US Space Force Officer Highlights Bitcoin’s National Importance

In an effort to strengthen the nation’s defenses against cyberwarfare, US Space Force member Jason Lowery is pushing for an official inquiry into the use of proof-of-work networks, with a focus on Bitcoin. Lowery emphasizes the broad strategic importance of Bitcoin in a letter to the U.S. Defense Innovation Board that goes beyond its widely accepted function as a monetary system.

In contrast to the popular belief that Bitcoin is only useful for protecting financial transactions, Lowery argues that the cryptocurrency may also be extremely useful for protecting other types of data, communications, or command signals. Citing Bitcoin as a great example, he writes to the Defense Innovation Board pleading with it to acknowledge and look into the proof-of-work systems’ national strategic value.

Proof-of-Work as a Cybersecurity Deterrent

Lowery draws comparisons between the deterrent offered by military forces in conventional realms such as land, sea, air, and space, and the heavy costs associated with a physically resource-intensive computer in a proof-of-work system. According to him, the resource-intensive aspect of the system deters attackers from cyberattacks, and the usage of proof-of-work mimics physical security and deterrent tactics.

Lowery highlights the importance of Bitcoin in preserving the United States’ standing as a global leader while showcasing the platform’s great potential for cybersecurity applications. In a time of growing digital connection and security flaws, the use of Bitcoin’s features may herald a “cybersecurity revolution.”

Lowery emphasizes how important it is to address this potential if the United States is to continue leading the world. He makes the argument that turning the world’s electrical system into a big, expensive computer through digital means may prevent bad actors and protect a variety of information and messages that are sent over the internet.

Lowery ends by saying that the cybersecurity uses of Bitcoin are a great fit for a strategic offset and expresses his fear that the U.S. Department of Defense may have wasted resources by not incorporating it into its arsenal sooner.

Lowery’s demand for a thorough probe highlights the potentially revolutionary effect of Bitcoin in strengthening the country’s digital defenses as the U.S. navigates the changing cybersecurity scenario.