Bitcoin+ Security

Hours: 40 / Access Length: 12 Months / Delivery: Online, Self-Paced
Online Hours: 40
Retail Price: $495.00

Course Overview:

The Bitcoin+ Security course dives deep into the core aspects of Bitcoin security, offering detailed knowledge of cryptographic fundamentals, blockchain ledger security, and consensus protocols like Proof of Work. Participants will develop advanced skills in Bitcoin scripting, transaction integrity, and network protocol security, alongside mastering the best practices for securing wallets and mitigating risks from cyber vulnerabilities. This comprehensive course includes insights into legal and regulatory landscapes, emerging threats like quantum computing, and pioneering innovations shaping the blockchain’s security future. By focusing on proactive risk management strategies and continuous education, this program empowers learners to thrive in the dynamic and ever-evolving cryptocurrency ecosystem.

Recommended Prerequisites:

• Passion for exploring Bitcoin advancements and emerging trends.
• Basic understanding of Bitcoin’s structure, functionality, and blockchain principles.
• Familiarity with programming languages (Python, C++, JavaScript) is recommended but not essential.

Course Outline:

Lesson 1: Introduction to Bitcoin and Cryptocurrencies

• 1.1 Overview of Bitcoin
• 1.2 Fundamentals of Cryptocurrencies
• 1.3 Key Cryptographic Concepts

Lesson 2: Bitcoin Blockchain Ledger Security

• 2.1 Integrity and Authentication in the Blockchain
• 2.2 Block Mining and Security Implications
• 2.3 Merkle Trees and Block Integrity

Lesson 3: Consensus Protocols and Security

• 3.1 Proof of Work (PoW) Mechanism
• 3.2 Security Benefits and Limitations of PoW
• 3.3 Alternative Consensus Mechanisms (Proof of Stake, Delegated Proof of Stake, etc.)
• 3.4 51% Attacks: Risks and Protections

Lesson 4: Bitcoin Scripting and Transaction Security

• 4.1 Introduction to Bitcoin Script
• 4.2 Script Types and Their Functions
• 4.3 Security Risks in Scripting
• 4.4 Advanced Scripting Techniques

Lesson 5: Bitcoin Network Protocol Security

• 5.1 Customized Treatment Solutions
• 5.2 Data Transmission Security (Encryption and Propagation)
• 5.3 Sybil Attacks and Defenses
• 5.4 The Role of Network Nodes in Security

Lesson 6: Bitcoin Wallet Security

• 6.1 Types of Wallets (Hot Wallets, Cold Storage)
• 6.2 Security Features of Wallets (Seed Phrases, Multi-factor Authentication)
• 6.3 Best Practices for Wallet Security
• 6.4 Hardware Wallets and Their Security Implications

Lesson 7 Known Exploits and Vulnerabilities

• 7.1 Double Spending
• 7.2 Race Attacks
• 7.3 Finney Attacks
• 7.4 Vector76 Attack
• 7.5 Analysis of Major Historical Exploits (e.g., The Mt. Gox Hack)

Lesson 8: Regulatory and Legal Security Considerations

• 8.1 Impact of Regulations on Bitcoin Security
• 8.2 KYC (Know Your Customer) and AML (Anti-Money Laundering) Compliance
• 8.3 Legal Challenges in Different Jurisdictions

Lesson 9: Emerging Threats and Future Security Trends

• 9.1 Quantum Computing Threats to Cryptography
• 9.2 Potential Future Network Vulnerabilities
• 9.3 Innovations in Blockchain Security (Layer 2 Solutions, Sharding)
• 9.4 Impact of Global Regulatory Changes on Security

Lesson 10: Best Practices and Security Strategies

• 10.1 Developing a Comprehensive Security Policy
• 10.2 Risk Assessment and Management in the Bitcoin Space
• 10.3 Security Auditing and Penetration Testing

Lesson 11: Research and Innovations in Bitcoin Security

• 11.1 Ongoing Research in Cryptographic Techniques
• 11.2 Upcoming Bitcoin Protocol Upgrades
• 11.3 Case Studies of Recent Security Enhancements
• 11.4 The Role of Open Source in Security Improvements

All necessary course materials are included.

System Requirements:

Internet Connectivity Requirements:

• Cable, Fiber, DSL, or LEO Satellite (i.e. Starlink) internet with speeds of at least 10mb/sec download and 5mb/sec upload are recommended for the best experience.

NOTE: While cellular hotspots may allow access to our courses, users may experience connectivity issues by trying to access our learning management system.  This is due to the potential high download and upload latency of cellular connections.   Therefore, it is not recommended that students use a cellular hotspot as their primary way of accessing their courses.

Hardware Requirements:

• CPU: 1 GHz or higher
• RAM: 4 GB or higher
• Resolution: 1280 x 720 or higher.  1920x1080 resolution is recommended for the best experience.
• Speakers / Headphones
• Microphone for Webinar or Live Online sessions.

Operating System Requirements:

• Windows 7 or higher.
• Mac OSX 10 or higher.
• Latest Chrome OS
• Latest Linux Distributions
  

NOTE: While we understand that our courses can be viewed on Android and iPhone devices, we do not recommend the use of these devices for our courses. The size of these devices do not provide a good learning environment for students taking online or live online based courses.

Web Browser Requirements:

• Latest Google Chrome is recommended for the best experience.
• Latest Mozilla FireFox
• Latest Microsoft Edge
• Latest Apple Safari

Basic Software Requirements (These are recommendations of software to use):

• Office suite software (Microsoft Office, OpenOffice, or LibreOffice)
• PDF reader program (Adobe Reader, FoxIt)
• Courses may require other software that is described in the above course outline.