Blockchain Technologies, Financial Applications and Cyber Security

Aims

This module is divided into two parts with special focus on financial applications. In the first part, you will be taught block chain and other forms of distributed ledger technology, their underlying cryptographic fundamentals and limitations. You will also learn about digital/electronic currencies (such as Bitcoin and Ethereum) how they were created, and their advantages over the conventional/paper currencies, the challenges with their creation and use and how to overcome them. Financial applications will include how the digital/electronic currencies are used, where they are used, as well as how they are valued, borrowed and/or invested in.

In the second part of the module, you will be taught a wide range of methods and technologies that are used to achieve cyber security, based on insights from businesses, government/regulatory organisations and technology firms. Among other things, adequate attention will be given to the regulatory and social responsibility aspects of cyber-security in this part of the module. Throughout, this course spends a significant amount of time on practical applications of theories introduced along with their role in promoting ethical and sustainable businesses, financial systems and economies.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the module students should be able to:

  • Critically apply block chain and other forms of distributed ledger technology in finance
  • Demonstrate a deep and critical knowledge of how digital/electronic currencies were created and how they are used, borrowed and invested in, as well as their advantages over the conventional/paper currencies
  • Critically evaluate a wide range of cyber security systems and/or technologies that can be used and determine their relative strengths and weaknesses against one another
  • Examine and show critical understanding of the regulatory and social responsibility issues that are in a setting where cyber security is to be installed, removed or changed, and also determine the appropriate strategies that should be used to address the issues
  • Design and apply financial technology responsibly in various circumstances.

Content

  • The evolution of blockchain and cyber security
  • Limitations and challenges of the Internet for business and economic activity
  • Trust in a pre- and post-blockchain world, and new challenges for business and economic activity
  • Principles for designing blockchain technology and steps of a blockchain transaction
  • Challenges associated with implementing blockchain technology
  • Information systems, security systems, cyber defence and digital forensics
  • Information system security architectures.