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Blockchain Security - Foundational Concepts

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Blockchain Security - Foundational Concepts

This course is part of Security for Blockchain and DApps Specialization

Instructor: LearnQuest Network

Included with

Learn more

5 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

13 reviews

Intermediate level

Recommended experience

2 weeks to complete

at 10 hours a week

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

5 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

13 reviews

Intermediate level

Recommended experience

2 weeks to complete

at 10 hours a week

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

Skills you'll gain

Details to know

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

Assessments

22 assignments

Taught in English

91% of learners achieved a positive career outcome

See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills

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Build your subject-matter expertise

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

Module details

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 28 minutes

Course Introduction5 minutes
Introduction to Blockchain1 minute
How Blockchain Works4 minutes
Blocks and Chains3 minutes
The Blockchain Node2 minutes
Peer-to-Peer Network2 minutes
Core Features: Anonymity, Decentralization, Fault Tolerance, and Immutability5 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

Introduction to Blockchain15 minutes
Module 1 Exam: Intro to Blockchain Security 30 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 Functions2 minutes
Introduction to Hash Functions4 minutes
Hash Functions: Collision Resistance1 minute
Cryptography in Blockchain3 minutes
One Way Hash Function2 minutes
Hash Functions: Large Output Space5 minutes
Hash Functions: Non Locality5 minutes
Hash Functions: Blockchains6 minutes
Hash Functions: Merkle Trees4 minutes
Hash Functions: Digital Signatures3 minutes
Hash Functions: Security4 minutes
Summary1 minute
Public Key Cryptography 1 minute
Asymmetric Cryptography4 minutes
Mathematically Hard4 minutes
Hard Asymmetric Crypto5 minutes
Benefits of Asymmetric Crypto4 minutes
Public Key Crypto1 minute
Account Addressing3 minutes
Digital Signatures6 minutes
Data Encryption2 minutes
Security Public Key Cryptography5 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

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
Module 2 Exam: Cryptography, Hash Functions and Public Key30 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 82 minutes

Introduction to Consensus1 minute
Consensus Byzantine Generals6 minutes
Security vs Scarcity4 minutes
Limits Proof-of-Work4 minutes
Summary1 minute
Intro Proof-of-Work1 minute
Inside Proof-of-Work5 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
Summary1 minute
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
Summary1 minute
Verge Case Study Part 17 minutes
Verge Case Study Part 27 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

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
Module 3 Exam: Consensus, PoW, and PoS Security30 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 40 minutes

Introduction to Advanced Blockchain Security Mechanisms3 minutes
Architectural Security3 minutes
Public vs Private5 minutes
Open vs Permissioned5 minutes
Checkpointing7 minutes
Advanced Cryptographic Tools6 minutes
Zero Knowledge Proofs4 minutes
Stealth Addresses3 minutes
Ring Signatures4 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

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