Cryptocurrency Basics: Managing Security

Name of Training: Cryptocurrency Basics: Managing Security
Trainer: Michael Schloh von Bennewitz
Dates: November 08-09, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Venue: Exhibition World Bahrain
Cost: 1200 BHD

1. Short Summary

We review most aspects of cryptocurrency systems and identify secure engineering practice while examining the roles of users, consumers, providers, and regulators. This is comprehensive training illustrating the cryptographic primitives of a wallet, the flow of funds across nodes in blocks, to the custodial or regulatory systems managing user transfers.

2. Course Description

Managing Security is a practical, no-nonsense introduction to safely navigating the world of digital assets. Designed for beginners and curious professionals alike, this course demystifies how cryptocurrencies work while focusing on the real risks users face every day where wallet compromise, phishing attacks, exchange failures, and human error are considered. Participants will gain a clear understanding of private keys, seed phrases, wallets, and transaction mechanics, along with why these elements are frequent targets for attackers.

Through hands-on demonstrations and real-world scenarios, attendees will learn how to set up and secure wallets, evaluate hot and cold storage options, recognize common scams, and build a personal threat model. By the end of the course, students won’t just understand cryptocurrency, they’ll know how to manage it responsibly, protect it effectively, and avoid the costly mistakes that plague even experienced users.

3. Course Outline

Day 1

3.1 Blockchain explorer
3.2 Privacy management
3.3 AI and LLM tools
3.4 Exercise: Operate a blockchain explorer
3.5 Custodial operation
3.6 Exchanges
3.7 Swap services
3.8 Exercise: Create a custodial account
3.9 Noncustodial operation
3.10 Wallet security
3.11 Blockchains
3.12 Testnets
3.13 Mainnets
3.14 Networking
3.15 Decentral transports
3.16 Wallets
3.17 Structural analysis
3.18 Exercise: Create a noncustodial wallet
3.19 Nodes
3.20 Top services
3.21 Exercise: Operate a full node
3.22 Consensus mechanisms
3.23 Proof of stake
3.24 Proof of work
3.25 Mining operation
3.26 Exercise: Create a new cryptocurrency

Day 2

3.27 Initialising wallets
3.28 Dice tooling
3.29 Logical storage
3.30 Portable electronics
3.31 Datacenter electronics
3.32 Dedicated hardware
3.33 Physical storage
3.34 Brain wallets
3.35 Paper wallets
3.36 Sheet wallets
3.37 Metal wallets
3.38 Hardware interfaces
3.39 ATM devices
3.40 IVI terminals
3.41 Parking metres
3.42 Vending machines
3.43 Exercise: Secure a new cryptocurrency
3.44 Team collaboration
3.45 Design and implementations
3.46 Exercise: Red and blue team role playing

4. Difficulty Level

Intermediate - The student has education and some experience in the field and familiarity with the topic being presented. The student has foundational knowledge that the course will leverage to provide practical skills on the topic.

Beginner - The student has an interest in the topic presented and general technology knowledge that a power user or undergraduate student may have acquired.

5. What Students Should Bring

Laptop you control from the UEFI to the OS, and a USB cable with a Type-C plug.

6. What the Trainer Will Provide

USB media drive, hardware developer kit, hardware wallet, and printed workbook. These course materials belong to you, to take home for continued study.

7. Trainer(s) Bio

Michael Schloh von Bennewitz

Michael Schloh von Bennewitz (MSvB) is a computer scientist specializing in financial technology and embedded systems. As chairman of Novel Circuits and director of Cryptocurrency Advocate, he produces cryptosecure electronic devices while contributing to Opensource development communities. Michael teaches hardware security to cryptocurrency groups and fosters electronics enthusiasts eager to explore secure hardware devices. Together with a team of hackers, he leads the cryptocurrency areas at DEFCON since 2017.

8. Registration Terms and Conditions

8.1 Trainings are refundable before September 21, 2026, minus a non-refundable processing fee of 100 BHD.

8.2 Between September 21, 2026 and October 21, 2026 partial refunds will be granted, equal to 50% of the course fee minus a processing fee of 100 BHD.

8.3 All trainings are non-refundable after October 21, 2026.

8.4 Training tickets may be transferred to another student. Please email us at training@defcon.org for specifics.

8.5 If a training does not reach the minimum registration requirement, it may be cancelled. In the event the training you choose is cancelled, you will be provided the option of receiving a full refund or transferring to another training (subject to availability).

8.6 Failure to attend the training without prior written notification will be considered a no-show. No refund will be given.

8.7 DEF CON Training may share student contact information, including names and emails, with the course instructor(s) to facilitate sharing of pre-work and course instructions. Instructors are required to safeguard this information and provide appropriate protection so that it is kept private. Instructors may not use student information outside the delivery of this course without the permission of the student.

8.8 By purchasing this ticket you agree to abide by the DEF CON Training Code of Conduct and the registration terms and conditions listed above.