Blockchain Security from Coursera

What's inside

Syllabus

Fundamentals of Blockchain Security

This module introduces blockchain and discusses the security of the cryptography that it uses. It describes how the components of the blockchain are put together, how cryptography is used in blockchain technology, and how public-key cryptography and hash functions are used in blockchain, as well as their security considerations.

Consensus Algorithm Security

This module introduces consensus algorithms and discusses the security of the most common variants. Consensus algorithms are essential to a distributed, decentralized ledger, where a network of nodes must agree on an official version of the ledger without a central authority. This course describes the underlying principles of consensus algorithms, how two of the primary consensus algorithms work under the hood and how they can be attacked.

Blockchain in Action

This module discusses the ecosystem where the blockchain runs (the nodes and network) and its security. After understanding the different components of the blockchain, it is possible to discuss its security as a whole. This course investigates how blocks are created in the blockchain (and how block creation can be attacked) as well as discussing attacks targeting blockchain nodes and the network that ties them together and enables communication.

Smart Contract Security

This module introduces smart contracts and discusses some of the most common programming errors made in smart contract development. Smart contract platforms are an extension of the original blockchain design, enabling fully functional programs to run “on the blockchain.” This course describes what a smart contract is and explores programming vulnerabilities that exist because a smart contract is a program, runs on a blockchain or is implemented on the Ethereum smart contract platform.

Beyond the Basics

This module goes beyond the basic blockchain to discuss other distributed ledger architectures, advanced cryptographic protections, and blockchain extensions like sidechains and second-layer protocols. It discusses how the blockchain protocol can be replaced (using different underlying architectures), expanded (with second-layer protocols) or improved (using advanced cryptographic primitives) to overcome some of the limitations of blockchain technology.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Teaches how cryptography is used in blockchain, which is standard in blockchain technology

Examines how cryptography is implemented in blockchain, which is highly relevant to blockchain development

Develops understanding of cryptography, which is a core skill for blockchain security

Explores how hash functions are used in blockchain, which is standard in blockchain development

Develops understanding of hash functions, which is a core skill for blockchain security

Examines how consensus algorithms work under the hood, which is highly relevant to blockchain development

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Blockchain Security with these activities:

Review 'Blockchain Revolution: How the Technology Behind Bitcoin and Other Cryptocurrencies Is Changing the World'

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Gain a broad understanding of blockchain's potential and applications.

Browse courses on Blockchain Basics

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Read the 'Introduction' and 'Chapter 1: The Genesis of Blockchain'
Read the 'Chapter 2: The Blockchain's Three Key Innovations'

Join a Blockchain Community and Engage in Discussions

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Connect with experts to expand understanding and gain new perspectives.

Browse courses on Blockchain Technologies

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Identify relevant communities or forums.
Participate in discussions and ask questions.

Review 'Cryptoassets: The Innovative Investor's Guide to Bitcoin and Beyond'

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Introduce fundamental blockchain concepts like digital signatures, hashing, and consensus mechanisms.

View Cryptoassets: The Innovative Investor's Guide... on Amazon

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Read the preface and first chapter.
Read the 'Blockchain Basics' section.

Four other activities

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Follow Ethereum Developers Tutorials

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Gain hands-on experience with a widely used blockchain platform.

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Visit the Ethereum Developers website.
Choose a relevant tutorial.
Follow the step-by-step instructions.
Complete the tutorial and explore further resources.

Practice Cryptocurrency Trading on a Demo Account

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Build foundational understanding of cryptocurrency market dynamics.

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Open a demo trading account on a reputable exchange.
Fund the account with virtual currency.
Begin placing trades using different order types.
Analyze the results of your trades.

Participate in a Blockchain Hackathon

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Immerse in a collaborative environment, apply skills, and showcase creativity.

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Find an upcoming hackathon.
Form a team or work individually.
Develop a blockchain-based solution.
Submit your project and compete for prizes.

Develop a Blockchain-Based Voting System

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Apply blockchain concepts to develop a practical solution.

Browse courses on Blockchain Development

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Design the system architecture.
Develop the smart contracts for voting.
Create a user interface.
Test and deploy the system.

Career center

Learners who complete Blockchain Security will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Blockchain Security Analyst

The Blockchain Security Analyst role requires expertise in how the blockchain works. This includes cryptography, consensus, smart contracts, the blockchain network, and the overall ecosystem. Understanding each of these aspects of blockchain technology will enable an analyst to detect and defend against vulnerabilities and threats to the blockchain.

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Blockchain Engineer

A Blockchain Engineer is responsible for the design, development, and implementation of different blockchain platforms. This course will be very helpful to someone in this role because it goes through the fundamentals of blockchain security, including the cryptography, consensus algorithms, smart contracts, and vulnerabilities. It also covers some of the underlying architecture and advanced cryptographic protections used to keep blockchains secure.

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Blockchain Developer

Blockchain Developers help build and maintain the blockchain infrastructure. They need to understand the security of the blockchain at all levels, as this course teaches.

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Blockchain Architect

The duties of a Blockchain Architect include designing and implementing blockchain solutions that meet the customer's needs. This course's description of blockchain fundamentals and security will be helpful to someone in this role.

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Data Security Analyst

Data Security Analysts need to have knowledge about keeping data secure and this course will give them a comprehensive understanding of blockchain security. The course discusses the security needs of crypto, smart contracts, and blockchains.

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Information Security Analyst

Information Security Analysts are responsible for keeping an organization's IT systems secure and this course covers blockchain technology and its security issues.

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Network Security Engineer

Network Security Engineers need to understand the security of all networks that an organization uses and this course covers the security needs of blockchain networks.

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Security Architect

Security Architects are tasked with keeping an organization's systems secure and this course covers blockchain security.

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Security Consultant

Security Consultants give organizations advice on how to keep their information systems secure and this course covers blockchain security.

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Software Engineer

Blockchain technology is implemented in software and this course can help a software engineer learn about the security vulnerabilities of blockchain technology.

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Systems Engineer

A Systems Engineer is responsible for managing how an organization's IT systems work together and blockchain technology can be an important part of this, so this course on blockchain security would be helpful for them.

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Security Researcher

Security Researchers look for vulnerabilities and weaknesses in computer systems and this course can help them understand the blockchain's vulnerabilities and threats.

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Cryptography Engineer

Cryptography Engineers design, develop, and implement cryptographic solutions and this course covers cryptography in the context of blockchains.

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Cybersecurity Analyst

Cybersecurity Analysts analyze an organization's security needs and this course may help them to gain some insight into the security of blockchains.

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IT Auditor

IT Auditors ensure that an organization's computer systems are secure and this course may provide some insight into the security needs of blockchain technology.

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