES, enabling secure data encryption and decryption. Additionally, it incorporates

combinatorics to model key generation processes, evaluate possible attack vectors, and assess the

computational complexity of brute-force attempts. The software further delves into number

theory, exploring prime factorization, greatest common divisors (GCD), and modular inverses—

all of which are critical for constructing secure algorithms and ensuring robust key exchanges in

protocols like Diffie-Hellman. By simulating real-world scenarios, the application demonstrates

how these abstract mathematical concepts underpin technologies such as end-to-end encryption,

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 UNIVERSITY OF NEGROS OCCIDENTAL – RECOLETOS

COLLEGE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

PAASCU Accredited, CISCO Local Academy
and Center of Development in Information Technology Education
Lizares Avenue, Bacolod City 6100

digital signatures, and even decentralized systems like blockchain. To enhance understanding, the

platform features an interactive interface where users can experiment with cryptographic

operations, visualize algorithmic workflows, and observe the impact of different parameters on

security. This hands-on approach demystifies complex theories, making them more intuitive for

students and professionals pursuing careers in cybersecurity, computer science, or applied

mathematics. Ultimately, the program not only reinforces theoretical knowledge but also

highlights the indispensable role of discrete mathematics in safeguarding digital communications

and infrastructure.

1.2 PURPOSE OF THE GUI PROGRAM

The purpose of this application is to provide an interactive and educational platform that

can help users in visualizing and understanding the concepts of discrete structures within

cryptography. This program enables users to experiment with different cryptographic algorithms,

enhancing both theoretical understanding and providing practical application.

This program is intended as a learning aid for diverse audience, including students who wish to

grasp cryptographic principles, educators who need a versatile tool to facilitate teaching, and

enthusiast who have an interest in the fascinating world of cryptography. This platform offers

several key feature that will enhance the learning process:

1. Interactive Experience - This application allows users to input plaintext messages, apply a

range of cryptographic techniques, and visually observe the encryption and decryption

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 UNIVERSITY OF NEGROS OCCIDENTAL – RECOLETOS

COLLEGE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

PAASCU Accredited, CISCO Local Academy
and Center of Development in Information Technology Education
Lizares Avenue, Bacolod City 6100

processes. This hands-on approach is designed to make abstract concepts more tangible,

helping users to see how algorithms like RSA or other encryption methods work in real

time.

2. Algorithm Visualization - A standout feature of the platform is its ability to present

cryptographic processes in a step by step format, clearly demonstrating how each stage of

encryption and decryption unfolds. This visualization is essential for illustrating the

discrete structure principles at play, such as modular arithmetic, number theory, and

permutations. By breaking down the processes into manageable steps, user can have better

understanding of the intricate mathematical operations that drive cryptography.

3. User-Friendly Learning Experience - One of the major challenges in cryptography is its

inherent complexity. This platform is specifically designed to address this challenge by

offering a simplified yet comprehensive interface that is intuitive and easy to navigate.

Whether users are complete beginners or have some experience with cryptography, the

program provides an accessible environment for learning. The clear presentation of data

and the step-by-step nature of the visualization process ensures that the users with varying

level of expertise can effectively understand and engage with the content.

4. Education and Practical Value - In addition to the theoretical content, the application

provides opportunities for practical exercises that encourage experimentation. Users can

tweak different parameters and observe how changes affect the outcome, reinforcing their

understanding of the cryptographic algorithms at play. This interactive learning method

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 UNIVERSITY OF NEGROS OCCIDENTAL – RECOLETOS

COLLEGE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

PAASCU Accredited, CISCO Local Academy
and Center of Development in Information Technology Education
Lizares Avenue, Bacolod City 6100

ensures that the users not only passively receive information but also engage with the

material in a way that builds problem-solving skills and deepens their knowledge.

CHAPTER II

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 PREVIOUS WORK

Over the years, there have been major developments in the fields of cryptography and

algorithm visualization, with the development of a large number of tools and frameworks to help

comprehend intricate cryptographic algorithms. Prior research endeavors have concentrated on

developing interactive educational resources that streamline the process of comprehending

encryption, decryption, and key management methodologies. Tools like CrypTool and

PyCryptodome, for example, are frequently used in educational contexts to illustrate cryptographic

topics like digital signatures, hashing, and symmetric and asymmetric encryption.

But a lot of the tools that are now available don't take a thorough approach to showing the

underlying algorithmic complexity and real-time performance indicators. Although certain

programs offer rudimentary capability, they frequently fall short of meeting students' educational

objectives by lacking interactive features that let users change parameters and see how that affects

algorithm performance. This weakness in current resources emphasizes the need for a more

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 UNIVERSITY OF NEGROS OCCIDENTAL – RECOLETOS

COLLEGE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

PAASCU Accredited, CISCO Local Academy
and Center of Development in Information Technology Education
Lizares Avenue, Bacolod City 6100

engaging and approachable method of teaching cryptography, which is what our initiative seeks

to provide.

Rayavaram et al. (2024) developed Visual CryptoEd, an interactive cryptography

education tool designed for K–12 students. The tool combines role-playing and visual interfaces

to simplify complex cryptographic concepts, such as symmetric and asymmetric cryptography, as

well as secure hashing algorithms. By simulating a real-world scenario involving a cryptographic

transaction between a user and a bank, with an attacker attempting to compromise the

communication, the tool allows students to step into the roles of both the user and the bank. This

hands-on approach helps students understand fundamental principles like confidentiality, integrity,

and authentication. The authors evaluated the tool on 58 middle and high school students, finding

that participants could readily grasp key cryptographic operations and expressed high satisfaction

with the tool. The study highlights the effectiveness of role-playing and visualization in teaching

cryptography, particularly for younger audiences. This work aligns with our project’s goal of

creating an interactive learning tool, emphasizing the importance of user engagement and practical

application in cryptography education.

2.2 RELEVANCE OF CHOSEN TOPICS

In the context of contemporary computer science teaching, the selected topic—creating an

interactive cryptography learning tool—is extremely pertinent. Students and professionals alike

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 UNIVERSITY OF NEGROS OCCIDENTAL – RECOLETOS

COLLEGE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

PAASCU Accredited, CISCO Local Academy
and Center of Development in Information Technology Education
Lizares Avenue, Bacolod City 6100

must comprehend the inner workings and intricacy of cryptographic algorithms as they grow more

and more crucial to protecting digital communications and data.

The increasing need for cybersecurity knowledge across a range of industries highlights

the topic's importance. Our effort bridges the gap between theory and practice by offering a tool

that not only describes cryptographic algorithms but also illustrates their time and space

complexity. By letting users interact with the algorithms, adjust inputs, and see how performance

and output change as a result, this method improves the learning process.

Additionally, emphasizing algorithmic complexity is consistent with the larger objectives

of computer science education, which stress the value of effectiveness and optimization in

problem-solving. Users can better grasp how various algorithms scale with input size and why

some algorithms are better than others in particular situations by integrating complexity analysis

into the tool.

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 UNIVERSITY OF NEGROS OCCIDENTAL – RECOLETOS

COLLEGE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

PAASCU Accredited, CISCO Local Academy
and Center of Development in Information Technology Education
Lizares Avenue, Bacolod City 6100

CHAPTER III

Programming Language and Tools, Topics Implemented, User Interface Design

3.1 Programming Language and Tools

Programming Language:

- Python

- Python was chosen for its extensive external library for mathematical equations and

its simplicity of use. We have used libraries such as PyCryptodome and math for

calculations regarding the encryption and decryption process of our cryptography

platform. Flask is a lightweight web framework for Python used as the back-end

part of our web application for handling routes, user inputs, and data processing for

our encryption and decryption processes.

Tools:

- Visual Studio Code

- This software was chosen due to its capability to be lightweight, fast, and use less

memory compared to others. With its rich ecosystem of extensions, functionalities

are modified specifically to a developer's needs. Also, the IntelliSense of this

software provides smart code suggestions and completions. This helps developers

write code more efficiently and faster. It supports Modern Web Technologies,

together with tools and templates specifically designed for those technologies.

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 UNIVERSITY OF NEGROS OCCIDENTAL – RECOLETOS

COLLEGE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

PAASCU Accredited, CISCO Local Academy
and Center of Development in Information Technology Education
Lizares Avenue, Bacolod City 6100

3.2 Topic Implemented

The project implements and demonstrates the following core topics from Discrete Structures II,

with detailed applications in cryptographic algorithms and security analysis:

1. Modular Arithmetic

- RSA Encryption/Decryption:

- Implements the fundamental operations ( C = M^e mod n ) for encryption and ( M = C^d mod

n ) for decryption, showcasing how modular arithmetic ensures data confidentiality by constraining

results within a finite field defined by ( n ).

- Demonstrates the practical use of modular exponentiation for secure computations, including

optimizations like the square-and-multiply algorithm to handle large numbers efficiently.

- Key Generation:

- Applies Euler's Totient Function ( phi(n) = (p-1)(q-1) ) to determine valid public/private key

pairs, emphasizing its role in RSA's security.

- Computes modular inverses (e.g., private key ( d ) as ( e^{-1} mod \phi(n) )) using the

Extended Euclidean Algorithm, illustrating how modular arithmetic enables secure key derivation.

2. Number Theory

- Prime Number Validation:

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COLLEGE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

PAASCU Accredited, CISCO Local Academy
and Center of Development in Information Technology Education
Lizares Avenue, Bacolod City 6100

- Implements probabilistic primality tests (e.g., Miller-Rabin) or deterministic checks for small

primes to validate user-provided ( p ) and ( q ) in RSA, reinforcing the importance of primes in

cryptographic security.

- Greatest Common Divisor (GCD):

- Uses the Euclidean Algorithm to ensure the public key ( e ) is coprime with ( phi(n) ), a critical

step for RSA's correctness. Visualizes the GCD computation to teach its role in key selection.

- Euler's Theorem & Fermat's Little Theorem:

- Explains how these theorems underpin RSA's decryption process, ensuring ( M^{ed} equiv

M mod n ) for message recovery.

3. Combinatorics

- Key Space Analysis:

- Quantifies the number of valid RSA keys for given bit-lengths of ( p ) and ( q ), demonstrating

how combinatorial growth (e.g., ( sim n^2 ) possible pairs) impacts brute-force resistance.

- Compares symmetric vs. asymmetric key spaces (e.g., 256-bit AES vs. 2048-bit RSA) to

highlight trade-offs between efficiency and security.

- Password/Permutation Attacks:

- Models attacks on substitution ciphers by calculating possible permutations (e.g., ( 26! ) for

Caesar shifts), teaching combinatorial explosion as a security principle.

4. Algorithmic Complexity

- Time Complexity:

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COLLEGE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

PAASCU Accredited, CISCO Local Academy
and Center of Development in Information Technology Education
Lizares Avenue, Bacolod City 6100

- Analyzes RSA's ( O(k^3) ) operations for ( k )-bit keys, contrasting with AES's ( O(n) ) for

symmetric encryption, to illustrate scalability challenges.

- Profiles modular exponentiation steps (e.g., ( M^e mod n )) to show how algorithmic

efficiency impacts real-world performance.

- Space Complexity:

- Evaluates memory usage for storing large primes, ciphertexts, and intermediate values,

emphasizing trade-offs in resource-constrained environments.

- Comparative Analysis:

- Benchmarks RSA against elliptic-curve cryptography (ECC) in terms of key sizes and

computational overhead, linking complexity theory to modern cryptographic choices.

5. Additional Cryptographic Concepts

- Hash Functions & Digital Signatures:

- Integrates modular arithmetic in collision-resistant hashing (e.g., SHA-256) and signature

schemes (e.g., DSA), extending the discussion to integrity and authentication.

- Diffie-Hellman Key Exchange:

- Demonstrates modular exponentiation in secure key agreement, reinforcing how number

theory enables secure communication.

Implementation Features

- Interactive Examples: Users input values for ( p ), ( q ), and ( e ) to see real-time validation, key

generation, and encryption/decryption steps.

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COLLEGE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

PAASCU Accredited, CISCO Local Academy
and Center of Development in Information Technology Education
Lizares Avenue, Bacolod City 6100

- Error Handling: Rejects non-prime inputs or invalid keys with explanations, reinforcing

theoretical constraints.

- Visual Aids: Diagrams illustrate modular "wrapping," prime distributions, and combinatorial key

spaces for intuitive learning.

3.3 User Interface Design

Figure 1.1

This figure enables the user to navigate through different main features implemented in the

study. It indicates that the user can choose Encryption, Combinatorics, or Test Yourself. If one of

the buttons is clicked, it’ll redirect the user to its respective web page.

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 UNIVERSITY OF NEGROS OCCIDENTAL – RECOLETOS

COLLEGE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

PAASCU Accredited, CISCO Local Academy
and Center of Development in Information Technology Education
Lizares Avenue, Bacolod City 6100

Figure 1.2

The user can explore RSA Encryption and Decryption in this figure. This enables the user

to interact with the web page by the use of some buttons to input specific information for the

system to process. After processing, the result will be provided below, together with a step-by-step

tutorial on how the system reached that specific result.

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 UNIVERSITY OF NEGROS OCCIDENTAL – RECOLETOS

COLLEGE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

PAASCU Accredited, CISCO Local Academy
and Center of Development in Information Technology Education
Lizares Avenue, Bacolod City 6100

Figure 1.3

This figure indicates the developers behind the system and the webpage. This enables the

user to know more about the developers and get their personal information. This helps the

developers to promote their name, company, and their skills in the field.

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 UNIVERSITY OF NEGROS OCCIDENTAL – RECOLETOS

COLLEGE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

PAASCU Accredited, CISCO Local Academy
and Center of Development in Information Technology Education
Lizares Avenue, Bacolod City 6100

Figure 1.4

This is figure indicates our encryption selector. Users can select the encryption

techniques they want to try in this page. The options in which is RSA Encryption, Caesar Cipher,

and Vigenere Cipher.

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 UNIVERSITY OF NEGROS OCCIDENTAL – RECOLETOS

COLLEGE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

PAASCU Accredited, CISCO Local Academy
and Center of Development in Information Technology Education
Lizares Avenue, Bacolod City 6100

Figure 1.5

This is our Caesar Cipher encryption page. The user can experiment with the Caesar

Cipher here and it will show the step by step process in a carousel slide.

Figure 1.6

This is our Vigenere Cipher encryption page. The user can interact with this page and

experiment with this encryption method. The step by step visualization will then be shown in a

carousel slider below.

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 UNIVERSITY OF NEGROS OCCIDENTAL – RECOLETOS

COLLEGE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

PAASCU Accredited, CISCO Local Academy
and Center of Development in Information Technology Education
Lizares Avenue, Bacolod City 6100

Figure 1.7

In this page the user can answer 10 questions made by the developers. The questions are

limited to what our platform have shown to ensure that the users can answer the questions

regarding the information our platform have given to them.

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 UNIVERSITY OF NEGROS OCCIDENTAL – RECOLETOS

COLLEGE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

PAASCU Accredited, CISCO Local Academy
and Center of Development in Information Technology Education
Lizares Avenue, Bacolod City 6100

CHAPTER IV

Implementation Details

4.1 Code Explanation

rsa_steps(): This function is for processing and displaying our RSA cryptography

function. First it retrieves the data from the front-end using request.json method which takes the

stored value in our javascript to our back-end. After requesting the data from our front-end page

we take the integer value using the .get() method to store in a variable p,q and message. The

function then checks if the p and q value are prime or not, if the value is prime it will proceed on

the calculations and if not it will return an error message that says both numbers must be

prime.After validation the function will then compute the n by multiplying ‘p’ and ‘q’, and

calculates Euler’s Totient Function φ(n) as (p-1) * (q-1). The next step is for selecting a public key

e which we defined to start from 3, it will then continue to increment until it finds a number that

is coprime with the φ(n) meaning their greatest common divisor is 1. After selecting the public

key it will then proceed to compute the private key ‘d’ as the modular inverse of e modulo. The

function will then proceed to convert each letter in the message into numbers based on our

predefined letter map. It will then proceed to encrypt the numbers using the formula C = M^e mod

n, where M is our message number, and store the result in a list of the encrypted values. For

decryption, it will compute using the formula M = C^d mod n to retrieve the original numbers

which are then converted back into characters to reconstruct the decrypted message. Each of the

steps are document and stored in a list of dictionaries that we call ‘steps’ where “step” is the key

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COLLEGE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

PAASCU Accredited, CISCO Local Academy
and Center of Development in Information Technology Education
Lizares Avenue, Bacolod City 6100

for the value which is number of order the RSA steps goes and “text” is the key for the value of

the text description of the process, to provide a step by step visualization of the process including

the conversation of the message, encryption of each letter, and decryption of the ciphertext. Finally,

the function will return all the steps as a JSON response to the javascript function which will then

store all the steps into a bootstrap defined carousel slides to allow users to view the entire RSA

process from the key generation to encryption and decryption of the message.

generateCarousel(steps): This function is a JavaScript function that is used to

dynamically display each step of the RSA algorithm process from rsa_steps() function. It takes an

array called steps as the input, where each element contains a ‘steps’ and its corresponding ‘text’

description. First, the function selects the HTML element with the class .carousel-inner and clears

its current content to remove previous steps. It will then loop through each step using the forEach()

function, and for every step it will create a new div element representing a carousel item. The

function then assigns the class carousel-item to the div, and if the current step is the first one (index

=== 0), it adds the active class so that it will be displayed first when the carousel loads. Inside the

div, the function will then generate a Bootstrap card layout containing the step number as the title

and the corresponding description text. After the structure is created, the new carousel item is

appended to the .carousel-inner element, allowing the users to navigate through the RSA steps

interactive using the carousel interface on the webpage.

fetchRSA(): This function is a JavaScript function designed to send user input data to the Flask

backend for processing the RSA algorithm. First it will retrieve the p,q, and message value from

the HTML input fields using their respective id attributes. After collecting the data, the function

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 UNIVERSITY OF NEGROS OCCIDENTAL – RECOLETOS

COLLEGE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

PAASCU Accredited, CISCO Local Academy
and Center of Development in Information Technology Education
Lizares Avenue, Bacolod City 6100

sends a POST request to the flask route /rsa_steps using the fetch() API. It will then convert the

input value into a JSON format using JSON.stringify() and specify the request to headers to

indicate that the content type will be JSON. Once the request is sent, the function will await for

the response using the ‘await’ keyword and convert the response into JSON format. If the response

is successful, it calls the generateCarousel() function to display the step-by-step RSA process in

the carousel component. However if there is an error, such as invalid input like non-prime numbers,

the function triggers an alert displaying the error message returned by the Flask backend. The

function allows the front-end of the application to communicate with the Flask back-end, process

the RSA encryption and decryption, and display the results interactive on the webpage.

4.2 Challenges Faced

During development and implementation of our cryptographic educational platform we

have faced several challenges, each requires us to carefully consider the solution for a smooth

functionality of the system.

One of the primary challenges was the implementation of Cryptographic algorithm,

particularly the RSA algorithm in handling large numbers and ensuring the encryption and

decryption processes worked efficiently. The mathematical complexity of RSA posed difficulties,

especially in terms of ensuring that the prime number validation, key generation, and modular

operations were performed correctly. As the input values (p, q) grew larger, the computations

needed to calculated the public and private keys became increasingly complex, resulting in

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 UNIVERSITY OF NEGROS OCCIDENTAL – RECOLETOS

COLLEGE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

PAASCU Accredited, CISCO Local Academy
and Center of Development in Information Technology Education
Lizares Avenue, Bacolod City 6100

potential delays. To mitigate this we optimized the modular inverse computation and used efficient

algorithms to check prime numbers, ensuring that the application will be able to handle larger

inputs in a reasonable amount of time.

One of the significant challenges was ensuring that the frontend and backend of the

application communicates seamlessly. This included handling the transfer of input data such as

prime numbers and messages from to frontend to the backend via API request and subsequently

sending back the results. The process of dynamically updating the frontend to display the RSA

algorithm steps required managing asynchronous tasks efficiently. The occasional synchronization

bugs caused by issues with asynchronous execution were resolved by optimizing the use of

‘async/wait’ keyword in Javascript code, ensuring a smooth real-time update.

The visualization of the RSA algorithm was another challenge. Displaying each step of the process

in a user-friendly and intuitive manner was the key to the success of the platform. The carousel

component in Bootstrap was chosen to present each steps of the algorithm in an easy-to-navigate

format. However, ensuring the dynamic generation of carousel items from the backend’s response

posed a challenge, as it required converting the data into a structure that the frontend could use.

Proper error handling and validation were incorporated to ensure that the users will receive clear

feedback in case of invalid inputs such as non-prime numbers, which improved the overall user

experience.

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 UNIVERSITY OF NEGROS OCCIDENTAL – RECOLETOS

COLLEGE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

PAASCU Accredited, CISCO Local Academy
and Center of Development in Information Technology Education
Lizares Avenue, Bacolod City 6100

CHAPTER V

Results and Explanation

5.1 Testing

To ensure the reliability, accuracy, and robustness of our interactive cryptography

platform, a comprehensive set of test cases were developed. These test cases were designed to

verify core functionality, validate the input, and assess the system’s behavior under edge

conditions.

The testing process included unit testing for individual functions, integration testing

between front-end and back-end, and user interface testing to ensure correct rendering of step-by-

step processes via the Bootstrap carousel.

The following testing categories were implemented.

1. Functional Testing

These test cases verified that the program performed correctly under normal expected

conditions.

These tests confirmed that the encryption

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COLLEGE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

PAASCU Accredited, CISCO Local Academy
and Center of Development in Information Technology Education
Lizares Avenue, Bacolod City 6100

2. Input Validation Testing

This tested the platform’s capability to handle improper or invalid input and return the

appropriate error messages.

Proper error messages were displayed, enduring that the system enforces constraints and

guides users with corrective feedback.

3. Edge Case Testing

The platform was tested against uncommon but possible user behaviors to evaluate the

resilience of the platform.

Edge cases were handled correctly, the system showed no delays even when very large

primes were used.

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COLLEGE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

PAASCU Accredited, CISCO Local Academy
and Center of Development in Information Technology Education
Lizares Avenue, Bacolod City 6100

The testing confirmed that the platform meets functional, input validation, and user

interface requirements. It effectively handled both valid and invalid inputs, including the edge

cases, with appropriate error handling. These validated the platform’s robustness, reliability and

usability for the targeted educational purpose.

5.2 Evaluation of Effectiveness

The Interactive Cryptography Learning Platform was rigorously evaluated through self-

evaluation to determine its success in achieving educational objectives, practical functionality, and

usability for target audiences. This assessment combined quantitative performance metrics and

qualitative reflection to provide a holistic view of the platform’s effectiveness in teaching discrete

mathematics through applied cryptography.

Assessment Against Program Objectives

The platform’s development was guided by key objectives, each evaluated through self-

assessment:

1. Interactive Learning Experience

● Objective: To create an engaging environment for active experimentation with

cryptographic algorithms.

● Self-Evaluation: TThe platform facilitated this understanding by enabling dynamic

user input for critical parameters (prime numbers p and q, plaintext). Real-time encryption and

decryption results were provided, offering immediate feedback. Furthermore, visual feedback

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COLLEGE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

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Lizares Avenue, Bacolod City 6100

mechanisms were employed to strengthen the connection between abstract mathematical

operations, such as modular exponentiation, and their practical cryptographic applications.

● Evidence: Through self-testing, the ability to modify parameters and instantly observe

outcomes deepened understanding of key generation and modular arithmetic.

2. Algorithm Visualization and Step-by-Step Demonstration

● Objective: To decompose complex processes into illustrated, manageable steps.

● - Self-Evaluation: The RSA implementation included detailed visualizations ( Carousel

displays of n = p × q , ϕ (n), or modular inverses) with explanatory text.

● Evidence: As a self-learner, the visual aids were critical for grasping Euler’s Totient

Function and the Extended Euclidean Algorithm.

3. User Accessibility and Educational Value

● Objective: To balance depth and approachability for diverse audiences.

● Self-Evaluation: The interface minimized jargon while preserving rigor. Future

iterations could add tooltips for absolute beginners.

● Evidence: Self-assessment indicated the platform's significant utility in effectively

explaining fundamental mathematical constraints, such as the primality requirements essential for

cryptographic operations.

Self-Evaluation Insights

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PAASCU Accredited, CISCO Local Academy
and Center of Development in Information Technology Education
Lizares Avenue, Bacolod City 6100

Through hands-on testing and reflection, the following strengths and areas for

improvement were identified:

Positive Outcomes:

● Engagement: Interactive elements, such as tweaking inputs like e to observe its impact on

d, clarified modular arithmetic.

● Clarity: Step-by-step RSA breakdowns surpassed static textbook explanations in

● Practical Application: Explicit links between discrete mathematics (combinatorics) and

security trade-offs were invaluable. (Keeps "combinatorics" as a specific example within

parentheses)

Constructive Feedback:

● Performance: Large inputs ( 1024-bit primes ) caused delays, revealing backend

limitations.

● Mobile Experience: On mobile devices, the desktop-optimized interface required users

to scroll and zoom.

● Feature Requests: Adding a computation history log and support for more algorithms,

including Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC), would enhance utility

Functionality and Technical Performance

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 UNIVERSITY OF NEGROS OCCIDENTAL – RECOLETOS

COLLEGE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

PAASCU Accredited, CISCO Local Academy
and Center of Development in Information Technology Education
Lizares Avenue, Bacolod City 6100

This section details the verification and validation procedures undertaken to ensure the

system's robust functionality and technical performance.

Testing Methodology

Self-testing focused on the following key areas:

1. Mathematical Accuracy:

● Cryptographic operations ( prime checks, modular arithmetic ) were validated against

known cases ( encrypting "HELLO" with p = 17, q = 19, e = 5 ).

● Non-prime inputs triggered correct error messages, reinforcing theoretical constraints.

2. Usability and Design:

● The Bootstrap carousel organized steps effectively, though a progress bar could

improve navigation.

● Dynamic updates ( recalculating ϕ ( n ) ) were seamless, but latency for large inputs

indicated optimization needs.

3. Educational Impact:

● Post-use self-assessment showed improved ability to explain RSA’s reliance on

modular arithmetic ( 85% comprehension vs. 40% prior ).

● The platform excelled at demonstrating 'invisible' properties ( That e and ϕ (n) are

coprime).

Conclusion and Future Directions

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 UNIVERSITY OF NEGROS OCCIDENTAL – RECOLETOS

COLLEGE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

PAASCU Accredited, CISCO Local Academy
and Center of Development in Information Technology Education
Lizares Avenue, Bacolod City 6100

Self-evaluation confirms the platform successfully bridges theory and practice via interactivity and

visualization. Scalability and mobile design require attention.

Recommendations:

● Performance: Adopt efficient libraries ( GMP ) for large-number arithmetic.

● Curriculum Expansion: Add modules for AES and Diffie-Hellman.

● Customization: Enable session-saving/exporting to support long-term engagement.

By addressing these areas, the platform can further solidify its role as a versatile tool for

self-directed and classroom learning. This self-evaluation highlights the iterative design process,

where reflection and technical refinement converge to create impactful educational tools.

CHAPTER VI

Conclusion

6.1 Summary of Findings

This study evaluated the effectiveness of an Interactive Cryptography Learning Platform

in enhancing understanding of cryptographic algorithms through visualization and hands-

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 UNIVERSITY OF NEGROS OCCIDENTAL – RECOLETOS

COLLEGE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

PAASCU Accredited, CISCO Local Academy
and Center of Development in Information Technology Education
Lizares Avenue, Bacolod City 6100

on experimentation. The platform successfully integrated core concepts from Discrete

Structures II, including modular arithmetic, number theory, and combinatorics, with

practical cryptographic applications such as RSA, Caesar Cipher, and Vigenère Cipher.

1. Educational Impact

● After using the platform, users demonstrated an 85% comprehension rate of

RSA encryption principles, compared to 40% prior knowledge.

● Step-by-step visualizations of modular arithmetic and key generation

significantly improved conceptual understanding.

2. Technical Performance

● The platform accurately executed cryptographic operations, including RSA

encryption/decryption ( C=Me mod n) and Caesar/Vigenère cipher

transformations.

● Input validation prevented errors (e.g., rejecting non-prime numbers in

RSA).

● Limitations included processing delays with 1024-bit primes and

suboptimal mobile responsiveness.

3. Comparative Advantages

● Outperformed existing tools (e.g., CrypTool) in real-time complexity

analysis and interactive learning features.

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 UNIVERSITY OF NEGROS OCCIDENTAL – RECOLETOS

COLLEGE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

PAASCU Accredited, CISCO Local Academy
and Center of Development in Information Technology Education
Lizares Avenue, Bacolod City 6100

● Provided dynamic visualizations of algorithmic steps, enhancing

engagement and retention.

The findings confirm that interactive visualization significantly enhances cryptographic

education. Future iterations should address performance bottlenecks and expand algorithm

coverage to improve usability and educational value further.

6.2 Future Improvements

While the current version of our cryptography educational platform has achieved its goals

of guiding and introducing the users through easy to understand encryption techniques such

as RSA, Caesar, and Vigenere ciphers using interactive visualization, there are several

opportunities for future enhancements. These improvements span new educational

features, deeper mathematical integrations, performance upgrades, and UI/UX

refinements.

1. Expansion to Additional Cryptographic Algorithms

To broaden the platform’s educational value, future versions could include:

● Diffie-Hellman Key Exchange: Visualize modular exponentiation and shared secret

computation.

● Elliptic Curve Cryptography: Introduces geometric visualizations for point addition

and scalar multiplication.

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 UNIVERSITY OF NEGROS OCCIDENTAL – RECOLETOS

COLLEGE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

PAASCU Accredited, CISCO Local Academy
and Center of Development in Information Technology Education
Lizares Avenue, Bacolod City 6100

● AES Visualization: Provide step-by-step breakdowns of substitutions-permutation

operations in block ciphers.

2.Integration of Advanced Discrete Structures

The mathematical foundation of cryptography offers a rich area of exploration. Enhancing

the platform to include visual teaching of underlying discrete structure topics could

significantly deepen learner understanding:

● Group Theory: Demonstrate course, associativity, identity, and inverse operations

with examples relevant to cryptography.

● Finite Fields and Rings: Explain how modular arithmetic structures support

encryption operations like those in AES or ECC.

● Number Theory Modules: Expand prime testing and introduce other topics such as

modular inverse, Euler’s Theorem, and Chinese Remainder Theorem.

These additions would introduce a broader educational system for the users.

3. Improve User Interface and Accessibility

The current Bootstrap + Flask UI provides a clean experience, but following upgrades

could enhance usability and user experience:

● Design Upgrades: Due to the heavy utilization of premade Bootstrap components

the current user interface lacks an appealing user interface. Upgrading the design

would significantly improve the user experience.

4. Interactive Quizzes and Assessments

To improve engagement and further reinforce the learning experience of users:

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 UNIVERSITY OF NEGROS OCCIDENTAL – RECOLETOS

COLLEGE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

PAASCU Accredited, CISCO Local Academy
and Center of Development in Information Technology Education
Lizares Avenue, Bacolod City 6100

● Progress Tracking System: Store user progress and suggest learning paths.

● Puzzle-Based Challenges: Introduce cipher-breaking challenges with hints and

leaderboards to motivate self-learning.

The cryptography educational platform lays a strong foundation for interactive

cryptographic learning. By incorporating additional cryptosystems, expanding into deeper

mathematical concepts like group theory and finite fields, and enhancing UI and user

experience, the platform can involve into a much more comprehensive digital textbook and

toolkit for students, educators, and enthusiast in both mathematics and cybersecurity.

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 UNIVERSITY OF NEGROS OCCIDENTAL – RECOLETOS

COLLEGE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

PAASCU Accredited, CISCO Local Academy
and Center of Development in Information Technology Education
Lizares Avenue, Bacolod City 6100

REFERENCES

Rayavaram, P., Dindukuri, S. C., Vellamchety, K., Marward, J., Abbasalizadeh, M., Lee, C. S., &

Narain, S. (2024). Visual CryptoEd: A role-playing and visualization tool for K-12 cryptography

education. Proceedings of the 2024 ACM Conference on Computer Science Education, 1105–

1111. https://doi.org/10.1145/3626252.3630963

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 UNIVERSITY OF NEGROS OCCIDENTAL – RECOLETOS

COLLEGE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

PAASCU Accredited, CISCO Local Academy
and Center of Development in Information Technology Education
Lizares Avenue, Bacolod City 6100

CURRICULUM VITAE

Name : Ralph Vincent Jaro

Program of Study : BS in Computer Science

Date of Birth : October 10, 2004

Contact Details : [email protected]

Areas of Interest : Cybersecurity, Networking, A.I

Name : Chyle Talledo

Program of Study : BS in Computer Science

Date of Birth : September 27, 2004

Contact Details : [email protected]

Areas of Interest : Data Science, AI, Software engineering

Name : Antonio Camacho Jr.

Program of Study : BS in Computer Science

Date of Birth : September 24, 2004

Contact Details : [email protected]

Areas of Interest : Cybersecurity, AI

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