Bitcoin+ Security Practitioner™

Course structure

Certification Overview

• Course Introduction Preview

Module 1: Introduction to Bitcoin and Cryptocurrencies

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

Module 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

Module 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

Module 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

Module 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

Module 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

Module 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)

Module 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

Module 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

Module 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

Module 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