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Bitcoin security researcher restricted by OpenAI, turns to Chinese AI

Created at 10 Aug · 5:31 AM1 source↑ Market-relevant
IN SHORT

A Bitcoin security researcher, Rob Hamilton, has been restricted by OpenAI from further code analysis, forcing him to use open-source Chinese AI models for his work on Bitcoin infrastructure. He expressed frustration over the limited access to advanced AI tools for defenders.

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Key Numbers

1,288critical and high-level vulnerabilities found by Bitcoin Red Team
$100 millionBitcoin stolen in Coldcard hardware wallet hack

Who's Involved

Rob Hamilton
CEO of AnchorWatch and founder of Bitcoin Red Team
OpenAI
AI research company that restricted researcher's access
Bitcoin Red Team
Volunteer group scanning Bitcoin repositories for vulnerabilities

↳ Why This Matters

The restriction of advanced AI tools for security researchers raises concerns about the ability of 'white hats' to defend critical digital infrastructure, potentially leaving systems more vulnerable to attacks.

Key facts

  • Bitcoin Red Team founder Rob Hamilton was restricted by OpenAI from further code analysis.
  • Hamilton is returning to open-source Chinese AI models for his research.
  • Bitcoin Red Team has found 1,288 critical and high-level vulnerabilities in the Bitcoin ecosystem.
  • Hamilton cited policy limitations as preventing 'white hats' from continuing harm reduction efforts.
  • Many crypto firms still await access to powerful AI models for code security.

A prominent Bitcoin security researcher has reported being blocked by OpenAI from continuing his work, forcing him to seek alternative AI tools. Rob Hamilton, CEO of AnchorWatch and founder of Bitcoin Red Team, stated on X that his access to OpenAI's capabilities was restricted shortly after he began integrating them into his efforts to find vulnerabilities in the Bitcoin ecosystem.

Hamilton expressed dismay, calling it "gutting" for a patriotic American to rely on Chinese open-source models for research aimed at protecting Bitcoin infrastructure. The Bitcoin Red Team, a collective of volunteers, has been actively scanning open-source Bitcoin repositories for security flaws using a combination of AI and human expertise. This initiative gained further urgency following a recent hack of the Coldcard hardware wallet, which resulted in over $100 million in Bitcoin being stolen.

This incident highlights a broader concern within the crypto industry regarding access to cutting-edge AI tools. Earlier reports indicated that many major crypto players are still awaiting access to powerful AI models necessary for strengthening their code against sophisticated attacks, with only a limited number of entities having secured such access. Hamilton lamented that 'white hats' are being sidelined while 'black hats' can operate without restrictions, suggesting a policy-driven limitation that hinders harm reduction efforts.

Frequently asked questions

Bitcoin Red Team is a group of volunteers using AI and human review to scan open-source Bitcoin repositories for vulnerabilities.

The article states Hamilton's access was restricted but does not provide specific reasons from OpenAI.

The hack, which resulted in over $100 million in Bitcoin stolen, underscored the need for enhanced security and accelerated efforts by groups like Bitcoin Red Team.

What Happens Next

01Hamilton will continue research using Chinese open-source AI models.
02Further vulnerabilities in Bitcoin infrastructure may be discovered or remain undiscovered due to access limitations.

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Cadence

How It Developed

Bitcoin Red Team has identified 1,288 critical and high-level vulnerabilities.
AnchorWatch CEO Rob Hamilton integrated OpenAI's Trust & Cyber capabilities into his Bitcoin Red Team work.
Hamilton's access to OpenAI's tools was restricted the day after integration.
Hamilton stated he will revert to using Chinese open-source AI models for research.
Bitcoin Red Team uses AI and human review to scan Bitcoin repositories for vulnerabilities.
Crypto executives previously noted limited access to powerful AI models for code security.

Sources

T1
Bitcoin Red Team founder turns to Chinese AI: ‘It absolutely guts me’Bitcoin Red Team has now found 1,288 critical and high-level vulnerabilities in the Bitcoin ecosystem as of Saturday.Cointelegraph

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