US Space Force Engineer Proposes Investigating Bitcoin’s Strategic Importance
As Bitcoin continues to surge in value, there is a growing belief that the cryptocurrency could have significant strategic implications for cybersecurity. US Space Force engineer Jason Lowery has urged the Defense Innovation Board to investigate whether Bitcoin’s proof-of-work protocol can become of national strategic importance.
Converting Bitcoin Proof-of-Work to Macrochip
In order to enhance security in cyberspace, Lowery suggests the use of physically resource-intensive computers. By designing a computer that is physically costly to operate and making its use mandatory, it would introduce physical constraints into cyberspace. Lowery proposes the idea of a “macrochip,” which would utilize the global electric power grid as a massive-scale, energy-intensive computer. He believes that Bitcoin’s proof-of-work already functions as a macrochip.
Bitcoin’s Proof-of-Work and Cybersecurity
Bitcoin’s validation through proof-of-work requires significant computation power and is an energy-intensive process. Lowery argues that proof-of-work technologies like Bitcoin have the potential to reshape warfare in the cyber domain and transform our understanding of cybersecurity.
Lowery’s Recommendations
In an open letter, Lowery recommends that the Defense Innovation Board prioritize investigating the national strategic importance of proof-of-work protocols like Bitcoin. He previously suggested that the US should stockpile Bitcoin as a self-defense weapon in his master’s thesis at MIT.
A Contrary Opinion
Some individuals, such as retired Air Force officer John Bethancourt, disagree with Lowery’s proposal. Bethancourt argues that proof-of-work does not provide data encryption or secure information from unauthorized access, but rather ensures the integrity of the blockchain and prevents double-spending.
Hot Take: The Potential Impact of Bitcoin’s Proof-of-Work
US Space Force engineer Jason Lowery has suggested that Bitcoin’s proof-of-work protocol could have national strategic importance for cybersecurity. By utilizing physically resource-intensive computers and introducing physical constraints into cyberspace, Lowery believes that the global electric power grid can function as a massive-scale, energy-intensive computer or “macrochip.” However, there are differing opinions on the effectiveness of proof-of-work in protecting data and network infrastructure from cyberattacks. While further investigation is needed, the potential implications of Bitcoin’s proof-of-work on cybersecurity warrant consideration.
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