Distance Learning

New Stanford Cyber Security Certificate To Study Crypto-Currencies

• By Dian Schaffhauser
• 08/20/15

A Stanford University cryptography expert will be kicking off a new online graduate certificate program by examining the future of bitcoin and cyber security during a free webinar open to the public.

The Cyber Security graduate certificate program requires participants to pass four courses from among six topics, including "Computer and Network Security," "Technology and National Security" and "Crypto Currencies: Bitcoin and Friends." The latter course is being taught by Dan Boneh, a professor of computer science at the Stanford School of Engineering.

Boneh is also the presenter for the webinar, which takes place on August 25 at 10 a.m. Pacific time. During that talk, Boneh will discuss developments in crypto currency and computer security and how virtual currency requires advanced engineering to ensure privacy and safeguard digital assets.

"The technology behind Bitcoin and other crypto currencies can be an indispensable tool for protecting information," Boneh said in a prepared statement. "Stanford is actively working to address the world's cybersecurity challenges. It's an exciting time to study with us and gain vital skills needed for today's cyber workforce."

The certificate program will lead to between 12 and 14 graduate unit hours. The tuition is between $13,440 and $18,480. The university expects participants to come from the global IT world: information security managers, Web developers, computer network architects and other professionals working in computer occupations.