Blockchain and Cryptography Overview
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Blockchain and Cryptography Overview
This course is part of Certified Blockchain Security Professional (CBSP) Exam Prep Specialization
Instructors: Jignasha Dalal
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What you'll learn
Describe the purpose of hash functions and public key cryptography in blockchain security.
Explore the fundamentals of blockchain technology, including blocks, chains, and network security, and identify and encounter basic threats.
Analyze the security of Proof of Work (PoW), Proof of Stake (PoS), and alternative consensus methods.
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There are 4 modules in this course
The Blockchain and Cryptography Overview course is a part of the Certified Blockchain Security Professional (CBSP) Exam Prep Specialization and introduces you to fundamental cryptographic principles. You will gain insight into concepts such as hash functions in blockchain, core components and advantages of blockchain, and assumptions and challenges in blockchain security. You will also learn about core blockchain concepts, highlight security measures against prevalent threats, and comprehend consensus security challenges while exploring well-known algorithms like Proof of Work and Proof of Stake.
By the end of this course, you will be able to: 1. Describe the purpose of hash functions and public key cryptography in blockchain security. 2. Explore the fundamentals of blockchain technology, including blocks, chains, and network security, and identify and encounter basic threats. 3. Analyze the security of Proof of Work (PoW) and Proof of Stake (PoS) and alternative consensus methods. The courses in this specialization are designed for individuals interested in blockchain security and cybersecurity and are suitable for both coding and non-coding professionals.
This module will cover the cryptography basics of blockchain, like hash functions and digital signatures using public key cryptography. The module also introduces you to the core components and advantages of blockchain and the assumptions and challenges in blockchain security, such as the vulnerability of losing private keys and different types of wallets. Finally, you will also learn about the factors influencing blockchain risk appraisal.
What's included
9 videos3 readings3 assignments1 discussion prompt
9 videos•Total 42 minutes
- Specialization introduction•4 minutes
- Course Introduction•3 minutes
- Basics of cryptography for blockchain •5 minutes
- Role of hash functions in blockchain •4 minutes
- Introduction to blockchain •4 minutes
- Core components and advantages of blockchain •5 minutes
- Assumptions and challenges in blockchain security •6 minutes
- Factors influencing blockchain risk appraisal: Part 1•6 minutes
- Factors influencing blockchain risk appraisal: Part 2•5 minutes
3 readings•Total 13 minutes
- Specialization Overview•6 minutes
- Course Overview•4 minutes
- Exploring the world of blockchain and cryptography•3 minutes
3 assignments•Total 44 minutes
- Practice Quiz: Cryptography: Overview •8 minutes
- Practice Quiz: Blockchain risk and security•6 minutes
- Graded Quiz: Cryptography and Blockchain Basics •30 minutes
1 discussion prompt•Total 15 minutes
- Significance of hash functions•15 minutes
In this module, you will learn about blockchain fundamentals, its promises, and the security essentials. From understanding the basics to recognizing potential threats, this module provides a concise overview, setting the stage for deeper insights into blockchain technology.
What's included
7 videos1 reading3 assignments1 discussion prompt
7 videos•Total 35 minutes
- Blockchain consensus and Byzantine Generals Problem (BGP)•4 minutes
- Proof of Work (PoW) consensus and BGP•5 minutes
- Proof of Work (PoW) security and attacks•7 minutes
- Proof of Stake (PoS) consensus and BGP•5 minutes
- Proof of Stake security•5 minutes
- Proof of Stake attacks•4 minutes
- Other consensus algorithms•5 minutes
1 reading•Total 3 minutes
- Explore advanced consensus mechanisms•3 minutes
3 assignments•Total 44 minutes
- Practice Quiz: Proof of Work (PoW) consensus and security •6 minutes
- Practice Quiz: Proof of Stake (PoS) consensus and security•8 minutes
- Graded Quiz: Consensus: Backbone of Blockchain Technology •30 minutes
1 discussion prompt•Total 15 minutes
- Proof of Work and Proof of Stake•15 minutes
In this module, you will be introduced to the fundamentals of blockchain security and smart contracts. You will gain insight into key concepts such as user safety, node and network safety, and an overview of smart contracts. The module also delves into the security aspects of smart contracts and the process of auditing them.
What's included
6 videos1 reading2 assignments1 discussion prompt
6 videos•Total 28 minutes
- User safety•5 minutes
- Node and network safety•4 minutes
- Smart contracts: Overview•4 minutes
- Security aspects of smart contracts: Part 1•4 minutes
- Security aspects of smart contracts: Part 2•4 minutes
- Auditing smart contracts•6 minutes
1 reading•Total 3 minutes
- Security practices of smart contracts•3 minutes
2 assignments•Total 42 minutes
- Practice Quiz: Fundamentals of blockchain and smart contract security •12 minutes
- Graded Quiz: Basics of Blockchain Security and Smart Contracts •30 minutes
1 discussion prompt•Total 15 minutes
- Smart contracts security•15 minutes
This is a peer-review assignment based on the concepts taught in the Blockchain and Cryptography Overview course. In this assignment, you will be able to explain the various consensus mechanisms and highlight the security measures that can be implemented to protect the blockchain networks.
What's included
1 video2 readings1 peer review
1 video•Total 2 minutes
- Course Wrap-up video•2 minutes
2 readings•Total 3 minutes
- Congratulations and Next Steps•2 minutes
- Thanks from the Course Team•1 minute
1 peer review•Total 120 minutes
- Different Types of Consensus Algorithms and Blockchain Security Measures•120 minutes
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University of California, Irvine
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