SecAppDev 2024 Faculty
Tom Van Cutsem
Associate Professor, KU Leuven
Tom Van Cutsem is a professor at DistriNet KU Leuven where he performs research on better ways of programming blockchain computers. Prior to joining KU Leuven he led research on software systems at Nokia Bell Labs, Nokia’s industry research division. He is a former member of TC39, the JavaScript language standardisation committee, and actively contributed to past ECMAScript standards. As a visiting faculty at Google he worked with the Google Caja team on a capability-secure subset of JavaScript, combining ideas from programming language and security research to create a safer Web.
Designing “least-authority” JavaScript apps
Deep-dive lecture by Tom Van Cutsem in room West Wing
Monday June 3rd, 14:00 - 15:30
Learn the problems and solutions of combining "trusted" and "untrusted" JavaScript. We introduce secure dialects of JavaScript and practical tools that are available to help contain third-party dependencies.
Key takeaway: Learn how to get "trusted" and "untrusted" JavaScript to safely co-exist in your app.
A gentle intro to Ethereum and "smart contracts"
Introductory lecture by Tom Van Cutsem in room West Wing
Wednesday June 5th, 14:00 - 15:30
Ethereum is a programmable blockchain, a "world computer" powering decentralized applications. Find out how software for this "world computer" - smart contracts - are written using the Solidity language.
Key takeaway: Learn what programmable blockchains like Ethereum are all about, what kinds of applications they enable and what common pitfalls developers face.