About this Course

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This course introduces blockchain security, including a description of how the blockchain works at each level of the blockchain ecosystem. The instructor begins with the building blocks that create the structure of blockchain, the cryptography that it uses for security, and the role of hash functions in the blockchain and how they can be attacked. In the next module, the instructor describes what blockchain consensus is, why it’s needed, its underlying theory (Byzantine Fault Tolerance and Security via Scarcity), some of the common consensus algorithms, and the security issues inherent to each variant. The course progresses with a module that describes how blocks are created, the nodes and network that make up the blockchain ecosystem, and examples of various attacks that can be made on their security. Next the focus is on smart contracts and how their security can be compromised with vulnerabilities created by common programming errors during contract development, including in Ethereum, the most commonly used smart contract platform. Finally, the course wraps up with discussions of distributed ledger architectures that are alternatives to blockchain, second-level blockchain protocols, and advanced cryptography in blockchain.

Flexible deadlines

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Shareable Certificate

Earn a Certificate upon completion

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Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.

Beginner Level

Approx. 8 hours to complete

English

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Flexible deadlines

Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.

Shareable Certificate

Earn a Certificate upon completion

100% online

Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.

Beginner Level

Approx. 8 hours to complete

English

Could your company benefit from training employees on in-demand skills?

Try Coursera for Business

Instructor

Howard Poston

17,398 Learners

9 Courses

Syllabus - What you will learn from this course

Week1

Week 1

2 hours to complete

Fundamentals of Blockchain Security

2 hours to complete

20 videos (Total 81 min)

20 videos

Welcome to blockchain security!2mFundamentals of blockchain security2mWhat is the blockchain?3mThe promises of blockchain9mInside the blockchain hype4mStructure of the blockchain1mThe blocks4mThe chains4mWhat is public-key cryptography?3mHow does public-key cryptography work?5mPublic-key cryptography in the blockchain2mSecurity assumptions of public-key cryptography1mPoor random number generation4mLost/stolen private keys4mQuantum computing2mWhat is a hash function?3mProperties of hash functions6mHash functions in the blockchain8mBlockchain security hash key functions4mFundamentals of blockchain security recap58s

1 practice exercise

Fundamentals of blockchain security quiz10m

Week2

Week 2

2 hours to complete

Consensus Algorithm Security

This module introduces consensus algorithms and discusses the security of the most common variants. Consensus algorithms are essential to a distributed, decentralized ledger, where a network of nodes must agree on an official version of the ledger without a central authority. This course describes the underlying principles of consensus algorithms, how two of the primary consensus algorithms work under the hood and how they can be attacked.

2 hours to complete

20 videos (Total 87 min)

20 videos

Consensus algorithm security overview1mWhy does blockchain need consensus?2mThe Byzantine generals problem3mSecurity via scarcity3mCommon blockchain consensus algorithms2mThe longest chain rule2mIntroduction to proof of work6mInside PoW mining3mAttacking PoW consensus4mThe 51% attack5mDenial of service: artificial difficulty increases7mIntroduction to proof of stake3mChoosing the block creator8mAttacking PoS consensus4mXX% attack and the PoS "timebomb"6mFake stake attacks3mLong-range attacks6mNothing at stake problem3mSour milk attack3mConcensus algorithm security recap2m

1 practice exercise

Consensus algorithm security quiz10m

Week3

Week 3

1 hour to complete

Blockchain in Action

This module discusses the ecosystem where the blockchain runs (the nodes and network) and its security. After understanding the different components of the blockchain, it is possible to discuss its security as a whole. This course investigates how blocks are created in the blockchain (and how block creation can be attacked) as well as discussing attacks targeting blockchain nodes and the network that ties them together and enables communication.

1 hour to complete

18 videos (Total 70 min)

18 videos

Blockchain in action overview2mThe blockchain ecosystem4mInside the node3mHow blocks are created7mAttacking block creation2mDenial-of-service attacks3mFrontrunning6mSelfish mining4mSPV mining4mAttacking blockchain nodes2mBlockchain software misconfiguration4mDenial of service3mMalicious transactions2mAttacking the blockchain network2mEclipse attack5mRouting attack4mSybil attack3mBlockchain in action recap2m

1 practice exercise

Blockchain in action quiz10m

Week4

Week 4

2 hours to complete

Smart Contract Security

This module introduces smart contracts and discusses some of the most common programming errors made in smart contract development. Smart contract platforms are an extension of the original blockchain design, enabling fully functional programs to run “on the blockchain.” This course describes what a smart contract is and explores programming vulnerabilities that exist because a smart contract is a program, runs on a blockchain or is implemented on the Ethereum smart contract platform.

2 hours to complete

21 videos (Total 102 min)

21 videos

Smart contract security overview2mThe world computer5mSmart contracts5mGeneral programming vulnerabilities2mArithmetic vulnerabilities2mArithmetic vulnerabilities code example8mRight-to-left control character5mBlockchain vulnerabilities1mAccess control7mBad randomness7mDenial of service3mFrontrunning vulnerabilities2mFrontrunning vulnerabilities code example7mTimestamp dependence6mEthereum vulnerabilities2mDenial of service8mReentrancy2mReentrancy code example8mShort addresses3mUnchecked return values5mSmart contract security recap2m

1 practice exercise

Smart contract security quiz10m

Frequently Asked Questions

When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
Access to lectures and assignments depends on your type of enrollment. If you take a course in audit mode, you will be able to see most course materials for free. To access graded assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience, during or after your audit. If you don't see the audit option:
The course may not offer an audit option. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid.
The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
What will I get if I purchase the Certificate?
When you purchase a Certificate you get access to all course materials, including graded assignments. Upon completing the course, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
Is financial aid available?
Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.

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Blockchain Security

Blockchain Security

About this Course