Pentagon considers integrating Blockchain technology into critical code and infrastructure to protect from hackers, terrorists.
Just like any currency, Bitcoin has been involved in cases of money-laundering, drug transactions, and terrorism in previous years. However, it has also caught the Pentagon’s eyes as a potential cybersecurity shield.
Why Blockchain technology?
The US military has been open about their interest in Blockchain technology, so it’s no surprise that they may soon develop their own applications..
US defence analysts have previously pointed out the growing threats to the country's national security that target national security decision-makers and critical infrastructure. So in an effort to withstand such threats, the Pentagon started experimenting with Blockchain.
Blockchain technology is potentially useful for protecting military technology, communications, and purchases. It is well-designed to help increase the security of the entire US military, across all departments and units. Blockchain couldl prevent hackers and terrorists from attacking military networks, including connected vehicles, aircraft and satellites.
The DARPA drive
The engineers of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) are currently experimenting with Blockchain to create a messaging service that is secure and impenetrable to foreign attacks. This service will be tested internally first, but if it holds up, may find its way onto the battlefield soon. DARPA has asked the public to submit proposals on the best ways to put the service into action.
DARPA serves as the research arm of the U.S. military and aims to decentralize significant portions of back-office infrastructure so that:
“‘Smart documents and contracts’ can be instantly and securely sent and received, thereby reducing exposure to hackers and reducing needless delays in DoD back-office correspondence.”
Additionally, DARPA seeks to create code that is impossible to hack, preventing hackers from breaking into secure databases.
Blockchain in government
DARPA joins other is not the only government agency that has taken notice of Blockchain technology and its possible use in the public services. In fact, various subsidiaries and units of the government have been eyeing the technology in optimizing existing processes, including the US Navy and various federal agencies.
