CHAPTER 760: CHAPTER 248: BATTLE OF THE IMMORTALS (PART 2)

But as expected, he could only inquire about it.

Though Kraken has been investing in the research of quantum counter-algorithms, it requires time.

Not to mention that attacking through quantum simulation calculation is still an emerging field, let alone defense.

Jesse Powell majored in philosophy during his time at the University of Los Angeles, and he naturally understands that it’s indeed a tall order to create an impregnable shield before the spear officially enters the stage of history.

Simply put, even if some progress is made, the maturity of the technology is evident before large-scale testing.

Especially since there’s no unified standard or norm for quantum computing globally, his chief security officer’s suggestion is to remain cautiously optimistic.

That is, the quantum simulation calculation launched by Huaxia should not threaten the security of cryptocurrency in the short term. But from a long-term perspective, investment in quantum counter-algorithms should indeed be increased.

It’s best to facilitate cross-industry cooperation. Quickly unite more exchanges, financial institutions, and some relevant tech companies to jointly develop encryption algorithms that can resist quantum brute-force attacks.

Jesse Powell is also considering this matter.

After all, a sense of security, especially one perceived by users, is the lifeline of cryptocurrency trading.

It’s even more intense than the demand in the financial market. After all, cryptocurrency trading is completely anonymous.

For cryptocurrency, decentralization is one of the most important features. If the money is gone from a highly private wallet, there’s no individual to reason with.

However, he hasn’t had time to take action yet.

Cross-industry negotiations have never been a simple matter.

In a not-so-figurative analogy, the capitalists here are like sharks, whose first consideration is not danger upon smelling blood, but rather how to get their fill of the meat right in front of them.

So, if he acts too hastily, he will inevitably face various extortionate demands, so he still wants to wait for a more suitable opportunity.

In Jesse Powell’s view, this opportunity is approaching.

Clearly, these companies have been directly threatened by Qiao Yu’s new technology.

No matter the significance of quantum computing for technological development, the most crucial point is that Quantum Dominance has been a tale told by Silicon Valley for many years.

At the moment when it’s time to reap the rewards, it was overtaken by Huaxia people, and the blow to investor confidence is bound to be enormous.

This is the best opportunity. Some people have more urgent needs than he does. So next, he needs to consider negotiation strategies.

Achieve the best outcome with the smallest cost.

Yes, being successful on this land, a win-win situation never exists.

Either you outsmart others, or you get outsmarted.

Just then, his secretary suddenly rushed into the office.

"Mr. Powell, a call just came from the Huaxia side."

"A call from Huaxia?"

Jesse Powell, deep in thought, did not react at first. He repeated it and realized what was happening, and said in a deep voice: "Why didn’t you transfer it in?"

"I was going to transfer it, but the other party said it wasn’t necessary, they just needed me to convey the message to you."

Upon hearing this and seeing the secretary’s strange expression, Jesse Powell had a hunch that it couldn’t be good news.

"Oh? What did they say?"

"They said to tell you that Dr. Qiao Yu’s research team will assist our platform with transaction security testing in the era of quantum simulation calculation tonight at ten o’clock Eastern Standard Time."

"Tonight at ten? Transaction security testing?" Jesse Powell was taken aback, then asked: "Did you tell them we don’t need it?"

"I did, but they said it’s already decided. Also, they said it was merely a notification, not seeking our opinion."

"Already decided?" Jesse Powell asked incredulously, then quickly realized the timing is quite interesting.

This morning at ten, Microsoft announced their latest quantum hardware technology, and tonight at ten, the other side will help them with quantum simulation calculation security testing?

The targeting is all too obvious.

But why choose Kraken? There are numerous cryptocurrency trading platforms globally, why help them?

"What else did they say?" Jesse Powell asked in a deep voice.

"They also said that this time Dr. Qiao Yu’s security team will conduct simultaneous global public testing on our Kraken along with Coinbase, Binance.US, and requested we make preparations.

Oh, and approximately two hours later, at five o’clock Eastern Standard Time, they will officially announce this testing action on their website. And the public statement will include the fact that we have been notified in advance."

Obviously, they do not intend to be reasonable.

"How did you confirm the identity of the caller?" Jesse Powell asked.

"Mr. Kalan introduced them over the phone first."

"Ronnie Kalan?"

Jesse Powell suddenly felt like swearing. With this heavyweight introducer, this matter must be true.

This equates to announcing at five o’clock Huaxia Time in the morning, and officially starting the live test at ten. All based on Microsoft’s scheduled time.

In other words, this is a blatant response to Microsoft’s release of new Quantum Chips. Not to mention the three selected platforms are all cryptocurrency trading platforms headquartered in the United States.

But with the Titans clashing, what did the Cryptocurrency Exchange do to attract attention? He was intending to sit back and watch the tigers fight, but the other side directly vented their anger on them?

Even using his imagination, he knows the other side has likely already found vulnerabilities in the trading platform, or the new technology indeed poses a threat to current trading security, otherwise such a targeted plan wouldn’t have been drawn up.

The most terrifying part is, it will be broadcasted globally.

For a moment, Jesse Powell’s mind was in disarray, but after calming himself, he waved his hand to signal his secretary to leave quickly.

It’s not that he wants some quiet time. Rather, if the other side targets not just him but all three, he believes calls will be coming in soon.

Well, even if the other two don’t call, he will take the initiative to call them.

However, upon calming down, he suddenly realized that being chosen as a platform might not be the worst scenario.

After all, these three platforms are already the world’s largest Cryptocurrency Exchange platforms. Whether it’s security or tradable varieties, they are world-class.

If even they cannot pass this so-called "security test," other unselected cryptocurrency platforms certainly can’t guarantee security.

In other words, this security test has already engulfed the global Cryptocurrency Trading Market.

Even if not selected, if the outcome is unsatisfactory, the blow to investor confidence will be devastating.

At least those selected have been notified in advance and can prepare for what might happen next.

At this thought, before calling, Jesse Powell first pressed the button to talk to his secretary.

"Notify all top management to get to the 6th-floor conference room immediately, an emergency meeting will be held in ten minutes. Executives unable to attend should join via video, no absences allowed."

Just after instructing, Jesse Powell’s personal phone rang.

Picking it up for a look, it was indeed a call from a peer.

Brian Armstrong, one of the founders of Coinbase, who also serves as its current CEO.

Unlike him, Brian comes from a proper technical background. He studied computer science at university and worked as a software engineer at Airbnb and Goldman Sachs after graduation, which gave him both financial and technical backgrounds.

After adjusting his emotions, Jesse Powell then answered Brian’s call.

As soon as the call connected, the other side directly asked: "Jesse, did you also receive a call from the Huaxia people?"

"No, I didn’t receive the call, but my secretary got a call from Huaxia. The Huaxia people didn’t even give me a chance to speak." Jesse Powell complained.

"Phew... so what do you think?"

The other side ignored Jesse Powell’s complaint and directly asked.

"What else can I think? There are less than seven hours until ten tonight! This amount of time is not even enough to hold a shareholders’ meeting!"