Duration: 3 hours for 13 weeks [ECTS: 6]

Course Description:

This course explores the disrupting effects of new technologies to the financial sector. The blockchain is evaluated as a mean to execute secure transactions. Emphasis will be put on cryptocurrencies. The bitcoin network will be thoroughly studied, but also alternative cryptocurrencies (altcoins) will be discussed. Besides the technological aspects of cryptocurrencies, their societal impact will be investigated, as a cybercrime enabler in the Deep Web and the Black Markets. To mitigate financial and banking frauds, the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI-DSS) will be explained and other secure online payment systems for e-business will be introduced. The Python program language will be used to demonstrate the key principles of FinTech applications with practical examples.

Course outline:

• The Bticoin Network
• The Blockchain
• Keys, Addresses and Wallets in the Bitcoin Network
• Transactions and Bitcoin Security
• Mining and Consensus
• Alternative Cryptocurrencies (Altcoins)
• The Deep Web and the Black Markets of Cybercrime
• The PCI-DSS Standard
• Secure e-Payments Systems

Learning outcomes:

On successful completion of the module, students will:

• Have a solid understanding of cryptocurrency operations.
• Make use of the blockchain technology for decentralized financial services.
• Understand the risks of cryptocurrency trading.
• Master the fundamentals of the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI-DSS).