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Blockchain and Cryptography Overview

This course is part of Certified Blockchain Security Professional (CBSP) Exam Prep Specialization

Instructors: Jignasha Dalal

1,888 already enrolled

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4 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

Beginner level

Recommended experience

7 hours to complete

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

4 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

Beginner level

Recommended experience

7 hours to complete

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

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.

Skills you'll gain

Details to know

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

Assessments

8 assignments¹

AI Graded see disclaimer

Taught in English

91% of learners achieved a positive career outcome

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Build your subject-matter expertise

This course is part of the Certified Blockchain Security Professional (CBSP) Exam Prep Specialization

When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.

Learn new concepts from industry experts
Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
Earn a shareable career certificate

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.

Module details

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 videosTotal 42 minutes

Specialization introduction4 minutes
Course Introduction3 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 16 minutes
Factors influencing blockchain risk appraisal: Part 25 minutes

3 readingsTotal 13 minutes

Specialization Overview6 minutes
Course Overview4 minutes
Exploring the world of blockchain and cryptography3 minutes

3 assignmentsTotal 44 minutes

Graded Quiz: Cryptography and Blockchain Basics 30 minutes
Practice Quiz: Cryptography: Overview 8 minutes
Practice Quiz: Blockchain risk and security6 minutes

1 discussion promptTotal 15 minutes

Significance of hash functions15 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 videosTotal 35 minutes

Blockchain consensus and Byzantine Generals Problem (BGP)4 minutes
Proof of Work (PoW) consensus and BGP5 minutes
Proof of Work (PoW) security and attacks7 minutes
Proof of Stake (PoS) consensus and BGP5 minutes
Proof of Stake security5 minutes
Proof of Stake attacks4 minutes
Other consensus algorithms5 minutes

1 readingTotal 3 minutes

Explore advanced consensus mechanisms3 minutes

3 assignmentsTotal 44 minutes

Graded Quiz: Consensus: Backbone of Blockchain Technology 30 minutes
Practice Quiz: Proof of Work (PoW) consensus and security 6 minutes
Practice Quiz: Proof of Stake (PoS) consensus and security8 minutes

1 discussion promptTotal 15 minutes

Proof of Work and Proof of Stake15 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 videosTotal 28 minutes

User safety5 minutes
Node and network safety4 minutes
Smart contracts: Overview4 minutes
Security aspects of smart contracts: Part 14 minutes
Security aspects of smart contracts: Part 24 minutes
Auditing smart contracts6 minutes

1 readingTotal 3 minutes

Security practices of smart contracts3 minutes

2 assignmentsTotal 42 minutes

Graded Quiz: Basics of Blockchain Security and Smart Contracts 30 minutes
Practice Quiz: Fundamentals of blockchain and smart contract security 12 minutes

1 discussion promptTotal 15 minutes

Smart contracts security15 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.