CI240 Intermediate Cyber Investigations: Virtual Currency (Sept. 9, 2020, Virtual)

This course provides students with the fundamental knowledge and skills they need to investigate crimes involving virtual currency. Instructors explain foundational concepts like the characteristics of money, virtual currency, and cryptocurrency. Blockchain technology, proof work, and proof of stake are covered, and students learn how industry-leading cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Monero) work and how they differ from each other. Finally, students learn investigative techniques for tracking and documenting transactions and best practices for seizing and securing cryptocurrency.

Course structure:

• Virtual currency basics. Learn about the history of money and of virtual currency, as well as how to categorize virtual currency.
• Blockchain. Understand the history of the blockchain and different protocols.
• Cryptocurrencies in detail. Explore Bitcoin, Ethereum, Monero, and other privacy coins.
• Investigative techniques. Learn about seizing virtual currency; tracking transactions through the blockchain; and documenting investigative results.