Blockchain Security - Foundational Concepts

This course is part of Security for Blockchain and DApps Specialization

Instructor: Howard Poston

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Assessments

22 assignments

Taught in English

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This course is part of the Security for Blockchain and DApps Specialization

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There are 5 modules in this course

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.

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

What's included

8 videos7 readings2 assignments1 discussion prompt1 plugin

8 videosTotal 27 minutes

Course Introduction4 minutesPreview module
Introduction to Blockchain0 minutes
How Blockchain Works4 minutes
Blocks and Chains3 minutes
The Blockchain Node2 minutes
Peer-to-Peer Network2 minutes
Core Features: Anonymity, Decentralization, Fault Tolerance, and Immutability4 minutes
Core Features: Transparency and Trustless5 minutes

7 readingsTotal 38 minutes

Course Description1 minute
Learning Objectives & Skills1 minute
Course Outline4 minutes
An Introduction to Blockchain Security Threats6 minutes
Securing Blockchain Architecture - Core Principles and Best Practices6 minutes
Use Case Story as Exam Review10 minutes
Assignment: Threat Assessment Mind Map10 minutes

2 assignmentsTotal 45 minutes

Module 1 Exam: Intro to Blockchain Security 30 minutes
Introduction to Blockchain15 minutes

1 discussion promptTotal 15 minutes

Are Blockchain Networks Really Infallible?15 minutes

1 pluginTotal 15 minutes

Vulnerabilities and Countermeasures15 minutes

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.

What's included

24 videos4 readings5 assignments1 discussion prompt

24 videosTotal 83 minutes

Overview Hash Functions1 minutePreview module
Introduction to Hash Functions3 minutes
Hash Functions: Collision Resistance1 minute
Cryptography in Blockchain2 minutes
One Way Hash Function2 minutes
Hash Functions: Large Output Space4 minutes
Hash Functions: Non Locality5 minutes
Hash Functions: Blockchains6 minutes
Hash Functions: Merkle Trees3 minutes
Hash Functions: Digital Signatures2 minutes
Hash Functions: Security4 minutes
Summary1 minute
Public Key Cryptography 1 minute
Asymmetric Cryptography3 minutes
Mathematically Hard4 minutes
Hard Asymmetric Crypto4 minutes
Benefits of Asymmetric Crypto3 minutes
Public Key Crypto0 minutes
Account Addressing2 minutes
Digital Signatures6 minutes
Data Encryption2 minutes
Security Public Key Cryptography4 minutes
Summary1 minute
LISK Case Study8 minutes

4 readingsTotal 33 minutes

Hashing and Public Keys - The Cryptographic Foundations of Blockchain7 minutes
Assignment #3 Hash Function Illustration10 minutes
Hash Functions Story as Quiz Review10 minutes
Case Study - How LISK Leverages Cryptography for Blockchain Security6 minutes

5 assignmentsTotal 60 minutes

Module 2 Exam: Cryptography, Hash Functions and Public Key30 minutes
Lesson 1 Quiz: Cryptography in Blockchain5 minutes
Lesson 2 Quiz: Hash Functions5 minutes
Lesson 3 Quiz: Public Key Cryptography5 minutes
Module 2 Knowledge Check15 minutes

1 discussion promptTotal 10 minutes

Decrypting the Real-world Applications10 minutes

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.

What's included

21 videos4 readings6 assignments2 discussion prompts1 plugin

21 videosTotal 81 minutes

Introduction to Consensus1 minutePreview module
Consensus Byzantine Generals6 minutes
Security vs Scarcity4 minutes
Limits Proof-of-Work4 minutes
Summary1 minute
Intro Proof-of-Work0 minutes
Inside Proof-of-Work4 minutes
Proof-of-Work Byznatine Generals Problem4 minutes
Proof-of-Work Security2 minutes
Attacks on PoW: 51% and DoS6 minutes
Attacks on PoW: Selfish Mining and SPV Mining6 minutes
Summary0 minutes
Introduction to Proof-of-Stake1 minute
Inside Proof-of-Stake5 minutes
Proof-of-Stake Security3 minutes
Attacks on PoS: XX% and Fake Stake Attacks6 minutes
Attacks on PoS: Proof of Stake Timebomb and Long-range Attack5 minutes
Attacks on PoS: Longest Chain Rule, Nothing at Stake Attack, and Sour Milk Attack3 minutes
Summary0 minutes
Verge Case Study Part 16 minutes
Verge Case Study Part 26 minutes

4 readingsTotal 30 minutes

Consensus Models - Understanding Proof of Work vs. Proof of Stake Security5 minutes
Story as Review: Proof of Work Security10 minutes
Use Case Story - Module Exam Review10 minutes
Case Study - The Verge 51% Attack and Blockchain Consensus Vulnerabilities5 minutes

6 assignmentsTotal 65 minutes

Module 3 Exam: Consensus, PoW, and PoS Security30 minutes
Consensus: Knowledge Check5 minutes
Lesson 1 Quiz: Introduction to Consensus5 minutes
Lesson 2 Quiz: Proof of Work Security5 minutes
Lesson 3 Quiz: Proof of Stake Security5 minutes
Module 3 Knowledge Check15 minutes

2 discussion promptsTotal 25 minutes

Story Implications for Your Work10 minutes
A Tug-of-War: PoW vs PoS15 minutes

1 pluginTotal 15 minutes

Consensus Conundrum15 minutes

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.

What's included

9 videos3 readings4 assignments1 discussion prompt

9 videosTotal 39 minutes

Introduction to Advanced Blockchain Security Mechanisms2 minutesPreview module
Architectural Security3 minutes
Public vs Private4 minutes
Open vs Permissioned5 minutes
Checkpointing7 minutes
Advanced Cryptographic Tools5 minutes
Zero Knowledge Proofs3 minutes
Stealth Addresses2 minutes
Ring Signatures3 minutes

3 readingsTotal 70 minutes

Securing Blockchain Smart Contracts and DApps5 minutes
zk-SNARKs and the Evolution of Blockchain Privacy5 minutes
Assignment #4 - Zero-Knowledge Proofs: A Deep Dive60 minutes

4 assignmentsTotal 55 minutes

Module 4 Exam: Advanced Blockchain and Architectural Security30 minutes
Lesson 1 Quiz: Advanced Blockchain Security Mechanisms and Architectural Security5 minutes
Lesson 2 Quiz: Advanced Cryptography Tools5 minutes
Module 4 Knowledge Check15 minutes

1 discussion promptTotal 15 minutes

Futureproofing Blockchain: A Pipe Dream or Reality?15 minutes

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.