Bitcoin Expert Ariel Waissbein Appointed to Lead Argentina’s Federal Cybersecurity Agency

• Previous roles include consulting on Web3 and DeFi security, enhancing Bitcoin technology utilization at FairGate and BitTrap.
• Waissbein’s appointment praised by tech leaders, signaling strong support for his capability to lead national cybersecurity efforts.

President Javier Milei of Argentina has appointed Ariel Waissbein as the director of the new Federal Cybersecurity Agency (AFC). Waissbein, recognized for his expertise in Bitcoin technology and a strong background in cryptography and information security, is tasked with enhancing Argentina’s cyber defense infrastructure.

With over 20 years of experience in cybersecurity, Waissbein has previously worked in academic research and applied security in various high-profile companies. His role will extend beyond technical oversight; he is also charged with improving the strategic planning and operational response of the AFC and the public sector to emerging cyber threats.

“His main fascination is finding bugs, investigating vulnerabilities and learning how weaknesses are introduced into the code,” they point out.

Waissbein has served as a consultant in the Web3 and decentralized finance (DeFi) industries. His career includes positions at FairGate, where his work focused on maximizing Bitcoin’s potential, and at BitTrap, where he developed systems that provide economic incentives for attackers to disclose their presence in compromised systems. 

Additionally, he held a role at CoinFabrik, auditing and securing cryptocurrency custodies and decentralized applications to mitigate security risks. His work at CoinFabrik connected him with major partners and clients such as Solana, Ethereum, and AgroToken, topics that we have written about in Crypto News Flash.

The appointment has been well-received within the cryptocurrency and technology communities. Prominent figures have expressed their support through social media, acknowledging Waissbein’s expertise and leadership capabilities. 

“His prolific work in the academic field and research in cryptography and information security is the main technical support that allowed him to successfully manage and direct world-class projects for both companies and States,” it was officially announced.

Santi Siri, a technologist, described Waissbein as “brilliant and excellent,” reflecting the positive reception of his appointment. Similarly, Pablo Yabo, co-founder of the self-custody exchange C3, and Sergio Demian Lerner, founder of Fairgate, have publicly supported his potential to lead national cybersecurity efforts effectively.

As the director of the AFC, Waissbein is expected to play a crucial role in safeguarding Argentina’s digital infrastructure against the increasing prevalence of cyber threats, enhancing security protocols for both the public and private sectors.