The United States’ National Security Agency (NSA) is allegedly developing a quantum-resistant cryptocurrency, according to Bloomberg Technology reporter William Turton’s tweet.
“Anne Neuberger, Director of NSA’s new Cybersecurity Directorate says that the agency will propose hardware and software standards again. Also notes agency is working to build quantum resistant crypto,” Turton wrote.
Further details of Neuberger’s presentation was provided in coverage by Microsoft News, in a report focusing on the agency’s battle with ransomware threats posed by a host of geopolitical adversaries — including North Korea, Iran, Russia and China.
Anne Neuberger noted that North Korea as being creative in its cyber warfare strategy, pointing to the rogue state’s use of cryptocurrency to compile funds for President Kim Jong-Un’s regime.
Cryptocurrencies are key part of stealth cyber warfare and global intelligence operations. It raises the prospect that any state agency who wins the arms race in developing a quantum-resistant cryptocurrency could secure an appreciable geopolitical edge for its country.
