Ethereum developer Nethermind turns on powerful AI against hackers

Ethereum developer Nethermind and Bitcoin wallet ZEUS want to use artificial intelligence (AI) to better protect their software against hackers. Both companies have signed up for OSS Scanner, a new security program from Anthropic, the company behind AI assistant Claude. The technology must detect security vulnerabilities before cybercriminals can exploit them. This is becoming increasingly important as hackers themselves increasingly use AI.

Nethermind is one of the first companies in the crypto sector to request access to OSS Scanner. The company develops software that allows computers to connect to the Ethereum network and help process transactions.

Through developer platform GitHub, Nethermind has asked to have its entire software code examined. The company wants to detect potential vulnerabilities early so that they can be fixed before attackers strike.

Bitcoin wallet ZEUS has also shown interest. With this digital wallet, users can manage their own Bitcoin (BTC) and make payments via the Lightning Network. This network enables faster and cheaper Bitcoin payments.

ZEUS mainly wants to know if there are any security issues that could affect payments, private keys, and connections to Lightning services. Private keys are secret digital codes that allow users to access their Bitcoin. If this data falls into the wrong hands, users could lose their money.

In addition, VirtEngine has signed up. This decentralized platform allows users to offer and purchase computing capacity. Developers of AI assistants, cloud storage and security software have also submitted applications.

At the time of publication, the applications had not yet been approved. It is therefore still uncertain whether Nethermind, ZEUS and the other parties will actually gain access.

OSS Scanner is intended to improve the security of open source software. This is software whose source code is publicly available. Anyone can view and check this code, but this also allows malicious parties to search for vulnerabilities.

The program uses advanced AI models, including Claude Mythos. This technology can search large amounts of computer code and detect potential security issues. Developers will then receive reports that allow them to investigate and resolve the discovered vulnerabilities.

OSS Scanner builds on Project Glasswing, a previous security initiative from Anthropic.

The AI company has been investigating public software for vulnerabilities for some time. So far, problems found are first assessed by human security specialists before developers are informed about them.

According to Anthropic, that process can cause delays. That wasted time is important because cybercriminals can discover and exploit the same vulnerabilities in the meantime.

With OSS Scanner, Anthropic wants to make the results available faster. Participating developers will receive a report once their software has been examined by the AI models.

Not everyone gets automatic access. Anthropic assesses each application individually and considers, among other things, the importance of the software, the security of users and the possible consequences of a cyber attack.

The interest of Nethermind and ZEUS comes at a time when artificial intelligence is also playing an increasingly important role in cyber attacks.

The same technology that helps developers protect their software can give hackers an advantage. Powerful AI models allow attackers to search for vulnerabilities faster and develop new ways to penetrate systems.

There are already examples of this within the crypto sector.

For example, Bitcoin exchange service Boltz had to shut down its activities in August. According to the company, attackers developed new ways to exploit vulnerabilities faster than the team could fix the issues.

Crypto payment service PayPerQ also reported repeated cyber attacks suspected of using AI.

Smaller crypto companies are particularly vulnerable. They often have less money and security specialists available, while AI allows attackers to work faster and more efficiently.

Anthropic warns that the rapid development of artificial intelligence may even be more beneficial to cybercriminals than to security teams in the short term.

Detecting vulnerabilities becomes easier and cheaper with AI. In the meantime, checking and actually solving these problems remains largely human work.

As a result, hackers may be able to find new security holes faster than companies can close them.

Security experts are also concerned about unequal access to powerful AI models. If attackers have better technology than the parties that need to protect systems, the risk of successful cyber attacks increases further.

With OSS Scanner, Anthropic wants to reduce that difference by giving public software developers access to advanced security analytics.

There is a lot at stake for crypto companies. Bitcoin wallets, payment platforms and blockchain networks process or manage systems that move large amounts of money. As a result, one serious security breach can cause major financial damage.

Whether OSS Scanner actually helps to prevent attacks remains to be seen. For the time being, NETHERMIND, ZEUS and the other applicants are awaiting a decision from Anthropic on their access to the program.