Another activity was recently measured, and that measurement clearly illustrates the increase in the degree of difficulty addressing the theft and distribution of stolen information assets. The recent measurement was the magnitude of bitcoin donations to WikiLeaks!

For those of you that may not be aware, WikiLeaks is an international organization that publishes sensitive information, news leaks and classified media from anonymous sources. Who could forget the WikiLeaks activities during this past presidential election? Here is a hint: all of the hacked emails!

In economic terms, WikiLeaks is a nonprofit entity that has gained a substantial following. The organization’s official Facebook page has more than 3.6 million likes! All of that has resulted in donations of a reported $2.9 million.

Bitcoin is one of many cryptocurrencies in circulation today that is created and held electronically. Its recent price (per unit) was equal to $738.11. The total value of Bitcoins in circulation today is more than $11.75 billion.

This is a real-world example of what I wrote about previously where a cryptocurrency is used as a secure mechanism to fund hostilities or other illegal activities.

It also goes to further justify that information is a weapon that yields significant power, and one with which we all must become acquainted. Today, leveraging the anonymity that accompanies a well-thought-out cyber plot and executed cyberattack with a secure funding mechanism (cryptocurrencies) that can purchase or fund these attacks create a very challenging and troubling future.

This is just the latest development that justifies the growing number of techies and accountants in our military and intelligence communities. It is time to face the inevitable: Cryptocurrencies have become an important factor in global funds transfers — the sale of and payment for stolen information. Their combined unique qualities pose a true national security threat that extends far beyond just the economic aspects of this rather recent development.

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