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In a recent tweet that has sparked considerable interest among developers and investors alike, Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin highlighted the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in revolutionizing code audits and bug detection within the Ethereum ecosystem. Amid a notable surge in AI-related tokens, Buterin’s enthusiasm for AI-assisted formal verification of code underscores a growing trend towards integrating cutting-edge technology to enhance blockchain security.
Vitalik Buterin Believes AI Can Find Vulnerabilities in Code
Buterin expressed his optimism about leveraging AI to address what he perceives as Ethereum’s most significant technical challenge: vulnerabilities in code. “One application of AI that I am excited about is AI-assisted formal verification of code and bug finding,” Buterin stated. This comes at a time when the AI sector is witnessing a resurgence, fueled by new product launches from OpenAI and impressive performance from chipmaker Nvidia, leading to a doubling in the prices of some AI tokens, according to CoinGecko data.
One application of AI that I am excited about is AI-assisted formal verification of code and bug finding. Right now ethereum's biggest technical risk probably is bugs in code, and anything that could significantly change the game on that would be amazing. — vitalik.eth (@VitalikButerin) February 19, 2024
The application of AI in code audits represents a promising avenue for bolstering security in an industry frequently targeted by exploits and scams. Two Ethereum-focused developers shared their insights in a recent interview, emphasizing the advantages of AI over traditional automated tools used in smart contract audits. These tools, while useful, lack the ability to adapt to new information and contexts as AI can.
A developer from TokenFi, a project working on an AI-assisted code auditing platform, highlighted AI’s adaptability and learning capabilities as key to identifying vulnerabilities that static analysis might miss. “AI can be trained to recognize and adapt to new information and context, making it more effective at identifying vulnerabilities,” the developer explained.
Combining AI with Human Expertise
Moreover, AI’s potential to predict vulnerabilities based on historical and forecast data could complement human inspection, creating a robust system check mechanism. RJ Ke, a developer at Ethereum layer-2 Taiko, shared his perspective on the synergy between AI and human expertise. “We can speed up the process by teaching AI systems what to look for based on previous experiences, allowing us to detect potential concerns before they escalate,” Ke said.
The urgency for such advancements is underscored by the estimated $2 billion lost to hacks and scams in the crypto space in 2023, with Ethereum bearing the brunt of these incidents. The blockchain’s popularity and the value locked in its ecosystem make it a prime target for malicious actors, evidenced by the staggering $1.35 billion lost in approximately 170 incidents last year alone.
Buterin’s call to arms for the integration of AI in code audits is not just about mitigating losses; it’s about pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in ensuring the security and integrity of the Ethereum ecosystem. As developers and projects explore AI’s potential, the coming years may well see a significant shift in how blockchain security is approached, promising a safer and more resilient infrastructure for users and investors alike.
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