Tech
Bitcoin Expert Ariel Waissbein Appointed to Lead Argentina’s Federal Cybersecurity Agency
- His previous roles include advising on Web3 and DeFi security and improving the use of Bitcoin technology at FairGate and BitTrap.
- Waissbein’s appointment has drawn praise from technology industry leaders, demonstrating strong support for his ability to lead the nation’s cybersecurity efforts.
Argentine President Javier Milei has named Ariel Waissbein as director of the new Federal Cybersecurity Agency (AFC). Waissbein, recognized for his expertise in Bitcoin technology and a strong background in cryptography and cybersecurity, is tasked with strengthening Argentina’s cyber defense infrastructure.
With more than 20 years of cybersecurity experience, Waissbein previously worked in academic research and applied security at several high-profile companies. His role will extend beyond technical oversight; he is also charged with improving the AFC and public sector’s strategic planning and operational response to emerging cyber threats.
“His main passion is finding bugs, investigating vulnerabilities, and learning how weaknesses are introduced into code,” they note.
Waissbein has worked as a consultant in the Web3 and decentralized finance (DeFi) industries. His career includes positions at FairGate, where his work focused on maximizing the potential of Bitcoin, and BitTrap, where he developed systems that provide financial incentives to attackers to reveal their presence in compromised systems.
Additionally, he held a role at CoinFabrik, verifying and securing cryptocurrency custodians and decentralized applications to mitigate security risks. His work at CoinFabrik brought him into contact with major partners and clients such as SolanaEthereum and AgroToken, topics that we have written about in Crypto News Flash.
The appointment was well received within the cryptocurrency and technology communities. Prominent figures expressed their support via social media, acknowledging Waissbein’s experience and leadership abilities.
“His prolific academic work and research in cryptography and cybersecurity are the key technical underpinnings that have enabled him to successfully manage and direct world-class projects for both corporations and governments,” it was officially announced.
Santi Siri, a technologist, described Waissbein as “brilliant and excellent,” reflecting the positive reception to his appointment. Likewise, Pablo Yabo, co-founder of self-custodial exchange C3, and Sergio Demian Lerner, founder of Fairgate, have publicly championed his potential to effectively lead national cybersecurity efforts.
As director of the AFC, Waissbein is expected to play a crucial role in safeguarding Argentina’s digital infrastructure against the growing prevalence of cyber threats, Strengthening safety protocols for both the public and private sectors.
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