Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has dismissed concerns that artificial intelligence will make cybersecurity impossible to defend, arguing that advanced AI could eventually give security t
Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has dismissed concerns that artificial intelligence will make cybersecurity impossible to defend, arguing that advanced AI could eventually give security teams an advantage over hackers.
In comments on X, Buterin highlighted formal verification, a method that uses mathematical proofs to check whether software behaves as intended. He argued that if AI becomes capable of proving complex mathematical theorems, it could also help verify the security of entire software systems.
It’s an increasingly common take that AI hacking means cybersecurity is doomed.
I disagree. I think cybersecurity is naturally defense-favoring once people get their shit together. And anyone who continues to hold cryptocurrency (including me, ~90% of my net worth) is implicitly…
— vitalik.eth (@VitalikButerin) September 16, 2026
Some crypto users questioned whether Ethereum should address its existing challenges before focusing on future AI threats. One user urged Buterin to fix Ethereum first, while another questioned whether he had held his ETH through the L2 downturn.
Other users focused on AI’s current limitations, particularly its tendency to produce incorrect code and mathematical errors. They argued that AI-generated security proofs would still require human review, raising questions about whether the technology could deliver reliable full-stack protection.
Meanwhile, some users warned that AI-powered phishing and social engineering could pose a greater immediate threat to everyday crypto users than attacks on blockchain cryptography. Financial Stability Board Chair Andrew Bailey has warned that the impact of AI on cyber risk is now the most immediate AI-related concern for the global financial system.
Rather than reviewing only critical parts of a system, Buterin believes mature AI could help verify complete software stacks, including databases, networks, caches and supply chains. This approach could allow developers to build software that is more resistant to attacks instead of relying solely on finding vulnerabilities after deployment.
Buterin’s comments challenge angel investor Liron Shapira’s prediction that AI breakthroughs could compromise blockchain infrastructure and cause Bitcoin and other major cryptocurrencies to lose more than 50% of their value within two years. Buterin described the likelihood of AI breaking core cryptographic protections as “tiny” and argued that decentralized networks can respond to emerging threats through standard technical upgrades.
The Ethereum co-founder said roughly 90% of his net worth remains invested in cryptocurrency, describing his continued holdings as an implicit bet that cybersecurity will ultimately favour defenders.
Buterin identified full-stack verification as a key roadmap for Ethereum’s development, particularly as the blockchain advances its scaling and privacy technologies. The approach aims to verify entire software systems rather than focusing only on selected critical components, potentially strengthening security across Ethereum’s infrastructure.
However, whether the crypto community can adopt Buterin’s view on AI still remains uncertain, especially as these software tools have been repeatedly used in exploits. DeFi Planet previously reported that a man in his 70s in Hong Kong has lost more than HK$13 million ($1.67 million) after being tricked into investing through a fake cryptocurrency app and fake AI verification.
Also, Meme coin listing and token display pages are becoming new phishing hubs, with attackers exploiting token metadata to redirect crypto traders to fake Cloudflare verification screens.
Enjoyed this? BookmarkDeFi Planet, explore related topics, and follow us onTwitter,LinkedIn,Facebook,Instagram,Threads, and CoinMarketCap Community for seamless access to high-quality industry insights
Take control of your crypto portfolio with DEFI PLANET PRO, DeFi Planet’s suite of analytics tools.
The post Vitalik Buterin Rejects AI Doomsday Fears and Defends Crypto Security appeared first on DeFi Planet.
