This document provides an overview of cryptography basics including its history, key terminologies, symmetric and asymmetric encryption methods, public key infrastructure (PKI), and digital certificates. It discusses how cryptography has evolved over centuries with advances made during world wars and by notable cryptographers. Symmetric and asymmetric encryption methods are defined along with associated terminologies like plaintext, ciphertext, hashes, and block ciphers. The roles of digital certificates and public key infrastructure in authentication are also summarized.