Cryptocurrency Found Lacking at RSAC Cryptographers' Panel

Hot Topics Also Include Quantum Computing, Blockchains, Artificial Intelligence Mathew J. Schwartz (euroinfosec) • April 29, 2025

One of the world's leading cryptographers said cryptocurrencies have dramatically failed to deliver what they promised.

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"My personal opinion is the world would be better without cryptocurrencies," said Adi Shamir, the "S" in the RSA cryptosystem, during the Cryptographers' Panel on Tuesday at the RSAC Conference in San Francisco.

The panel, an annual fixture at the conference, comprises leading thinkers analyzing some of the industry's hottest topics, which this year included securing artificial intelligence, quantum computing, the British government's attempt to undercut Apple's end-to-end encryption offerings, as well as blockchains and cryptocurrency and their societal benefit - or lack of it.

"It would be foolish to sit here and try to defend every cryptocurrency in ...