This assessment explores fundamental concepts in cryptography and security, focusing on the CIA triad (Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability) and its application in computer security. It delves into secure system design principles, including planning, security requirements, least common mechanism, risk management, and defense in depth. The assessment also examines the implementation of the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) and its key expansion algorithm. Finally, it discusses the process of generating digital certificates using OpenSSL, highlighting its importance in securing web communication.