Major Jason Lowery of the U.S. Space Force has proposed an unconventional approach to cybersecurity and national defense in his MIT master’s thesis. He suggested that the U.S. should stockpile Bitcoin as a weapon of self-defense.
According to Lowery’s “Softwar,” Bitcoin’s proof-of-work system could function as a less destructive avenue for power competition in the cyber domain. It could be similar to the role played in chess matches and the Olympics during the Cold War era.
Bitcoin: A Strategic Tool for Cyber Self-Defense
Lowery recommends using Bitcoin as a cybersecurity tool, drawing on the pre-Bitcoin development of proof-of-work by computer scientist Adam Back.
The goal is to design programs that only respond to external signals accompanied by sufficiently large transactions recorded on the Bitcoin network. With this, Lowery believes that software systems can better protect the U.S. against certain types of cyberattacks.
The Space Force Major’s thesis calls for the U.S. to stockpile Bitcoin and cultivate a domestic Bitcoin mining industry. It also calls to extend the 2nd Amendment protections to the technology, treating it as a weapon of self-defense.
While Lowery’s proposal is innovative and thought-provoking, it faces significant technical and political challenges.
The Anti-Crypto Army Gains Political Support
One of the most notable challenges is the current U.S. government’s efforts to stifle crypto innovation. These efforts have contributed to a decline in the country’s share of web3 developers. Consequently, leading to the loss of millions of jobs in the tech sector.
Regulatory actions by the U.S. government have raised concerns among the crypto community. Many crypto developers and web3 businesses have been forced to move their operations overseas.
For Lowery’s vision to gain traction, crypto proponents will need to overcome these bureaucratic and political obstacles. This may involve engaging in public discourse, lobbying, and working with lawmakers who understand the benefits of embracing blockchain technology.
The eventual outcome will depend on the ability of crypto advocates to navigate these challenges and build support for their cause.
Though it remains to be seen whether Lowery’s proposal will be adopted, it serves as a reminder of the potential for crypto and blockchain technology to play a pivotal role in the future of cybersecurity and national defense.
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