Hal Finney

  • Co-developed the open source PGP encryption in 1991, when it was illegal to export military-grade encryption software from United States to other countries.
  • Implemented the first reusable proof-of-work system, to be used as digital token money in 2004.
  • Became the first follower and supporter of Bitcoin in 2009 after Satoshi released the Bitcoin software.
  • Received 10 BTCs from Satoshi, which was the first Bitcoin transaction.
  • Diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in 2009.
  • Dies at 58, on August 28, 2014. His body was freezed with the hope of revival when the technology makes it possible in the future.

Further Reading

  1. Hal Finney, Cryptographer and Bitcoin Pioneer, Dies at 58. [http://www.nytimes.com/2014/08/31/business/hal-finney-cryptographer-and-bitcoin-pioneer-dies-at-58.html]