Facing increasing concerns about digital security and national resilience, authorities are encouraging citizens to maintain physical cash reserves. This shift underscores the potential vulnerabilities of centralized payment systems. Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin argues that such a system’s fragility presents a clear opportunity for decentralized alternatives like Ethereum. 📚 Sweden’s embrace of a cashless society is facing a reality check. By 2023, only about 10% of purchases in the country utilized cash, according to The Guardian. While the convenience was undeniable, this move also highlighted the inherent risks associated with relying on centralized digital systems. As geopolitical tensions and cyber threats heighten, Sweden’s Civil Contingencies Agency has issued guidance recommending citizens keep a week’s worth of cash on hand, highlighting the necessity for backup systems during periods of digital disruption. Buterin responded to this development, highlighting the fragility of centralized payment networks. He noted that countries like Sweden are beginning to realize the need for decentralized alternatives in times of crisis.