Bitcoin News: CZ Says AI Cannot Crack BTC as Price Battles to Hold $81,000
Binance co-founder Changpeng Zhao, widely known as CZ, has dismissed concerns that artificial intelligence could break Bitcoin’s cryptographic security, arguing that AI-powered fraud poses a more immediate threat to crypto investors. Speaking on Friday, October 23, he pointed out that online banking and internet communications depend on comparable encryption methods. His comments came as Bitcoin traded at $81,817, recording a 0.8% decline over 24 hours.
Bitcoin has managed to stay above the $81,000 level despite recent selling pressure. Meanwhile, large wallets continue moving substantial amounts of BTC from market maker Wintermute. Traders are now assessing whether this support can trigger a rebound as geopolitical tensions, interest-rate expectations and cybersecurity risks influence market sentiment.
Bitcoin News: AI Threats Target Users Rather Than Bitcoin’s Code
Artificial intelligence can uncover software weaknesses and generate convincing fraudulent messages, but current AI systems cannot solve the mathematical problems protecting Bitcoin’s private keys. CZ stressed that the cryptographic technology supporting Bitcoin also plays a fundamental role in securing financial services and internet communications.
Quantum computing remains a potential longer-term challenge. The Quantum Alliance, comprising nine cryptocurrency companies, estimates that 6.4 million BTC, equivalent to approximately 30% of the total supply, are held in addresses with publicly exposed keys. The estimate includes Bitcoin believed to be associated with creator Satoshi Nakamoto.
Experts disagree on when quantum computers might become powerful enough to compromise existing cryptographic systems. Postquant Labs CTO Richard Carback has suggested that 2028 could be a possible timeframe, although no definitive timeline has been established.
Developers are exploring protective measures through BIP-360, a proposal intended to support quantum-resistant Bitcoin addresses. The proposal is still in draft form, however, and has not been implemented.
For ordinary crypto holders, phishing and impersonation attacks represent a more immediate concern. Criminals can use leaked email addresses, phone numbers and transaction-related information to impersonate exchanges or wallet providers. AI makes these attacks easier to personalize and distribute, increasing the difficulty of distinguishing fraudulent messages from legitimate communications.
Chainalysis data highlights the scale of the problem. AI-enabled scams generated 4.5 times more revenue per scam than traditional schemes in 2025, while impersonation scams rose by more than 1,400%. Total cryptocurrency scam revenue was estimated at $17 billion.
CZ had issued another cybersecurity warning earlier in the week after two critical PHP vulnerabilities exposed millions of servers to potential attacks. His latest remarks emphasize that compromising individual users may be easier for criminals than attacking Bitcoin’s underlying cryptography.
Bitcoin Price Analysis: Will BTC Break Above $82,850?
Bitcoin buyers have defended the $81,000 support region during two consecutive trading sessions. BTC touched $80,940 on Thursday before recovering, then reached $81,118 on Friday. Both declines left the price above its 50-day exponential moving average at $80,880.
Wallet activity suggests that significant amounts of Bitcoin are changing hands. Since October 1, 40 newly created wallets have withdrawn 9,458 BTC, valued at roughly $771.5 million, from Wintermute. Although this activity does not conclusively establish fresh accumulation, it is consistent with large holders moving coins away from the market maker.
On the upside, Bitcoin faces initial resistance between $82,100 and $82,850, where four-hour moving averages align with a previous swing high. Breaking above this zone could strengthen bullish momentum.
A move beyond $84,900, Wednesday’s high, would provide a more convincing indication of recovery. However, a daily close below $80,394 could expose Bitcoin to further losses, with the 200-day EMA near $76,200 emerging as the next important technical level.
Oil Prices, Interest Rates and Elections Remain Key BTC Catalysts
Developments in the oil market could continue influencing Bitcoin’s direction. Brent crude is trading near $114 per barrel amid disruptions affecting the Strait of Hormuz and the U.S. blockade of Iranian oil. The New York Times reported that U.S. and Israeli forces had prepared plans for potential renewed strikes against Iran after the midterm elections, although no operation had been approved.
Monetary policy is another major factor weighing on risk assets. The Federal Reserve raised its benchmark interest-rate range to 3.75%–4.00% in September, reducing expectations for near-term rate cuts. Prediction-market figures compiled by DeFi Rate indicated approximately 94% odds of rates remaining unchanged on October 28, while the probability of another increase in December exceeded 70%.
Political uncertainty adds another variable ahead of the November 3 U.S. midterm elections. Polymarket placed the probability of Democrats winning the House of Representatives at 92.5% and capturing the Senate at 68.5%. A Democratic-controlled Congress facing a Republican administration could make cryptocurrency legislation more difficult to advance next year.
Bitcoin’s near-term outlook therefore depends on whether buyers can defend $81,000 and push the price through nearby resistance. Although AI does not currently pose a direct threat to Bitcoin’s cryptographic foundations, phishing attacks remain a growing security concern. For the market, oil prices, Federal Reserve policy and political developments may have a greater immediate impact on BTC’s next move.
