Space Force Major: Bitcoin's Role is of 'National Importance'

• Space Force Officer Advocates for Blockchain Technologies as Future of Cybersecurity
• Blockchain as an Offset Strategy
• Strategic Potential of Proof-of-Work Technologies
• Bitcoin as the Forefront of Cybersecurity
• Proof-of-Work: A Transformative Deterrence Breakthrough?
• Understanding Bitcoin Beyond Its Financial Risks
• Emerging Recognition of Distributed Ledgers' Application to National Security

Space Force Officer Advocates for Blockchain Technologies as Future of Cybersecurity

A United States Space Force officer has suggested that the proof-of-work protocol, the backbone of Bitcoin$42,260 -0.64%, bears a resemblance to tried and true military deterrence strategies. In a letter to the Defense Innovation Board, Major Jason Lowery advocates for an immediate inquiry into this technology by the Department of Defense.

Blockchain as an Offset Strategy

Lowery argues that blockchains like Bitcoin represent a pivotal offset strategy for the 21st century. He highlights the inherent cybersecurity weaknesses of software systems, which may not always be adequately defended by coding safeguards.

Strategic Potential of Proof-of-Work Technologies

His analysis pays particular attention to the strategic capacity of proof-of-work technologies, which utilize electrical power to secure networks. Moreover, he challenges military leaders' restrained notions of Bitcoin as merely an inefficient financial database.

Bitcoin as the Forefront of Cybersecurity

Lowery's argument asserts that Bitcoin signifies more than just a cryptocurrency-it is the start of a cybersecurity revolution. It transforms the global electric power grid into a large, physically high-cost computer, or a 'macrochip.' This macrochip then can potentially restrict malicious actors and protect a diverse array of data and messages on the internet.

Proof-of-Work: A Transformative Deterrence Breakthrough?

Lowery suggests that proof-of-work innovations such as Bitcoin could be recognized as one of the most revolutionary deterrence breakthroughs in history, provided that the national security apparatus quickly evaluates their real-world applications.

Understanding Bitcoin Beyond Its Financial Risks

He cautions against solely focusing on the financial risks associated with Bitcoin. Overlooking its non-financial implications could potentially surrender strategic benefits to competitors who are more attuned to the evolving paradigm.

If the observations in this letter ring true, the DoD may have already lost precious time and opportunities by not fully recognizing this technology's potential beyond its initial classification as electronic cash, argues Lowery. It's paramount now to acknowledge this oversight and respond with urgency.

Emerging Recognition of Distributed Ledgers' Application to National Security

The letter underscores the growing acknowledgment in military academic circles of the expanding applicability of distributed ledgers to national security matters. With the continual escalation of cyber threats, BTC's dominance in global computing offers new methods to counteract rising digital risks.

Edited by Jonathan Stoker