Swan Bitcoin Founder Says AI Is a Near-Term Bitcoin Security Threat

Swan Bitcoin founder Cory Klippsten said artificial intelligence poses a nearer-term risk to Bitcoin (BTC) security than quantum computing, citing hackers’ use of large language models to probe weaknesses across crypto.

Klippsten said attackers can use these models to examine systems for security flaws. “The near term threat is actually AI,” he said.

He estimated that a quantum computer able to threaten Bitcoin’s cryptography is at least 10 years away, and possibly farther off. Klippsten said Bitcoin could adopt protections designed to resist quantum attacks if the risk becomes credible. Moving too quickly, he argued, could add complexity.

He also urged crypto companies to follow sound security practices when protecting customer assets. His emphasis on AI as a near-term concern contrasts with Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong’s view of quantum computing as the greater long-term crypto security risk, which Armstrong has discussed previously.