You should write a 8-10 page report (12-point, Times New Font, single-spacing) that summarizes the developments in cryptocurrencies, their relation to blockchains, and the cryptographic techniques that we discussed in the class. In particular, your report should answer the following questions.
-What are cryptocurrencies? What are some examples of cryptocurrencies?
-What is a blockchain? What is in the block of a blockchain? How are they linked?
-When are the blocks added? Who adds the blocks—centralized server or distributed servers? Who maintains the blockchain?
-Are these scalable? In other words, can the chains be as long as you wish them to be? What are the performance implications of having long chains?
-How is consistency maintained among copies of blockchains?
-Examples applications where blockchain technologies are being used.
-Are these cryptocurrencies secure? In other words, what gives them the properties of reliability, tamper-proof, and uniqueness (avoid double counting)?
-What has puzzle solving to do with cryptography? Why have they become popular in cryptocurrencies?
-What cryptographic techniques that we discussed during the course are being employed in these technologies?
-What are the advantages of cryptocurrencies over physical currencies or other digital currencies such as credit cards and debit cards?
-Summary of your thoughts on cryptocurrencies—technologies used, advantages, and dangers.
