Research shows that the threat of BTC "51% attack" is underestimated, and attackers only need about $6 billion to destroy the network

Recent research suggests that the threat of a "51% attack" facing Bitcoin is significantly underestimated by the market, and that an attacker would only need approximately $6 billion to destroy Bitcoin. Duke University finance professor Campbell Harvey warned in a new study that while both Bitcoin and gold are considered favorites in the "currency devaluation trade," Bitcoin faces far greater risks. An attacker could seize control of the Bitcoin network within a week by purchasing $4.6 billion worth of hardware, investing $1.34 billion in data center construction, and adding approximately $130 million in weekly electricity costs. By shorting Bitcoin in the derivatives market, an attacker could reap significant profits when the price plummets, potentially covering the cost of the attack. However, Matt Prusak, president of Bitcoin USA, believes these concerns are overblown, citing the years required to accumulate and deploy mining equipment, the substantial collateral required for short selling, and the potential for exchanges to suspend suspicious transactions. (Wall Street Journal)