Blockchain Security - Foundational Concepts from Coursera

Blockchain Security - Foundational Concepts is where your grand adventure begins, at the crossroads of technology and creativity. This course is designed for aspiring blockchain enthusiasts, developers, security professionals, and decision makers.

This course isn't a mere introduction; it's an invitation to explore the world of blockchain security with an artist's flair. Beyond theory's embrace, it pulls you into a universe where cryptographic techniques, smart contract development, and secure blockchain solutions aren't just words—they're a living, breathing dance guided by the hand of a master.

After completing this course, learners will be able to grasp the core elements of blockchain technology and the security that guards them, identify common security risks, detail cryptography techniques, and more.

What's inside

Syllabus

Welcome and Module 1: Intro to Blockchain Security

This module provides an introduction to blockchain security concepts, threats, and challenges. Students will learn foundational knowledge about blockchain architecture, vulnerabilities, and security goals.

Module 2: Cryptography, Hash Functions, and Public Key

This module covers cryptography techniques used in blockchain including hash functions and public key cryptography. Students will learn how these are used to secure blockchain transactions and build trust. A case study on the LISK blockchain will demonstrate real-world applications.

Module 3: Consensus, PoW, and PoS Security

This module explains consensus mechanisms in blockchain, specifically proof of work and proof of stake models. Students will analyze the security implications of different consensus models and examine a case study of vulnerabilities in the Verge blockchain.

Module 4: Advanced Blockchain and Architectural Security

This module dives deeper into advanced blockchain security topics including new mechanisms, cryptography tools, and architectural security. Students will gain skills to evaluate and design secure blockchain implementations.

Module 5: The Blockchain User & Node Security

This module focuses on security for blockchain users and nodes. Students will learn how to secure user wallets, keys, and transactions. Methods to secure blockchain nodes and prevent exploits will also be covered along with a case study of an Ethereum RPC vulnerability.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Studies cryptography techniques, a core component for blockchain security

Develops foundational skills for aspiring blockchain enthusiasts, developers, and decision-makers

Explores advanced blockchain security topics, not typically covered in introductory courses

Examines different consensus mechanisms, critical for understanding blockchain security

Taught by Howard Poston, recognized for their work in blockchain security

Requires extensive background knowledge

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 - Foundational Concepts with these activities:

Review Foundation Concepts in Computer Science

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Revisiting basic computer science concepts ensures a strong foundation for understanding the complexities of blockchain technology.

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Review topics such as data structures, algorithms, and system design
Complete practice problems and exercises

Attend Blockchain Industry Conferences

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Connecting with industry professionals can provide valuable insights, expand knowledge, and foster collaboration.

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Identify upcoming blockchain conferences
Attend sessions and workshops
Network with experts and practitioners

Review Blockchain Revolution

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Provides a comprehensive overview of blockchain technology, its applications, and the potential impact on various industries.

View Blockchain Revolution: How the Technology... on Amazon

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Read Chapters 1-5
Summarize key concepts of blockchain technology
Identify potential applications and use cases

Six other activities

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Aggregate Resources on Blockchain Security

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Curating a collection of resources provides a valuable reference for future study and exploration.

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Gather articles, videos, and tutorials related to blockchain security
Organize and categorize the resources based on topic
Create a shared resource repository for easy access

Contribute to Open-Source Blockchain Security Projects

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Hands-on involvement in open-source projects allows for practical application of knowledge and exposure to real-world challenges.

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Identify reputable open-source blockchain projects
Review codebase and identify potential contribution areas
Submit code contributions and participate in community discussions

Practice Cryptographic Algorithms

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Repetitive practice of cryptographic algorithms will reinforce the underlying principles and strengthen understanding.

Browse courses on Cryptography

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Implement common hash functions (e.g., SHA-256, MD5)
Apply public-key cryptography algorithms (e.g., RSA, ECC)
Test algorithm implementations against known inputs

Follow Ethereum Development Tutorials

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Hands-on experience in developing blockchain applications will enhance understanding of the practical aspects of blockchain technology.

Browse courses on Ethereum

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Enroll in online Ethereum development courses
Complete tutorials covering smart contract creation and deployment
Build a simple blockchain application

Design a Blockchain Security Audit Plan

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Creating a comprehensive audit plan will consolidate knowledge of blockchain security best practices and vulnerabilities.

Browse courses on Blockchain Security

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Identify potential risks and threats to a blockchain system
Develop a testing strategy to evaluate security controls
Document the audit plan, including methodology and expected outcomes

Write a Blog Post on Blockchain Security Trends

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Writing and sharing knowledge about security trends reinforces understanding and contributes to the broader community.

Browse courses on Blockchain Security

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Research recent advancements and developments
Identify key security trends and challenges
Write a well-structured blog post summarizing insights

Career center

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

Blockchain Developer

Blockchain Developers design and develop blockchain-based applications and solutions. This course provides a comprehensive overview of blockchain technology, including its architecture, vulnerabilities, and security goals. It also covers advanced blockchain security topics, such as new mechanisms, cryptography tools, and architectural security, which are essential for building secure blockchain applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Blockchain Developer

Cryptography Engineer

Cryptography Engineers design and implement cryptographic algorithms and protocols to protect sensitive data and systems from unauthorized access. This course provides a strong foundation in cryptography techniques, including hash functions and public key cryptography, which are essential for understanding and implementing secure blockchain solutions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cryptography Engineer

Blockchain Architect

Blockchain Architects design and develop the architecture of blockchain systems. This course provides a comprehensive overview of blockchain technology, including its architecture, vulnerabilities, and security goals. It also covers advanced blockchain security topics, such as new mechanisms, cryptography tools, and architectural security, which are essential for designing and developing secure blockchain systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Blockchain Architect

Smart Contract Developer

Smart Contract Developers design and develop smart contracts, which are self-executing contracts stored on a blockchain. This course provides a strong foundation in cryptography techniques and smart contract development, which are essential for understanding and developing secure smart contracts.

See salaries and explore the career path for Smart Contract Developer

Blockchain Consultant

Blockchain Consultants advise clients on the design, development, and implementation of blockchain solutions. This course provides a comprehensive overview of blockchain technology, including its architecture, vulnerabilities, and security goals. It also covers advanced blockchain security topics, such as new mechanisms, cryptography tools, and architectural security, which are essential for advising clients on the secure implementation of blockchain solutions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Blockchain Consultant

Security Analyst

Security Analysts identify and assess security risks and vulnerabilities in computer systems and networks. This course provides a strong foundation in blockchain security concepts, threats, and challenges, which are essential for understanding and mitigating security risks in blockchain systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Analyst

Blockchain Researcher

Blockchain Researchers conduct research on blockchain technology and its applications. This course provides a strong foundation in blockchain security concepts, threats, and challenges, as well as advanced blockchain security topics, which are essential for conducting research on the security of blockchain systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Blockchain Researcher

Forensic Accountant

Forensic Accountants investigate financial crimes and frauds. This course provides a strong foundation in blockchain security concepts and techniques, which are essential for understanding and investigating financial crimes and frauds involving blockchain technology.

See salaries and explore the career path for Forensic Accountant

Blockchain Educator

Blockchain Educators teach courses on blockchain technology and its applications. This course provides a comprehensive overview of blockchain technology, including its architecture, vulnerabilities, and security goals. It also covers advanced blockchain security topics, such as new mechanisms, cryptography tools, and architectural security, which are essential for teaching courses on the security of blockchain systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Blockchain Educator

Blockchain Lawyer

Blockchain Lawyers advise clients on the legal aspects of blockchain technology and its applications. This course provides a strong foundation in blockchain security concepts and techniques, which are essential for understanding and advising clients on the legal implications of blockchain technology.

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Blockchain Journalist

Blockchain Journalists write articles and reports on blockchain technology and its applications. This course provides a strong foundation in blockchain security concepts, threats, and challenges, as well as advanced blockchain security topics, which are essential for understanding and reporting on the security of blockchain systems.

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Blockchain Marketer

Blockchain Marketers promote and market blockchain technology and its applications. This course provides a strong foundation in blockchain security concepts, threats, and challenges, which are essential for understanding and marketing the security benefits of blockchain technology.

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Blockchain Product Manager

Blockchain Product Managers develop and manage blockchain products and services. This course provides a strong foundation in blockchain security concepts, threats, and challenges, which are essential for understanding and developing secure blockchain products and services.

See salaries and explore the career path for Blockchain Product Manager

Blockchain Salesperson

Blockchain Salespeople sell blockchain products and services. This course provides a strong foundation in blockchain security concepts, threats, and challenges, which are essential for understanding and selling the security benefits of blockchain technology.

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Blockchain Investor

Blockchain Investors invest in blockchain companies and projects. This course provides a strong foundation in blockchain security concepts, threats, and challenges, which are essential for understanding and evaluating the security of blockchain investments.

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Blockchain Security - Foundational Concepts

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