Blockchain Security Advanced Protection from Coursera

This course is intended for blockchain developers, auditors, compliance officers, CTOs, and tech executives seeking to upskill in secure contract writing, blockchain compliance, blockchain security, and cryptographic principles. Prepare for a cryptographically secured journey into the world of blockchain! This course demystifies blockchain vulnerabilities, especially in the realm of Decentralized Finance (DeFi), and arms you with the essential know-how to develop secure smart contracts and solutions. From frontend nuances to governance control issues, from asymmetric cryptography to secure key management, the course leaves no stone unturned.

After completing this course, you should be able to:

- Identify and mitigate vulnerabilities unique to DeFi

- Develop secure smart contracts and conduct a rigorous audit

- Design blockchain solutions with an eye towards compliance and security

- Identify the complexities of asymmetric cryptography

- Generate cryptographic keys safely and manage their storage effectively

- Identify and avert the risks associated with porr private key security

What's inside

Syllabus

Course Welcome and Module 1: DeFi Vulnerabilities

Welcome to Blockchain Security - Advanced Protection and Vulnerability Analysis. Steer your ship through the misty waters of Decentralized Finance (DeFi). This module prepares you to spot the icebergs of vulnerabilities lurking beneath, such as access control lapses and frontend weaknesses. Navigate governance complexities and learn how to keep your DeFi vessel afloat amidst the hazards of price manipulation.

Module 2: Secure Smart Contract Development

Step into the realm of wizards—Smart Contract Developers—but be one that casts only secure spells! Learn about the dark arts of frontend vulnerabilities, how to draft smart contracts that withstand the most cunning of attacks, and ultimately how to wield the powerful staff of auditing. Governance isn't just for kings; you'll learn its importance in contracts, too.

Module 3: Secure Blockchain Solutions

Harness the force of secure blockchain solutions to make your ledger impenetrable. Here, you'll learn to evaluate blockchain use-cases with a security-first mindset. Craft solutions that not only fulfill business needs but also stand robust against compliance issues and vulnerabilities.

Module 4: Introduction to Key Management

Enter the mathematical wonderland of asymmetric cryptography. This module will be your guide to understanding "mathematically hard" problems that make cryptography secure. Walk through the key gates that bridge public key cryptography with blockchain, unveiling how this mystic art can keep your assets safe.

Module 5: Key Generation

The quest for the perfect key begins here. Learn how these magical sequences are generated, and how they fit into the larger puzzle of blockchain wallets. Understand best practices for key creation, ensuring your treasure chest is always locked tight.

Module 6: Key Management and Storage

From the frosts of 'Cold' wallets to the volcanic landscapes of 'Hot' wallets, journey through the varied terrains of key storage options. Learn about mnemonic seed phrases as the arcane scriptures of recovery and delve into key management practices that would make even a guildmaster nod in approval.

Module 7: Risks of Poor Private Key Security

The grand finale, where you face the dragons of poor private key security. This module unveils the catastrophic consequences of lax key security and teaches you the art of securing your dragon eggs—your private keys. Recognize how even the mightiest of chains are only as strong as their weakest link.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Teaches industry-standard practices in blockchain security, compliance, and smart contract development

Taught by a recognized expert in blockchain security, Howard Poston

Covers key topics for blockchain developers, auditors, and compliance officers, building a solid foundation for secure blockchain solutions

Utilizes a hands-on approach with labs and interactive materials, providing practical experience in blockchain security

Introduces complex concepts in blockchain security in a clear and organized manner

Requires students to have a basic understanding of blockchain concepts and programming, making it suitable for intermediate learners

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 Advanced Protection with these activities:

Secure Blockchain Solutions Expert

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Improve your knowledge by connecting with experienced professionals in secure blockchain solutions.

Browse courses on Blockchain Development

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Identify potential mentors who have expertise in blockchain security.
Reach out to mentors and express your interest in learning from them.

Mastering Bitcoin

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Gain in-depth knowledge of Bitcoin's underlying technology and security mechanisms.

View Mastering Bitcoin: Programming the Open... on Amazon

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Blockchain Security Discussion Group

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Engage in discussions to expand your perspectives on blockchain security issues.

Browse courses on Blockchain Security

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Join an online discussion forum or create a study group with peers.
Participate in discussions, share insights, and ask questions.

Four other activities

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Secure Key Storage Exercise

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Enhance your ability to use secure storage techniques for private keys.

Browse courses on Cryptography

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Generate a random key pair.
Encrypt the private key using a strong encryption algorithm.
Store the encrypted key in a secure location.
Decrypt the private key when needed.

Validate Parameters

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Reinforce your understanding of validation by writing code that validates input parameters.

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Identify functions that require input parameters.
Review documentation to understand expected parameter values.
Write code to validate parameters.

Smart Contract Audit Presentation

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Solidify your understanding and showcase your expertise by creating a comprehensive presentation on smart contract audits.

Browse courses on Smart Contract Security

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Choose a sample smart contract for auditing.
Analyze the smart contract for potential vulnerabilities.
Prepare a detailed audit report.
Create a presentation to deliver the audit findings.

Blockchain Security Whitepaper

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Showcase your expertise by creating a comprehensive whitepaper on a specific aspect of blockchain security.

Browse courses on Blockchain Security

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Choose a specific topic within blockchain security.
Research the topic thoroughly.
Write a well-structured whitepaper.
Share the whitepaper with peers and industry experts.

Career center

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

Blockchain Developer

As a Blockchain Developer, you will work with the latest cutting edge technology. You will be involved in building decentralized applications that are secure, efficient, and scalable. This course will teach you how to create secure smart contracts and how to audit those contracts for errors. You will also learn about the different types of blockchain technologies and how to use them to create innovative new applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Blockchain Developer

Blockchain Security Analyst

Blockchain Security Analysts are responsible for identifying and mitigating security risks associated with blockchain-based systems. They work with a variety of security tools and technologies to identify, analyze, and respond to security threats. This course will help you build a strong foundational understanding of blockchain security and how to identify and mitigate security risks.

See salaries and explore the career path for Blockchain Security Analyst

Smart Contract Developer

Smart Contract Developers build and maintain smart contracts. They work with a variety of blockchain technologies and tools to create innovative new applications. This course will teach you how to develop secure smart contracts and how to audit those contracts for errors.

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DeFi Developer

DeFi Developers build and maintain decentralized finance (DeFi) applications. They work with a variety of blockchain technologies and tools to create innovative new financial products and services. This course will teach you how to develop secure DeFi applications and how to mitigate the risks associated with DeFi.

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Cryptographer

Cryptographers design and develop algorithms and protocols to protect information from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. They work with a variety of security tools and technologies to identify, analyze, and respond to security threats. This course will help you build a strong foundational understanding of cryptography and how to use it to protect blockchain-based systems.

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Key Management Specialist

Key Management Specialists are responsible for managing the keys used to encrypt and decrypt data. They work with a variety of key management tools and technologies to ensure that keys are secure and that data is protected from unauthorized access. This course will teach you how to manage keys securely and how to mitigate the risks associated with key management.

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Security Engineer

As a Security Engineer, you'll work with teams across your organization, constantly improving security measures. You may work with a team of cybersecurity professionals, or you may be the only security expert at a smaller company. Either way, you'll be responsible for managing the entire security program ensuring that all IT assets are protected and that the company complies with industry regulations and privacy standards. By taking this course, you will gain the skills necessary to develop a security program that will help mitigate vulnerabilities and keep your company's systems safe.

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Security Architect

Security Architects design and implement security solutions to protect an organization's computer networks and systems from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. They work with a variety of security tools and technologies to identify, analyze, and respond to security threats. This course will help you build a strong foundational understanding of blockchain security and how to design and implement secure blockchain-based systems.

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Privacy Engineer

Privacy Engineers design and implement solutions to protect an organization's data from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. They work with a variety of privacy tools and technologies to identify, analyze, and respond to privacy threats. This course will help you build a strong foundational understanding of blockchain security and how to design and implement privacy-preserving blockchain-based systems.

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Information Security Analyst

Information Security Analysts are responsible for protecting an organization's computer networks and systems from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. They work with a variety of security tools and technologies to identify, analyze, and respond to security threats. This course will help you build a strong foundational understanding of blockchain security and how to protect your organization from cyberattacks.

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Compliance Officer

Compliance Officers are responsible for ensuring that their organizations comply with all applicable laws and regulations. They work with a variety of stakeholders, including government agencies, legal counsel, and business leaders, to identify and mitigate compliance risks. This course will help you understand the regulatory landscape surrounding blockchain technology and how to ensure that your organization is in compliance.

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Auditor

Auditors are responsible for examining an organization's financial records and operations to ensure that they are accurate and comply with all applicable laws and regulations. Increasingly, auditors are being asked to audit blockchain-based systems. This course will teach you how to audit smart contracts and how to identify and mitigate security risks.

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Cyber Risk Analyst

Cyber Risk Analysts identify, assess, and mitigate cyber risks to an organization. They work with a variety of stakeholders, including business leaders, security professionals, and regulators, to ensure that the organization is protected from cyberattacks. This course will help you build a strong foundational understanding of cyber risks and how to mitigate them.

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CTO

Chief Technology Officers (CTOs) are responsible for overseeing an organization's technology strategy and infrastructure. They work with a variety of stakeholders, including business leaders, engineers, and customers, to ensure that the organization's technology investments are aligned with its business goals. This course will help you understand the technical challenges and opportunities associated with blockchain technology and how to make informed decisions about how to use it.

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Tech Executive

Tech Executives are responsible for leading and managing an organization's technology operations. They work with a variety of stakeholders, including business leaders, engineers, and customers, to ensure that the organization's technology investments are aligned with its business goals. This course will help you understand the technical challenges and opportunities associated with blockchain technology and how to make informed decisions about how to use it.

See salaries and explore the career path for Tech Executive