**Stockpiling Bitcoin for Cybersecurity and Defense: An Unconventional Approach**

03/31/2023 13:08 • AI & Tech Insights • 92 views

On March 31st, Major Jason Lowery of the US Space Force proposed an unconventional approach to cybersecurity and defense. He suggested that the United States should stockpile Bitcoin as a weapon of self-defence. Lowery pointed out that the workload of Bitcoin proves that the system can be used as a channel for power competition in the network field, and this competition has little destructive power. This competition played a role similar to that of chess and the Olympics during the Cold War.

US space officer: The US should store Bitcoin as a self-defense weapon

In a pitch that raised eyebrows in the cybersecurity community, Major Jason Lowery of the US Space Force proposed stockpiling Bitcoin as a weapon of self-defence on March 31st. Lowery suggested that the United States should leverage the workload of Bitcoin as a channel for power competition in the network field, with little destructive power. He likened this competition to the role played by chess and the Olympics during the Cold War. In this article, we will explore whether stockpiling Bitcoin for cybersecurity and defense is a logical move for the United States.

What does stockpiling Bitcoin mean?

Stockpiling Bitcoin means accumulating a significant amount of the cryptocurrency through purchases or mining and holding it in reserve. The purpose of this reserve would be to use Bitcoin as a strategic asset in the event of a cyber attack. The discretion of cyber attackers is a critical factor in many cyber intrusion attempts. By stockpiling Bitcoin, the United States could respond in kind to attackers by using Bitcoin to fund counter-moves and operational security measures.

Why use Bitcoin as a weapon of self-defence?

Bitcoin is an inherently distributed system that’s difficult to shut down entirely. It relies on a network of nodes and miners to maintain the ledger, which makes it resilient to cyber-attacks. Unlike traditional fiat currencies, Bitcoin is not backed by a central authority, which means it’s not vulnerable to the whims of a government or central bank. It’s also possible to make transactions with Bitcoin anonymously, making it challenging to trace. This feature can be beneficial when dealing with adversaries who need to be kept in the dark regarding a country’s activities.
Lowery suggests that Bitcoin’s role in the potential for power competition can be likened to the role of chess and the Olympics during the Cold War. These were not direct contests of arms, but they served to keep tensions high and to provide an environment in which both nations could compete. Lowery suggests that in the same way, having a reserve of Bitcoin would provide the United States with an edge in power competition on a global scale.

The Risks of Stockpiling Bitcoin

While the fact that Bitcoin is decentralized makes it challenging to shut down, it also makes it challenging to control. The value of Bitcoin is subject to significant volatility, which could lead to considerable losses if the US were to stockpile large amounts of it. Additionally, Bitcoin is not yet universally accepted as a currency. It is still illegal in some jurisdictions and is looked upon with suspicion in others. The US would need to create a regulatory framework to ensure the legal holding and use of Bitcoin as a strategic asset.

Conclusion

Lowery’s proposal to stockpile Bitcoin as a weapon of self-defence is an unconventional one, but it’s not wholly without merit. Bitcoin’s decentralized nature does make it resilient to cyber-attacks, and its role as a potential weapon in power competition is compelling. However, there are significant risks associated with stockpiling large amounts of Bitcoin, including its volatility and lack of universal acceptance as a currency. Before making this type of commitment, the US would need to develop a robust regulatory framework and carefully consider the potential costs and benefits of this approach.

FAQs

**1. What is the US Space Force?**
The US Space Force is the sixth and newest branch of the United States Armed Forces, created on December 20, 2019.
**2. Who is Major Jason Lowery?**
Major Jason Lowery is a member of the US Space Force, serving as the Department of Defense liaison officer for United States Space Command.
**3. Is Bitcoin legal in the United States?**
Yes, Bitcoin is legal in the United States. However, its use is subject to regulations and laws established by the United States government.

Keywords

Bitcoin, cybersecurity, defense, United States, stockpile, cryptocurrency, power competition.

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