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Chainalysis offers cryptocurrency investigation and compliance solutions to global law enforcement agencies, regulators, and businesses as they work together to fight illicit cryptocurrency activity. Backed by Benchmark and other leading names in venture capital, Chainalysis builds trust in blockchains. For more information, visit: www.chainalysis.com

Chainalysis

chainalysis

Authorities arrested Yunhe Wang for administering the 911 S5 botnet. OFAC also sanctioned Wang and identified several of his crypto addresses

Chainalysis in Action: Law Enforcement Shuts Down 911 S5 Botnet

Blockchain forensics firm <strong>Chainalysis</strong> has discovered $169 million in Bitcoin connected to the 911 S5 botnet, facilitating the arrest of Chinese national Yunhe Wang

Feds, Chainalysis reveal $169m in Bitcoin controlled by 911 S5 botnet

Anyone who watches the market will know that has been on the rise for years. From IMB to , some of the world’s biggest firms have dived head-first into the space, ushering in renewed public interest along with this financial support. web3 Apple 2024 is on track to be a pivotal year for the space as it could act as a bridge towards future growth. Grand View Research that web3 will see a compound annual growth rate of 49.3% from 2024 to 2030. Needless to say, anyone invested in web3 will want to pay close attention to the companies that operate within it in 2024. predicts But what companies are poised to come out on top? After all, the web3 space is as big as it is innovative and between the cryptos and the DAOs and the NFTs, the market is brimming with possibilities. Even among these, the following companies have stood out as the ones to watch: Yard[hub] is a web3 venture studio dedicated to turning ideas into ventures employing a hands-on, iterative methodology. This studio not only provides financial backing but also imparts expert guidance to its portfolio startups, aiding them in evolving into robust web3 enterprises. YARD Hub believes that startups flourish under the tutelage of its seasoned in-house teams, enhancing their chances of achieving the right product/market fit. YARD Hub As explained by YARD Hub co-founder Sergei Lagutenko, the studio covers a broad spectrum of expertise, from business analytics and product management to marketing and business development, steering startups clear of common pitfalls that lead to failure. Additionally, YARD Hub has introduced the Growth Camp, a web3 accelerator program, now inviting applications for its second cohort slated for Q2 2024. This program offers startups access to elite mentors, partner benefits, and six comprehensive learning tracks. YARD Hub's portfolio presents an intriguing opportunity for those keen on tracking the emergence of top-tier web3 companies. U2U Network stands at the forefront of the Web3 revolution as a pioneer in modular blockchain and Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks (DePIN). Leveraging advanced Subnet technology, the U2U Network introduces a modular approach to blockchain, enhancing scalability and flexibility. This innovative framework allows for the creation of specialized Subnets, tailored to specific applications or industries, thereby solving traditional blockchain limitations, reaching up to 500,000 Transactions Per Second (TPS) with under 650 ms finality time. U2U Network In the realm of DePIN, U2U Network excels by offering a suite of decentralized services, including Decentralized Private Network (DPN), Decentralized Identity (DID), Decentralized Storage, etc. These services embody the essence of DePIN, providing on-demand, decentralized solutions that empower users and foster a more secure, efficient, community-owned digital ecosystem. U2U Network's commitment to modular blockchain technology and DePIN positions it as a key player in shaping the future of decentralized digital infrastructure. As we move into 2024, U2U Network is a top Web3 company to keep a close eye on. Chainalysis stands out as a significant player in the web3 landscape this year, operating as a blockchain analysis firm. Over the years, Chainalysis has been putting out some of the most insightful and groundbreaking blockchain-related research you’ll find anywhere. For example, Chainalysis has been at the forefront of investigating the activities in the Silk Road marketplace, even helping authorities recover over a billion dollars from it. The company also blew the whistle on the activities of the North Korean hacking collective, the Lazarus Group. Chainalysis 2024 is gearing up to be a year of growth for both the blockchain and web3 space and we can trust Chainalysis to be at the forefront of researching it. The company started off the year on a high note covering the activities of the spot Bitcoin ETFs and as the halving and other activities unfold in the space, the industry will turn to Chainalysis for its track record of efficient research. File Coin , a notable web3 project to keep an eye on this year, has been a prominent figure in the field for several years now. It functions as a blockchain-based cooperative for digital storage and data retrieval, offering users the ability to store and access their data independently of centralized entities. This capability grants users crucial privacy and control over their information, which aligns with the ethos of the web3 environment. In the first weeks of 2024, File Coin released Glif, a liquid leasing protocol, which raised $4.5 million in a seed funding round, amidst plans to launch a rewards program for users. File Coin All this excitement has had a positive impact on FIL, the native token of the ecosystem, with some predicting its value to hit $50 per unit by the end of the year. As web3 comes to the forefront, more users will want to take control of their data and privacy and File Coin seems more than equipped to meet this need. In conclusion, the year 2024 holds immense promise for the web3 landscape, poised to act as a transformative bridge toward future growth. With a projected compound , the momentum behind web3 is undeniable. As the market brims with possibilities, investors and enthusiasts must monitor the evolving landscape closely. The web3 space embodies innovation and potential, fueled by a myriad of technologies ranging from cryptocurrencies to decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs) and non-fungible tokens (NFTs). These advancements signify a paradigm shift towards decentralization and democratization of the internet. As we navigate this era of unprecedented change, it's imperative to remain vigilant and adaptive, embracing the transformative potential of web3. annual growth rate of 49.3% forecasted by Grand View Research

Top Web3 Companies To Follow in 2024

2024 সালে অনুসরণ করার জন্য শীর্ষ ওয়েব3 কোম্পানি

Top-Web3-Unternehmen, denen man im Jahr 2024 folgen sollte

Principales empresas de Web3 a seguir en 2024

Principales entreprises Web3 à suivre en 2024

2024 में अनुसरण करने योग्य शीर्ष वेब3 कंपनियां

2024 年に追随すべきトップ Web3 企業

2024년에 주목해야 할 최고의 Web3 기업

Principais empresas da Web3 a seguir em 2024

Лучшие компании Web3, за которыми стоит следить в 2024 году

2024'te Takip Edilecek En İyi Web3 Şirketleri

Các công ty Web3 hàng đầu nên theo dõi vào năm 2024

2024 年最值得关注的 Web3 公司

As International Women’s Day lands on Friday 8th March, it’s a good time to look at how women are represented (and underrepresented) in tech. With this year’s theme of #InspireInclusion, IWD wants to celebrate women's achievements, raise awareness about discrimination, and urge everyone to take action to drive gender parity. So what is it actually like to be a woman in tech, and what can be done to make that journey better––for everyone? Women are already paid less than their male colleagues, with the average pay gap in the United States standing between 22% and 30%. In 2022, Pew Research Center reported that the unadjusted gap has been more or less static for 20 years among the overall workforce at around 20-22%. There are signs that it is narrowing amongst younger workers, in positive news. That’s just one example of a lack of equity for female workers, and for Sonja Gittens Ottley, head of diversity and inclusion at Asana, research from her company has found that “there is an onus on leaders to create an environment that prioritizes belonging and empowerment. Crucial to this is creating spaces where women can express themselves and be honest about changes they believe the business needs.” Gittens Ottley points to workplace technology as one area that may foster change. “Research from our Work Innovation Lab shows that women (71%) are more likely than men (64%) to say that collaboration tools are crucial to their work. “While women may prefer such tools, it’s also true that they’re shouldering a disproportionate share of collaborative burdens. Meanwhile, our own findings showed that more women (67%) than men (62%) experience some level of digital exhaustion.” She says there is a “need for businesses to deploy a data-driven tech stack that can provide a fully-connected, accurate, and up-to-date map of work within an organization. Only then can businesses be sure that collaboration is happening effectively, and that technology is being used in a way that is supportive of women’s wellbeing and working styles.” Support for women on issues that matter At Slack, women are being supported around the issues that matter to them, according to Deirdre Byrne, who is the head of UK & Ireland at the company. “We've created an “Ask Me Anything” channel with the leadership team and a “Talking Menopause” channel, which are great examples of how companies can facilitate connections, share experiences, and encourage allyship,” she says. Marni Baker Stein, the chief content officer at Coursera, warns that new technological developments need to be taken seriously to make sure women are included. “The integration of AI into our professional lives is accelerating, and for women, this carries a particular threat of disruption,” she says. “In this area, there is more to be done. Currently, women are underrepresented in AI-related upskilling, with men being three times more likely to have enrolled in the most popular AI courses on Coursera’s platform. This disparity threatens to widen existing gender gaps in the workplace as AI literacy becomes increasingly necessary for career advancement.” Baker Stein is also passionate about education as a way to achieve gender parity. Flexibility is also key. “Investing in women’s learning and development is imperative, but to fully foster equitable environments, modern workplaces must continue to adopt hybrid work frameworks, and flexible learning methods, offering upskilling opportunities that are tailored to women’s schedules.” The landscape not changing fast enough And a close eye needs to be kept on specific tech sectors, agrees Pratima Arora, the chief product and technology officer at Chainalysis. “The landscape is not changing fast enough, especially in male-dominated industries like crypto where female representation in senior positions stands at 22.39% across the board, compared to 77.61% for men. “Women often feel as though they don’t belong and opt out of STEM-related professions early in life due to a lack of awareness of the opportunities available to them. This starts at an education level––when I was at university studying computer science, there were only three girls in my entire class of 50.” Violeta Martin, who is the VP of commercial sales EMEA at DocuSign, agrees. “Despite generally doing better in education, women are less likely to progress in the workplace. This shows that despite being qualified for roles, systemic barriers still exist that prevent many women from progressing in their chosen fields. As a woman working in the tech industry, I know first-hand the unique challenges that we face feeling included at work. “I urge leaders to make the industry more inclusive for women – whether that is by offering flexible working or educational pathways for young women wanting to try their hand at a career in STEM. Small actions compound and create workplaces where every employee is valued, respected, and empowered to thrive.” If you’re inspired to seek a new role in a company where equality matters, then the HackerNoon Job Board is a great place to begin. It contains thousands of open roles, like these three. Whisker, formerly known as AutoPets, is the maker of Litter-Robot, Feeder-Robot, and Litterbox.com. The Senior Software Engineer will be responsible for ongoing AWS IoT development, integrations with third-party IoT products, co-management of an agency partner, system debugging, and more. You will also provide support to the mobile application team when developing new interfaces and debugging issues. Vorto is looking for a Full Stack Software Engineer in Denver to successfully take ownership of features from idea to production, by primarily designing, building, and maintaining web applications (Angular/Typescript) and implementing supporting server endpoints on an ad-hoc basis in GoLang. Discover this Software Engineer job at G-Research in Dallas. You’ll join the Infrastructure Development team, providing tooling to maintain and develop the smooth running of the company’s IaaS platform and allow other software development teams to leverage it to its full potential. Accelerate your career in tech today via the HackerNoon Job Board By Kirstie McDermott As International Women’s Day lands on Friday 8th March, it’s a good time to look at how women are represented (and underrepresented) in tech. With this year’s theme of #InspireInclusion , IWD wants to celebrate women's achievements, raise awareness about discrimination, and urge everyone to take action to drive gender parity. #InspireInclusion #InspireInclusion So what is it actually like to be a woman in tech, and what can be done to make that journey better––for everyone? Women are already paid less than their male colleagues, with the average pay gap in the United States standing between 22% and 30%. In 2022, Pew Research Center reported that the unadjusted gap has been more or less static for 20 years among the overall workforce at around 20-22%. There are signs that it is narrowing amongst younger workers, in positive news. That’s just one example of a lack of equity for female workers, and for Sonja Gittens Ottley, head of diversity and inclusion at Asana , research from her company has found that “there is an onus on leaders to create an environment that prioritizes belonging and empowerment. Crucial to this is creating spaces where women can express themselves and be honest about changes they believe the business needs.” Asana Asana Gittens Ottley points to workplace technology as one area that may foster change. “Research from our Work Innovation Lab shows that women (71%) are more likely than men (64%) to say that collaboration tools are crucial to their work. “While women may prefer such tools, it’s also true that they’re shouldering a disproportionate share of collaborative burdens. Meanwhile, our own findings showed that more women (67%) than men (62%) experience some level of digital exhaustion.” She says there is a “need for businesses to deploy a data-driven tech stack that can provide a fully-connected, accurate, and up-to-date map of work within an organization. Only then can businesses be sure that collaboration is happening effectively, and that technology is being used in a way that is supportive of women’s wellbeing and working styles.” Support for women on issues that matter At Slack , women are being supported around the issues that matter to them, according to Deirdre Byrne, who is the head of UK & Ireland at the company. Slack “We've created an “Ask Me Anything” channel with the leadership team and a “Talking Menopause” channel, which are great examples of how companies can facilitate connections, share experiences, and encourage allyship,” she says. Marni Baker Stein, the chief content officer at Coursera , warns that new technological developments need to be taken seriously to make sure women are included. Coursera Coursera “The integration of AI into our professional lives is accelerating, and for women, this carries a particular threat of disruption,” she says. “In this area, there is more to be done. Currently, women are underrepresented in AI-related upskilling, with men being three times more likely to have enrolled in the most popular AI courses on Coursera’s platform. This disparity threatens to widen existing gender gaps in the workplace as AI literacy becomes increasingly necessary for career advancement.” Baker Stein is also passionate about education as a way to achieve gender parity. Flexibility is also key. “Investing in women’s learning and development is imperative, but to fully foster equitable environments, modern workplaces must continue to adopt hybrid work frameworks, and flexible learning methods, offering upskilling opportunities that are tailored to women’s schedules.” The landscape not changing fast enough And a close eye needs to be kept on specific tech sectors, agrees Pratima Arora, the chief product and technology officer at Chainalysis . Chainalysis Chainalysis “The landscape is not changing fast enough, especially in male-dominated industries like crypto where female representation in senior positions stands at 22.39% across the board, compared to 77.61% for men. “Women often feel as though they don’t belong and opt out of STEM-related professions early in life due to a lack of awareness of the opportunities available to them. This starts at an education level––when I was at university studying computer science, there were only three girls in my entire class of 50.” Violeta Martin, who is the VP of commercial sales EMEA at DocuSign , agrees. “Despite generally doing better in education, women are less likely to progress in the workplace. This shows that despite being qualified for roles, systemic barriers still exist that prevent many women from progressing in their chosen fields. As a woman working in the tech industry, I know first-hand the unique challenges that we face feeling included at work. DocuSign DocuSign “I urge leaders to make the industry more inclusive for women – whether that is by offering flexible working or educational pathways for young women wanting to try their hand at a career in STEM. Small actions compound and create workplaces where every employee is valued, respected, and empowered to thrive.” If you’re inspired to seek a new role in a company where equality matters, then the HackerNoon Job Board is a great place to begin. It contains thousands of open roles, like these three. If you’re inspired to seek a new role in a company where equality matters, then the HackerNoon Job Board is a great place to begin. It contains thousands of open roles, like these three. HackerNoon Job Board HackerNoon Job Board Whisker, formerly known as AutoPets, is the maker of Litter-Robot, Feeder-Robot, and Litterbox.com. The Senior Software Engineer will be responsible for ongoing AWS IoT development, integrations with third-party IoT products, co-management of an agency partner, system debugging, and more. You will also provide support to the mobile application team when developing new interfaces and debugging issues. Whisker, formerly known as AutoPets, is the maker of Litter-Robot, Feeder-Robot, and Litterbox.com. The Senior Software Engineer will be responsible for ongoing AWS IoT development, integrations with third-party IoT products, co-management of an agency partner, system debugging, and more. You will also provide support to the mobile application team when developing new interfaces and debugging issues. Senior Software Engineer Senior Software Engineer Vorto is looking for a Full Stack Software Engineer in Denver to successfully take ownership of features from idea to production, by primarily designing, building, and maintaining web applications (Angular/Typescript) and implementing supporting server endpoints on an ad-hoc basis in GoLang. Vorto is looking for a Full Stack Software Engineer in Denver to successfully take ownership of features from idea to production, by primarily designing, building, and maintaining web applications (Angular/Typescript) and implementing supporting server endpoints on an ad-hoc basis in GoLang. Full Stack Software Engineer Full Stack Software Engineer Discover this Software Engineer job at G-Research in Dallas. You’ll join the Infrastructure Development team, providing tooling to maintain and develop the smooth running of the company’s IaaS platform and allow other software development teams to leverage it to its full potential. Discover this Software Engineer job at G-Research in Dallas. You’ll join the Infrastructure Development team, providing tooling to maintain and develop the smooth running of the company’s IaaS platform and allow other software development teams to leverage it to its full potential. Software Engineer Software Engineer Accelerate your career in tech today via the HackerNoon Job Board Accelerate your career in tech today via the HackerNoon Job Board Accelerate your career in tech today via the HackerNoon Job Board Accelerate your career in tech today via the HackerNoon Job Board By Kirstie McDermott By Kirstie McDermott By Kirstie McDermott

C-Suite Executives From Slack, Asana, Coursera, Chainalysis and DocuSign Talk Equality in Tech

Slack, Asana, Coursera, Chainanalysis এবং DocuSign Talk Equality থেকে C-Suite এক্সিকিউটিভরা

C-Suite-Führungskräfte von Slack, Asana, Coursera, Chainanalysis und DocuSign sprechen über Gleichstellung in der Technik

Ejecutivos de C-Suite de Slack, Asana, Coursera, Chainanalysis y DocuSign hablan sobre igualdad en la tecnología

Les dirigeants de Slack, Asana, Coursera, Chainanalysis et DocuSign parlent d'égalité dans la technologie

स्लैक, आसन, कौरसेरा, चेनएनालिसिस और डॉक्यूसाइन टॉक के सी-सूट अधिकारी टेक में समानता पर बात करते हैं

Slack、Asana、Coursera、Chainanarise、DocuSign の経営幹部がテクノロジーにおける平等について語る

Slack, Asana, Coursera, Chainanalytic 및 DocuSign의 최고 경영진이 기술 분야의 평등에 대해 이야기합니다.

Executivos C-Suite da Slack, Asana, Coursera, Chainanálise e DocuSign falam sobre igualdade em tecnologia

Руководители высшего звена из Slack, Asana, Coursera, Chainanalysis и DocuSign говорят о равенстве в технологиях

Slack, Asana, Coursera, Chainanaliz ve DocuSign Talk'tan C-Suite Yöneticileri Teknolojide Eşitlik

Giám đốc điều hành C-Suite từ Slack, Asana, Coursera, Chainanalysis và DocuSign Talk Bình đẳng trong công nghệ

Slack、Asana、Coursera、Chainanalysis 和 DocuSign 的高管谈论技术领域的平等

Philip Gradwell, Chief Economist at Chainalysis believes that Bitcoin is maturing as an asset. Keep your laser-eyes handy and don't let a little dip phase you -- according it its many avid supporters, 2021 is still the year of Bitcoin. Despite the recent dip, Bitcoin is in recovery at $47,936 at time of writing and looking to cross back over the $50,000 mark. Scott Melker, known as " " said, "The recent (BTC) dip is most likely a minor correction." He pointed out that the 2015 BTC bull run had five price corrections. The Wolf of All Streets We recently interviewed Philip Gradwell, Chief Economist at , a blockchain analysis company that provides data, software, services, and research to government agencies, exchanges, financial institutions, and insurance, and cybersecurity companies in over 50 countries. Chainalysis This interview was part of a report on Bitcoin outlook for 2021 and would like to share his responses in total (with some editing for length) here. These responses were last updated on February 11th, so do not refer to any subsequent actions in the crypto market. Philip Gradwell, Chief Economist at Chainalysis Where do you see BTC going in 2021? If recent history has taught me anything it is that an outlook over a year is very difficult! In the short and medium-term I expect price volatility in cryptocurrency. In the short-term, I expect price volatility as liquidity is building upon exchanges as people look to flip assets if the price rises further, and also because people are selling non-Bitcoin assets as they reach high prices. Of course, if there continues to be positive news for crypto, such as more companies buying Bitcoin, like Tesla or Microstrategy, then this is likely to bring in a lot of demand, potentially far in excess of short-term sellers. If this happens, then Bitcoin could maintain and exceed its current record prices. In the medium-term, I expect that new buyers could drive price volatility. They are now a force in the market, with 2.7 million bitcoin held for less than one month, similar to peak levels in 2017. Many have experienced significant USD gains and are starting to realize them, with bitcoin that has been held for less than one month and has made a 25% or more USD gain since being acquired being sent in similar quantities now as in late 2017. Historically this has put pressure on price unless demand is very strong. However, in the longer-term, I do expect demand for cryptocurrencies to remain strong, especially for bitcoin. The pandemic, and the economic policy response of government spending funded by expansionary monetary policy, certainly led to the demand for Bitcoin in 2020, as it is an asset with limited supply and therefore a good inflation hedge. Unfortunately, the economic consequences of the pandemic are likely to be with us for at least the next couple of years. So Bitcoin is likely to perform well in this period. The key question is whether people start to sell Bitcoin as the economy recovers and inflation concerns do not materialize. This is likely unless bitcoin develops a new use case in the meantime. For example, bitcoin could become the highest quality capital to deploy in decentralized finance projects. This is a key value proposition for Bitcoin - gold is not going to develop new cases, while, because bitcoin is a digital asset in a fast-evolving industry, owning bitcoin gives holders an option to benefit from new innovations. So the 2021 prospects for bitcoin depend on the state of the broader economy, while prospects beyond 2021 depend on innovation in digital assets. "Altcoin Season" -- has this happened but not as dramatically? Non-Bitcoin assets have certainly seen strong price performance but the correlation with the bitcoin price has weakened. I think this is because different cryptocurrencies have developed distinct use cases since mid-March, in particular bitcoin, Ethereum, and Tether. Bitcoin and Tether are increasingly used to store value digitally, with bitcoin offering exposure to price volatility and Tether avoiding this. Ethereum on the other hand is actively being used, primarily in DeFi, rather than being held as a passive investment. So people do not just want exposure to crypto now -- whatever crypto it is. Instead, they want to own specific assets for specific reasons. So the success of non-bitcoin assets will depend on their use cases more now than it has in the past. Are HODLers getting carried away? Is the hype justified? HODLers can always be relied on to get carried away. But the . The big difference is the entry of large investors, particularly from mid-March. At that time, the Bitcoin price fell sharply along with broader financial markets, but investors saw this as a moment to buy more Bitcoin. This has meant there is less and less bitcoin available for new buyers to acquire, meaning they have to offer higher prices if they want to purchase. current price performance is different from the past What factors are people NOT paying enough attention to? The fact there is a lot to pay attention to at least suggests that cryptocurrencies are maturing as an asset, as they are now driven by a more complicated set of demands than just speculation. I think the most surprising thing for me in 2020 is that the microstructure of the market proved remarkably resilient. There were fewer exchange outages, and shocks to the system, such as enforcement action against BitMEX or OKEx pausing withdrawals, did not have much impact on the functioning of the market. This gives me hope that there are fewer industry-related risks in crypto than there were before, which makes it easier for new investors to enter. *Cover image by Pete Linforth from Pixabay

Bitcoin in 2021 - Insights from Chainalysis

PALO ALTO, USA, March 28th, 2025/CyberNewsWire/--From WannaCry to the MGM Resorts Hack, ransomware remains one of the most damaging cyberthreats to plague enterprises. Chainalysis estimates that corporations spend nearly $1 billion dollars on ransom each year, but the greater cost often comes from the reputational damage and operational disruption caused by the attack. Ransomware attacks typically involve tricking victims into downloading and installing the ransomware, which copies, encrypts, and/or deletes critical data on the device, only to be restored upon the ransom payment. Traditionally, the primary target of ransomware has been the victim’s device. However, thanks to the proliferation of the cloud and SaaS services, the device no longer holds the keys to the kingdom. Instead, the browser has become the primary way through which employees conduct work and interact with the internet. In other words, the browser is becoming the new endpoint. SquareX has been disclosing major browser vulnerabilities like Polymorphic Extensions and Browser Syncjacking, and is now issuing a strong warning on the emergence of browser-native ransomware. SquareX SquareX Polymorphic Extensions Polymorphic Extensions Browser Syncjacking Browser Syncjacking SquareX’s founder, Vivek Ramachandran cautions, “With the recent surge in browser-based identity attacks like the one we saw with the Chrome Store OAuth attack, we are beginning to see evidence of the ‘ingredients’ of browser-native ransomwares being used by adversaries. It is only a matter of time before one smart attacker figures out how to put all the pieces together. While EDRs and Anti-Viruses have played an unquestionably vital role in defending against traditional ransomware, the future of ransomware will no longer involve file downloads, making a browser-native solution a necessity to combat browser-native ransomwares.” SquareX’s founder, Vivek Ramachandran cautions, “With the recent surge in browser-based identity attacks like the one we saw with the Chrome Store OAuth attack, we are beginning to see evidence of the ‘ingredients’ of browser-native ransomwares being used by adversaries. It is only a matter of time before one smart attacker figures out how to put all the pieces together. While EDRs and Anti-Viruses have played an unquestionably vital role in defending against traditional ransomware, the future of ransomware will no longer involve file downloads, making a browser-native solution a necessity to combat browser-native ransomwares.” Vivek Ramachandran Vivek Ramachandran Unlike traditional ransomware, browser-native ransomware requires no file download, rendering them completely undetectable by endpoint security solutions. Rather, this attack targets the victim's digital identity, taking advantage of the widespread shift toward cloud-based enterprise storage and the fact that browser-based authentication is the primary gateway to accessing these resources. In the case studies demonstrated by SquareX, these attacks leverage AI agents to automate the majority of the attack sequence, requiring minimal social engineering and interference from the attacker. demonstrated by SquareX demonstrated by SquareX One potential scenario involves social engineering a user into granting a fake productivity tool access to their email, through which it can identify all the SaaS applications the victim is registered with. It can then systematically reset the password of these apps with AI agents, logging the users out on their own and holding enterprise data stored on these applications hostage. Similarly, the attacker can also target file-sharing services like Google Drive, Dropbox and OneDrive, using the victim’s identity to copy out and delete all files stored under their account. Critically, attackers can also gain access to all shared drives, including those shared by colleagues, customers and other third parties. This significantly expands the attack surface of browser-native ransomware - where the impact of most traditional ransomware is confined to a single device, all it takes is one employee’s mistake for attackers to gain full access to enterprise-wide resources. As fewer and fewer files are being downloaded, it is inevitable for attackers to follow where work and valuable data are being created and stored. As browsers become the new endpoint, it is crucial for enterprises to reconsider their browser security strategy - just as EDRs were critical to defend against file-based ransomware, a browser-native solution with a deep understanding of client-side application layer identity attacks will become essential in combating the next generation of ransomware attacks. To learn more about this security research, users can visit https://sqrx.com/browser-native-ransomware https://sqrx.com/browser-native-ransomware https://sqrx.com/browser-native-ransomware About SquareX SquareX’s industry-first Browser Detection and Response (BDR) solution helps organizations detect, mitigate, and threat-hunt client-side web attacks happening against their users in real time. SquareX SquareX In addition to browser ransomware, SquareX also protects against various browser threats including identity attacks, malicious extensions, advanced spearphishing, GenAI DLP, and insider threats. The browser-native ransomware disclosure is part of the Year of Browser Bugs project. Every month, SquareX’s research team releases a major web attack that focuses on architectural limitations of the browser and incumbent security solutions. Previously disclosed attacks include Browser Syncjacking and Polymorphic Extensions. Year of Browser Bugs Year of Browser Bugs Browser Syncjacking Browser Syncjacking Polymorphic Extensions Polymorphic Extensions To learn more about SquareX’s BDR, users can contact founder@sqrx.com. founder@sqrx.com founder@sqrx.com For press inquiries on this disclosure or the Year of Browser Bugs, users can email junice@sqrx.com. junice@sqrx.com junice@sqrx.com Contact Head of PR Junice Liew SquareX junice@sqrx.com This story was distributed as a release by Cybernewswire under HackerNoon’s Business Blogging Program. Learn more about the program here This story was distributed as a release by Cybernewswire under HackerNoon’s Business Blogging Program. Learn more about the program here here here

SquareX Discloses Browser-Native Ransomware That Puts Millions At Risk

SquareX ukax Browser-Native Ransomware ukaruw uñt’ayi, ukax millones de millones ukanakaruw jan walt’ayaspa

SquareX otkriva ransomware native pretraživača koji ugrožava milione

SquareX revela un ransomware nativo del navegador que pone en riesgo a millones de personas

SquareX paljastaa selaimen alkuperäisen ransomware, joka asettaa miljoonia vaaraan

स्क्वायरएक्स ब्राउज़र-नाइट रैंसॉमवेयर का खुलासा करता है जो लाखों को जोखिम में डालता है

SquareX otkriva browser-native ransomware koji ugrožava milijune

SquareX Divilge Ransomware Natif Navigatè ki mete plizyè milyon moun nan risk

SquareX- ը բացահայտում է Browser-Native Ransomware- ը, որը վտանգում է միլիոնները

SquareX、ブラウザーネイティブのランサムウェアを公開 数百万人を危険にさらす

SquareX ສະແດງໃຫ້ເຫັນ Browser-Native Ransomware ທີ່ຖ້າຫາກວ່າພວກເຮົາມີຄວາມປອດໄພ

ስኩዌርኤክስ ንሚልዮናት ኣብ ሓደጋ ዘእቱ ኣብ መርበብ ሓበሬታ ተወላዲ ዝኾነ ራንሶምዌር ይገልጽ

SquareX Yi Paluxa Browser-Native Ransomware Leyi Veka Timiliyoni Ekhombyeni

In the early days of cryptocurrencies, Bitcoin was often viewed as an obscure coin designed for criminals. The darknet marketplace Silk Road brought it a lot of popularity, but also a lot of bad rep. Its decentralized nature (not issued or controlled by any government or company) was constantly misunderstood, but that wouldn’t last for much longer. Soon, other coins were created, more use cases came along, coin prices skyrocketed, millions of users joined —and regulators found themselves needing to include this asset in the laws of their countries, somehow. That “somehow” isn’t always good. Sometimes, they create laws to ban or limit this type of money significantly. Many times, they make it legal, but what that means, in practice, varies from territory to territory. The Atlantic Council categorizes the legal status of crypto worldwide as this: The Atlantic Council categorizes the legal status of crypto worldwide as this: The Atlantic Council The Atlantic Council “legal (where all activities are permitted), partial ban (where one or more activity is not permitted), and general ban (where all activity is limited).” “legal (where all activities are permitted), partial ban (where one or more activity is not permitted), and general ban (where all activity is limited).” “legal (where all activities are permitted), partial ban (where one or more activity is not permitted), and general ban (where all activity is limited).” The practical side of those concepts is more complicated, though. Legal isn’t Chaos They say that all activities with crypto are permitted in countries in which it’s legal, but stop there, because terms and conditions apply. Just because crypto is legal doesn’t mean people can use it as they like without any requirements. For example, Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (CFT) rules require related companies (like crypto exchanges) to verify identities and report suspicious transactions. This is to prevent illegal activities like money laundering or funding criminal organizations. So, while you can buy, sell, or trade crypto, you might need to provide personal information to comply with these laws. Businesses dealing with crypto often face even more rules. They might need special licenses to operate legally. For instance, in the European Union, the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation sets strict guidelines for crypto companies, including how they should protect customer funds and report their activities. Stablecoins without proper reserves are banned, and issuers of new coins have some strict requirements to comply with. Businesses dealing with crypto often face even more rules. They might need special licenses to operate legally. Markets in Crypto-Assets Markets in Crypto-Assets Additionally, there’s another magical word: taxes. Depending on the country, crypto transactions are mostly subject to taxes, just like any other financial activity. This means users need to keep records and report their earnings to tax authorities, depending on certain established limits. are mostly subject to taxes are mostly subject to taxes Even in countries where crypto is partially banned, taxes could apply to individual users. The “partially banned” bit often refers to how financial companies are banned from handling these assets in that region. While individual users are free to transact with crypto, licenses aren’t granted for crypto companies there, and banks can’t provide services to crypto exchanges, for example. In this case, consumer protection and AML rules for crypto are usually nonexistent. Even in countries where crypto is partially banned, taxes could apply to individual users Banned is Chaos In countries where crypto is “fully banned”, most activities with it are forbidden. Its mere use can be punished by law, although possession alone is often not illegal. People have been arrested for crypto-related activities in places like Bangladesh, China, Tunisia, Egypt, and Morocco, where they have “full bans” on cryptocurrencies. Now, does that fully stop people from owning, trading, mining, or doing whatever with cryptos, even if they live there? Not really. Bangladesh Bangladesh China China Tunisia Tunisia Egypt Egypt Morocco Morocco We just need to check the Crypto Adoption Index by Chainalysis to notice an interesting fact: exactly 50% of the countries in the top ten by global crypto adoption have partial or full bans on cryptocurrency. China, famous for its wide ban on crypto, is in the top 20 by adoption. Despite laws and warnings, people are still using cryptocurrency in these places. Just without all regulations designed to make this space safer, so banning crypto instead of legalizing it seems counterproductive. Crypto Adoption Index Crypto Adoption Index Despite laws and warnings, people are still using cryptocurrency in these places. Just without all regulations designed to make this space safer, so banning crypto instead of legalizing it seems counterproductive. Decentralized cryptocurrencies were built to be censorship-resistant, and, as we’ve mentioned above, they’re not issued or controlled by a central entity. That’s why they can’t get effectively banned by anyone. There’s no company to blame or expel, but a wide network of nodes worldwide that authorities just can’t shut down all at the same time. However, while the governments are unable to shut down cryptocurrency networks,they can still target individual users, if the network is blockchain-based. they can still target individual users, if the network is blockchain-based. they can still target individual users, if the network is blockchain-based. Decentralization is Freedom Decentralization is a very positive feature, because, even in countries where crypto is banned, people might still use it for any reason –legitimate, but also illegitimate. Of course, the country might consider it illegitimate according to its own laws, but its government's credibility and moral factors are different things. Some people rely on these assets to protect their savings from high inflation or unstable local currencies. Others use it to send money to family abroad or to protect from financial censorship by oppressive governments. In places with strict financial controls, crypto can also offer financial freedom and access to global markets. Some people rely on these assets to protect their savings from high inflation or unstable local currencies. Others use it to send money to family abroad or to protect from financial censorship by oppressive governments. financial censorship financial censorship If you want to do any of those things and many more, the Obyte ecosystem could be for you. This is a fully decentralized and censorship-resistant crypto network, available for anyone, in any part of the world. It uses a Directed Acyclic Graph (DAG) structure, and transactions are confirmed without middlemen like miners or “validators”. This high level of decentralization makes Obyte more resilient to censorship and restrictions. Plus, it’s fully legal in most countries, offering a secure and accessible way to use crypto. Obyte ecosystem Obyte ecosystem DAG DAG Featured Vector Image by sentavio / Freepik Featured Vector Image by sentavio / Freepik Freepik Freepik

Educational Byte: Banned, Partially Banned, or Legal—How Crypto Laws Differ Worldwide

Byte Educativo: Prohibido, parcialmente prohibido o legal: Cómo difieren las leyes sobre criptomonedas en todo el mundo

Hezkuntza-bytea: debekatua, partzialki debekatua edo legezkoa: nola desberdintzen diren kripto-legeak mundu osoan

教育バイト: 禁止、一部禁止、あるいは合法 - 暗号通貨の法律は世界的にどう違うのか

Izglītojošs baits: aizliegts, daļēji aizliegts vai likumīgs — kā atšķiras kriptogrāfijas likumi visā pasaulē

Byte fanabeazana: Voarara, voarara amin'ny ampahany, na ara-dalàna—Ny maha-samihafa ny Lalàna Crypto Maneran-tany

Byte ya Thuto: E Thibetšwe, e Thibetšwe ka Karolo goba e Molaong—Kamoo Melao ya Crypto e Fapanego Ka gona Lefaseng ka Bophara

Octet educațional: interzis, parțial interzis sau legal – Cum diferă legile criptografice la nivel mondial

Dzidzo Byte: Kurambidzwa, Kurambidzwa Zvishoma, kana Zvemutemo-Kusiyana Kwemitemo yeCrypto Pasi Pose

Образовни бајт: забрањено, делимично забрањено или легално – како се закони о крипторазликама разликују широм света

Eğitim Baytı: Yasaklanmış, Kısmen Yasaklanmış veya Yasal - Kripto Yasaları Dünya Çapında Nasıl Farklılaşıyor

Byte Ya Dyondzo: Yi Yirisiwile, Yi Yirisiwile Hi Xiphemu Kumbe Enawini—Ndlela Leyi Milawu Ya Crypto Yi Fambaka Ha Yona Emisaveni Hinkwayo

تعلیمی بائٹ: ممنوعہ، جزوی طور پر ممنوعہ، یا قانونی—کیسے کرپٹو قوانین دنیا بھر میں مختلف ہیں

Cybersecurity in FinTech Applications: Protecting Financial Data and Preventing Fraud

Cryptocurrency has revolutionized the way we think about money, offering new avenues for investment and financial freedom. But with great opportunity may come great risk. The crypto world has also been plagued by scams and hacks that have cost investors billions of dollars. From elaborate Ponzi schemes to sophisticated DeFi exploits, the dark side of digital finance is full of cautionary tales. Official stats vary, depending on the source. According to Crystal Intelligence, since June 2011 there have been 785 reported incidents, including security breaches, DeFi hacks, and fraud scams. In total, nearly $19 billion has been stolen, with fraud alone accounting for almost $8 billion. On the other hand, according to Chainalysis, at least $40 billion were received by crypto addresses marked as illicit only in 2024. According to De.Fi, over $80.8 billion has been stolen in crypto frauds and hacks since 2011. Crystal Intelligence Crystal Intelligence according to Chainalysis according to Chainalysis According to De.Fi, over $80.8 billion has been stolen in crypto frauds and hacks since 2011. According to De.Fi According to De.Fi Despite advances in security, crypto crime continues to rise, reminding investors of the importance of vigilance and caution. That’s why we’ll dive here into some of the worst crypto scams ever, exploring how they unfolded and the lessons we can learn from them. Finiko ($1.5 billion) All scams on this list have the same narrative for their victims: deposit X amount in crypto or fiat and receive 20, 30, 40, or whatever juicy monthly percent in returns —with few or no explanations about how those profits could be possible. Finiko offered up to 30% and received payments in Tether (USDT) and Bitcoin (BTC) from unaware customers. This was a Russian-based investment platform (but, in reality, a Ponzi scheme) established in 2019 by Kirill Doronin, Zygmunt Zygmuntovich, and Edward Sabirov. All scams on this list have the same narrative for their victims: deposit X amount in crypto or fiat and receive 20, 30, 40, or whatever juicy monthly percent in returns —with few or no explanations about how those profits could be possible https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cZVmjr986Ks&embedable=true https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cZVmjr986Ks&embedable=true The scheme collapsed around July 2021, with users reporting that they could no longer withdraw their funds. That’s an important piece of knowledge: in Ponzi schemes, the leaders actually pay out some percentages for a while, using the money of new users, because there’s no other income source. Such a system is, of course, not sustainable for the long term, and members end up being defrauded. In this case, Finiko took around $1.5 billion in over 800,000 separate deposits. The scheme The scheme Doronin was arrested in 2021, and the other founders followed in 2022. In 2023, Finiko declared bankruptcy, and all the founder’s property was sold to partially pay the debt to the victims. It’s unclear what happened to the total amount of lost funds. followed in 2022 followed in 2022 In 2023, Finiko declared bankruptcy, and all the founder’s property was sold to partially pay the debt to the victims. It’s unclear what happened to the total amount of lost funds declared bankruptcy declared bankruptcy Thodex, an infamous Turkish crypto exchange, was going to occupy the next place at the top. It’s been stated that its founder, Faruk Fatih Özer, left the country in 2021 with a hardware wallet containing $2 billion in funds from customers. However, recent reports showed that losses only amounted to around $43 million. recent reports recent reports HyperVerse ($1.8 billion) Also known as HyperFund and HyperNation, this was a cryptocurrency investment scheme that defrauded thousands of investors globally. Founded by Sam Lee, an Australian entrepreneur once dubbed the “crown prince of bitcoin,” and Zijing “Ryan” Xu, a self-proclaimed “bitcoin king” from China, the scheme operated under the HyperTech group, established in 2020. Founded Founded https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gzG9NX9G2Ic&embedable=true https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gzG9NX9G2Ic&embedable=true Promising daily returns of 0.5% to 1% from cryptocurrency mining, HyperVerse attracted investors with the allure of passive income. However, investigations revealed these claims were false, and the scheme relied on a multi-level marketing (MLM) model, where members were incentivized to recruit others to grow their networks —which means, yet another Ponzi scheme. Reports estimate losses between $1.3 and $1.8 billion, with many investors unable to withdraw their funds. Promising daily returns of 0.5% to 1% from cryptocurrency mining, HyperVerse attracted investors with the allure of passive income. In a bizarre twist, it was revealed in January 2024 that HyperVerse’s CEO, Steven Reece Lewis, never existed. Promotional materials claimed Reece Lewis held degrees from the University of Leeds and the University of Cambridge and had worked at Goldman Sachs and Adobe. However, no records of his existence were found, and the institutions denied any association. The scheme also used celebrity endorsements, including messages from Steve Wozniak and Chuck Norris, likely obtained through paid services. Despite these efforts to appear legitimate, the scheme collapsed in 2022, leaving investors stranded. it was revealed it was revealed Sam Lee faced legal consequences for his involvement. In January 2024, Lee was charged by the U.S. SEC and Department of Justice with conspiracy to commit fraud, while promoter Brenda Chunga pleaded guilty. Lee, who relocated to Dubai in 2021, denied involvement in HyperVerse’s operations but was implicated in its funds management. Ryan Xu’s whereabouts remain unknown. The HyperVerse saga serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of high-yield promises in the cryptocurrency world. Sam Lee faced legal consequences for his involvement. In January 2024, Lee was charged by the U.S. SEC and Department of Justice with conspiracy to commit fraud, while promoter Brenda Chunga pleaded guilty was charged was charged BitConnect ($4.1 billion) “Hey, hey, hey. Bitconneeeeeeeect!!!” If you’ve been in crypto for a while, this audiovisual meme must sound familiar. It was a very enthusiastic shout by Carlos Matos, a promoter of Bitconnect, during an event in 2017. At least they left us that. Otherwise, they presented themselves as a lending ecosystem with potentially high earnings and its own cryptocurrency, BCC —but, of course, all of it was nothing more than a Ponzi scheme. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vabXXkZjKiw&embedable=true https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vabXXkZjKiw&embedable=true Users were encouraged to exchange Bitcoin for Bitconnect Coin (BCC) and lend these coins for interest payments, supposedly generated by a “trading bot.” This bot claimed to earn profits from market volatility, allowing investors to receive daily interest. However, suspicions grew due to its multilevel marketing model and unrealistic promises of up to 1% daily compounded interest, which are common red flags for Ponzi schemes. By late 2017, Bitconnect’s market capitalization exceeded $2 billion, making it one of the most popular cryptocurrencies at the time. Users were encouraged to exchange Bitcoin for Bitconnect Coin (BCC) and lend these coins for interest payments, supposedly generated by a “trading bot.” On January 3, 2018, the Texas State Securities Board labeled Bitconnect a Ponzi scheme and issued a cease and desist order. Just two weeks later, on January 17, Bitconnect shut down its lending and exchange platform, causing BCC’s value to plummet by 92% within hours. Different reports estimate the total losses between $2 billion and $4.1 billion for investors globally. and issued and issued Legal consequences followed swiftly. In 2021, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission charged founder Satish Kumbhani and U.S. promoter Glenn Arcaro with fraud. Kumbhani vanished, becoming a fugitive, while Arcaro pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 38 months in prison. In January 2023, a U.S. court ordered Arcaro to pay $17 million in restitution to nearly 800 victims worldwide. Although some affected investors received compensation, many others were left with significant financial losses. received compensation received compensation PlusToken ($5.7 billion) Guess what? This one was also a Ponzi scheme, with an Initial Coin Offering (ICO) included. PlusToken started in April 2018, mainly targeting investors in China and South Korea. It promoted itself as a cryptocurrency wallet offering high monthly returns, allegedly from trading, cloud mining, and referral commissions. The project also introduced its own token, PLUS, convincing millions of people to invest, promising profits between 9% and 20% monthly. The project also introduced its own token, PLUS, convincing millions of people to invest, promising profits between 9% and 20% monthly. The scheme was highly successful due to aggressive marketing, including face-to-face meetings and physical advertisements, which helped build trust among investors. By mid-2019, complaints emerged about withdrawal issues, marking the beginning of the end for PlusToken. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnN089OV0DA&embedable=true https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnN089OV0DA&embedable=true Estimates suggest that PlusToken scammers stole between $2.9 billion and $5.7 billion in cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and EOS. Besides, analysts believe that selling these stolen funds contributed to significant drops in Bitcoin’s price in 2019, as large liquidations generally drive down market value. analysts believe analysts believe Authorities eventually caught up with the scheme’s operators. In 2020, Chinese authorities apprehended 27 individuals linked to PlusToken. Additionally, about $4.2 billion worth of cryptocurrency was seized, marking one of the largest recoveries in crypto fraud history. In 2020, Chinese authorities apprehended 27 individuals linked to PlusToken. apprehended apprehended was seized was seized Now, we have to mention this: Africrypt, a fraudulent crypto exchange from South Africa whose founders disappeared with all the funds, was going to be occupying this position or one very close to it at the top. It’s been described that they stole around $3.6 billion in crypto, but other reports suggest that figure may be not accurate at all. other reports other reports OneCoin (up to $19.4 billion) A funny thing about this one? Yes, it was (it is?) a global and massive Ponzi scheme as well, but they never bothered to actually create any real token or ICO, not even to save face. OneCoin was a famous cryptocurrency that wasn’t a cryptocurrency at all because it never existed on any crypto network. They didn’t have any qualms to proclaim that they were using this technology, though. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I8oYt0mBdFY&embedable=true https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I8oYt0mBdFY&embedable=true Launched in 2014 by Ruja Ignatova alongside Sebastian Greenwood, OneCoin was marketed as a revolutionary digital currency with a “private blockchain” whose value kept rising. However, no blockchain or actual coins existed—everything was confined to its own platform. Investors were lured with educational packages priced between $100 and $225,000, which included tokens allegedly used to mine OneCoin. The scheme relied heavily on a pyramid-like recruitment model, rewarding members for bringing in new investors. Launched in 2014 by Ruja Ignatova alongside Sebastian Greenwood, OneCoin was marketed as a revolutionary digital currency with a “private blockchain” whose value kept rising. However, no blockchain or actual coins existed—everything was confined to its own platform. OneCoin OneCoin OneCoin's impact was massive, with estimated losses ranging from $4.9 billion to a staggering $19.4 billion, depending on different reports. The vast discrepancy is due to the scam’s global reach and the continuous flow of new victims. The operation spanned numerous countries and languages, using aggressive marketing, flashy events, and even physical ads to gain credibility. They cleverly rebranded under names like OneLife, OneAcademy, and OneWorldFoundation to dodge legal consequences and keep the scheme alive. Despite mounting accusations, many investors were kept hopeful due to the company’s promises of high returns and misleading narratives about its legitimacy. estimated losses estimated losses The fallout was dramatic: Ruja Ignatova, known as the “CryptoQueen,” vanished in 2017 and remains at large, wanted by multiple international agencies, including the FBI. Her brother, Konstantin Ignatov, was arrested in 2019 and later pleaded guilty to charges of fraud and money laundering. Sebastian Greenwood was also apprehended and sentenced to 20 years in prison. Despite these arrests, the scam persists under new aliases like Fantastic Global Team and DealShaker, preying on uninformed investors worldwide. This way, the total stolen amount is still being counted. The fallout was dramatic: Ruja Ignatova, known as the “CryptoQueen,” vanished in 2017 and remains at large, wanted by multiple international agencies, including the FBI. under new aliases under new aliases Don’t fall for it! You never know when you may be the next victim of a crypto scam. Protecting yourself requires vigilance and smart practices. Here are some essential tips to keep your investments in your own pocket: Control Your Private Keys: If you don’t have your private keys, you don’t have full control of your coins. Legitimate and decentralized platforms like Obytealways enable users to have their own private keys. Avoid platforms that don’t offer this or at least some regulatory support (like crypto exchanges), as they have full control over your funds.
Use Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Enhance the security of your crypto accounts by enabling 2FA. This adds an extra layer of protection, even if your password is compromised. In Obyte wallets, you can do this by creating a multidevice account from the Global Settings or by setting up a passphrase used to sign all transactions.
Thoroughly Research Projects: Before investing, research the project’s team, whitepaper, and community feedback. Anyone can create customized tokens on crypto networks, and not all projects are legitimate. In __Obyte’s Asset Registry__it is possible to create customized tokens without coding for less than $1, for instance. So, always do your own research about every individual asset or project.
Beware of Unrealistic Returns:If an investment promises high returns with little to no risk, it’s likely a Ponzi scheme. Legitimate investments come with risks and more modest returns.
Avoid Pressure Tactics: Scammers often create urgency, pushing you to invest quickly. Take your time to evaluate the opportunity and don’t be rushed into making decisions.
Stay Updated and Informed: Follow trusted crypto news sources and communities to stay aware of the latest scams and threats. Knowledge is your best defense. Control Your Private Keys: If you don’t have your private keys, you don’t have full control of your coins. Legitimate and decentralized platforms like Obytealways enable users to have their own private keys. Avoid platforms that don’t offer this or at least some regulatory support (like crypto exchanges), as they have full control over your funds. Control Your Private Keys Obyte Use Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Enhance the security of your crypto accounts by enabling 2FA. This adds an extra layer of protection, even if your password is compromised. In Obyte wallets, you can do this by creating a multidevice account from the Global Settings or by setting up a passphrase used to sign all transactions. Use Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Obyte wallets Obyte wallets Thoroughly Research Projects: Before investing, research the project’s team, whitepaper, and community feedback. Anyone can create customized tokens on crypto networks, and not all projects are legitimate. In __Obyte’s Asset Registry__it is possible to create customized tokens without coding for less than $1, for instance. So, always do your own research about every individual asset or project. Thoroughly Research Projects: Obyte’s Asset Registry Beware of Unrealistic Returns:If an investment promises high returns with little to no risk, it’s likely a Ponzi scheme. Legitimate investments come with risks and more modest returns. Beware of Unrealistic Returns: Avoid Pressure Tactics: Scammers often create urgency, pushing you to invest quickly. Take your time to evaluate the opportunity and don’t be rushed into making decisions. Avoid Pressure Tactics Stay Updated and Informed: Follow trusted crypto news sources and communities to stay aware of the latest scams and threats. Knowledge is your best defense. Stay Updated and Informed By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to crypto scams and Ponzi schemes. Stay safe! Featured Vector Image by Freepik Featured Vector Image by Freepik Freepik Freepik

Every Major Crypto Scam, Ranked From Least to Most Stolen

Hər Böyük Kripto Fırıldaqlığı, Ən Az Oğurlanandan Ən Çox Oğrulana qədər sıralanır

Всяка голяма крипто измама, класирана от най-малко до най-открадната

Las principales estafas de criptomonedas, clasificadas de menor a mayor robo

Minden jelentősebb kriptográfiai átverés, a legkevesebbtől a legtöbb ellopottig

主要な暗号詐欺をすべて、盗まれた金額の少ないものから多いものまでランク付け

가장 적게 도난당한 것부터 가장 많이 도난당한 것까지 순위를 매긴 모든 주요 암호화폐 사기

Kiekviena didelė kriptovaliutų sukčiavimas, įvertintas nuo mažiausiai iki labiausiai pavogtų

Секоја голема крипто измама, рангирана од најмалку до најмногу украдени

Setiap Penipuan Kripto Utama, Diperingkat Daripada Paling Rendah hingga Paling Dicuri

Sapa Hatun Cripto Estafa, Rankikusqan Aswan pisimanta Aswan Suwasqakama

Yese Yakakura Crypto Scam, Yakamisikidzwa Kubva Padiki kusvika Pakubiwa Kwakawanda

Khayaanada ugu weyn ee Crypto kasta, oo lagu qiimeeyay tan ugu yar ilaa inta la xado

CrossFi has dropped a bombshell with its 2025 Crypto Market Research Survey—a sprawling study of over 5,000 crypto users from India, Finland, and Russia. This isn’t your typical tech-bro echo chamber. It’s a vivid snapshot of a shifting landscape: 80% women, aged 28 to 43, earning $1,000 to $3,000 monthly, and leaning hard into cryptocurrencies and Web3 banking. The data challenges stereotypes, exposes pain points, and hints at a future where digital finance could rival cash. So, who’s driving this revolution? What’s holding it back? And what needs to happen by 2025 to make crypto as seamless as a dollar bill? Let’s unpack the numbers, decode the trends, and peer into the future of money. The Survey at a Glance: Scope and Credibility CrossFi surveyed 5,000 participants across three nations—India, Finland, and Russia—chosen, presumably, for their diverse economic and technological profiles. India’s a fintech hotspot with a booming middle class; Finland’s a Nordic tech leader with high digital literacy; Russia’s a wildcard with a complex financial history. Participants weren’t random; they were crypto users, likely sourced via CrossFi’s network or partnered platforms, giving the findings a focused lens on engaged adopters. This isn’t a general population poll; it’s a pulse-check on the crypto-curious and committed. Who’s Using Crypto? A Demographic Shake-Up Gender Flip: Women Take the Lead The standout stat? 80% of respondents are women, flipping the script on crypto’s male-heavy past. Compare this to Pew Research’s 2023 finding that just 16% of U.S. crypto users were women. What’s driving this? In India, women-led financial inclusion programs—like the government’s Jan Dhan Yojana—may be funneling more women into digital assets. Finland’s gender-equal tech culture could be a factor, while Russia’s economic volatility might push women toward alternative wealth-building tools. This isn’t a fluke, it’s a trend begging for deeper global research. Age and Income: The Middle Ground Most respondents fall between 28 and 43 years old, a sweet spot for earning, saving, and investing. Their monthly incomes—$1,000 to $3,000—align with middle-income brackets in their regions, per World Bank data. In India, that’s above the national average ($180 monthly); in Finland, it’s modest but livable; in Russia, it’s solid for urban professionals. Crypto’s not just for billionaires or the unbanked—it’s resonating with the global middle class, a group hungry for financial control. Why This Matters This demographic mix hints at crypto’s broadening appeal. Women in these regions might see it as empowerment—a way to bypass traditional banking barriers. Middle-income earners, meanwhile, may view it as a hedge against inflation (India’s hit 5-6% annually) or currency instability (Russia’s ruble woes). It’s less about Lambos and more about stability. Crypto as a Lifestyle: Usage and Income Patterns Holding Over Hustling Here’s the kicker: investing or holding cryptocurrencies is the dominant income source for respondents. Forget day trading or meme-coin flips—these users are playing the long game. This echoes Fidelity’s 2024 report, where 52% of institutional investors held crypto for growth. Respondents likely buy Bitcoin or Ethereum, stash it in wallets, and watch it (hopefully) climb. Some might stake assets on platforms like Lido or lend via Aave for passive income—low-effort strategies that fit their profile. Weekly Check-Ins Most engage with crypto one to two times per week. What are they doing? Probably: Buying: Snagging dips on exchanges like Binance or Coinbase.
Holding: Monitoring wallets via apps like Trust Wallet.
Earning: Adjusting staking pools or claiming rewards. Buying: Snagging dips on exchanges like Binance or Coinbase. Holding: Monitoring wallets via apps like Trust Wallet. Earning: Adjusting staking pools or claiming rewards. This isn’t the frenetic pace of Wall Street traders. It’s deliberate—like tending a digital garden. For middle-income users, it’s a side hustle, not a full-time gig. Insight Unlocked This behavior signals crypto’s evolution from speculative toy to financial staple. It’s not about “to the moon” hype—it’s about building wealth incrementally, especially in regions where traditional investments (stocks, real estate) feel out of reach. The Fee Problem: Crypto’s Biggest Roadblock The Pain of High Costs High transaction fees top the list of challenges—and it’s a universal gripe. Ethereum’s gas fees once soared to $200 per transaction (Etherscan, 2021), and while they’ve eased, a $10-$20 hit still stings for someone earning $1,000 monthly. Bitcoin’s no picnic either—fees peaked at $60 in 2021 (BitInfoCharts). For context, sending $50 via PayPal costs pennies. Crypto’s not competitive yet. Why Fees Bite Network Congestion: Ethereum’s clogged during NFT booms; Bitcoin’s slow by design.
Mining Costs: Proof-of-work chains like Bitcoin burn energy, driving fees up.
No Middleman Savings: Decentralization’s freedom comes at a price. Network Congestion: Ethereum’s clogged during NFT booms; Bitcoin’s slow by design. Mining Costs: Proof-of-work chains like Bitcoin burn energy, driving fees up. No Middleman Savings: Decentralization’s freedom comes at a price. Solutions on the Horizon Layer 2 Scaling: Polygon and Arbitrum slash Ethereum fees to cents.
Faster Chains: Solana and Avalanche process thousands of transactions per second, cheaply.
Fee Optimization: Tools like GasNow help users time transactions for lower costs. Layer 2 Scaling: Polygon and Arbitrum slash Ethereum fees to cents. Faster Chains: Solana and Avalanche process thousands of transactions per second, cheaply. Fee Optimization: Tools like GasNow help users time transactions for lower costs. The Stakes For crypto to hit mass adoption, fees must drop. A $20 fee for a $5 coffee is a nonstarter. Respondents’ frustration underscores a broader truth: cost is king in financial inclusion. Web3 Banking: Promise Meets Pain What Users Want Web3 banking—blockchain-powered, decentralized finance—dazzles with potential: no banks, no borders, just you and your money. Respondents prioritize safety and reliability, and it’s easy to see why. Traditional banks fail (think Lehman Brothers) or freeze funds (Russia’s 2022 sanctions). Web3’s promise? Your assets, your rules—secured by code, not CEOs. The Reality Check Yet satisfaction is lukewarm—most are only “somewhat satisfied”. Why? Frozen Accounts: DeFi platforms can lock funds due to bugs (e.g., Wormhole’s $320M hack, 2023) or liquidity dries up.
KYC Clashes: Regulations demand “Know Your Customer” checks, but decentralized systems balk at central ID hubs. Uploading a passport to a blockchain? Awkward. Frozen Accounts: DeFi platforms can lock funds due to bugs (e.g., Wormhole’s $320M hack, 2023) or liquidity dries up. KYC Clashes: Regulations demand “Know Your Customer” checks, but decentralized systems balk at central ID hubs. Uploading a passport to a blockchain? Awkward. Decoding the Disconnect Web3’s ethos is trustless freedom, but reality bites. KYC is a legal must—exchanges like Binance enforce it, yet DeFi resists. Solutions like decentralized identity (Civic, SelfKey) aim to bridge this, letting users prove identity without compromising privacy. Meanwhile, frozen accounts reflect Web3’s immaturity—smart contracts need audits, and users need insurance (think Nexus Mutual). 2025 Vision: Crypto as Everyday Cash The Big Dream Respondents predict that by 2025, crypto will flow like fiat. Imagine swiping Bitcoin for groceries or tipping in Dogecoin—no delays, no fuss. It’s bold, but tech’s catching up: Lightning Network: Speeds Bitcoin to seconds, costs to pennies.
Stablecoins: USDC and Tether nix volatility, mimicking dollars.
Payment Rails: Solana Pay and Binance Pay streamline merchant use. Lightning Network: Speeds Bitcoin to seconds, costs to pennies. Stablecoins: USDC and Tether nix volatility, mimicking dollars. Payment Rails: Solana Pay and Binance Pay streamline merchant use. The Hurdles Volatility: Even with stablecoins, Bitcoin’s wild swings scare vendors.
Adoption: Only 1% of U.S. merchants take crypto (PYMNTS, 2024).
Rules: Taxes and regs vary—crypto’s an asset in the U.S., currency in El Salvador. Volatility: Even with stablecoins, Bitcoin’s wild swings scare vendors. Adoption: Only 1% of U.S. merchants take crypto (PYMNTS, 2024). Rules: Taxes and regs vary—crypto’s an asset in the U.S., currency in El Salvador. What It’ll Take UX Overhaul: Apps as slick as Venmo, not clunky wallets.
Merchant Incentives: Cashback in crypto? Lower fees than Visa?
Global Regs: The EU’s MiCA is a model—others must follow. UX Overhaul: Apps as slick as Venmo, not clunky wallets. Merchant Incentives: Cashback in crypto? Lower fees than Visa? Global Regs: The EU’s MiCA is a model—others must follow. Safety First: Cybersecurity Fears Loom Large The Threat Landscape Safety and cybersecurity dominate concerns—and for good reason. Hacks siphoned $1.7 billion in 2024 (Chainalysis). Phishing snares private keys; rug pulls tank projects; exchanges like FTX collapse. For every win, there’s a scam. User Armor Hardware Wallets: Ledger and Trezor keep keys offline—only 10% use them (2023 survey).
Multi-Sig: Requires multiple approvals, thwarting thieves.
Education: Spotting phishing or fake ICOs saves millions. Hardware Wallets: Ledger and Trezor keep keys offline—only 10% use them (2023 survey). Multi-Sig: Requires multiple approvals, thwarting thieves. Education: Spotting phishing or fake ICOs saves millions. Industry Fixes Better UX: Biometric logins or social recovery (Argent wallet).
Insurance: DeFi cover from Unslashed or InsurAce.
Audits: Certik and Trail of Bits catch contract flaws. Better UX: Biometric logins or social recovery (Argent wallet). Insurance: DeFi cover from Unslashed or InsurAce. Audits: Certik and Trail of Bits catch contract flaws. CrossFi’s Play: Bridging Two Worlds CrossFi isn’t just reporting—they’re building. Their CrossFi Chain fuses fiat and crypto with non-custodial tech—users hold the keys, but transactions feel seamless. Targeting women in India or middle earners in Russia, they’re chasing inclusivity. It’s a blueprint for 2025: crypto that’s practical, safe, and open to all. The Big Picture: What’s Next? CrossFi’s survey isn’t static—it’s a roadmap. Crypto and Web3 banking are rewriting finance, but they’re not ready for primetime. Here’s the playbook: Slash Fees: Layer 2 and new chains must scale fast.
Simplify UX: Hide the blockchain, show the benefits.
Boost Security: User-friendly tools beat hacks.
Harmonize Rules: Global clarity unlocks adoption. Slash Fees: Layer 2 and new chains must scale fast. Simplify UX: Hide the blockchain, show the benefits. Boost Security: User-friendly tools beat hacks. Harmonize Rules: Global clarity unlocks adoption. Crypto’s shedding its niche skin, reaching everyday people with big dreams. By 2025, it might just deliver. Dive into CrossFi’s full report and see for yourself—the future’s digital, decentralized, and knocking. CrossFi’s full report Don’t forget to like and share the story! Vested Interest Disclosure: This author is an independent contributor publishing via our business blogging program. HackerNoon has reviewed the report for quality, but the claims herein belong to the author. #DYOR Vested Interest Disclosure: This author is an independent contributor publishing via our business blogging program. HackerNoon has reviewed the report for quality, but the claims herein belong to the author. #DYOR Vested Interest Disclosure: business blogging program business blogging program

What Do Global Users Really Think About Crypto and Web3 Banking? A Dive into CrossFi’s 2025 Survey

বিশ্বব্যাপী ব্যবহারকারীরা ক্রিপ্টো এবং ওয়েব3 ব্যাংকিং সম্পর্কে আসলে কী ভাবেন? ক্রসফাইয়ের ২০২৫ সালের জরিপে এক ঝলক দেখুন

Què pensen realment els usuaris globals sobre Crypto i Web3 Banking? Una immersió a l'enquesta 2025 de CrossFi

Was denken globale Benutzer wirklich über Krypto und Web3-Banking? Ein Einblick in die CrossFi-Umfrage 2025

¿Qué opinan realmente los usuarios globales sobre las criptomonedas y la banca Web3? Un análisis de la encuesta CrossFi 2025

Que pensent réellement les utilisateurs mondiaux des cryptomonnaies et du Web3 Banking ? Enquête CrossFi 2025

Cosa pensano realmente gli utenti globali di Crypto e Web3 Banking? Un'immersione nel sondaggio del 2025 di CrossFi

世界中のユーザーは暗号通貨とWeb3バンキングについて本当はどう思っているのか？CrossFiの2025年調査を詳しく見る

Apakah Yang Difikirkan Sebenarnya Pengguna Global Tentang Perbankan Kripto dan Web3? Menyelami Tinjauan 2025 CrossFi

Vashandisi Vepasirese Vanofungei Nezve Crypto uye Web3 Banking? Kunyura muCrossFi's 2025 Survey

Je, Watumiaji wa Kimataifa Wanafikiria Nini Kweli Kuhusu Crypto na Web3 Banking? Jijumuishe katika Utafiti wa CrossFi wa 2025

Xana Vatirhisi va Misava Hinkwayo Va Ehleketa Yini Hakunene Hi Crypto Na Web3 Banking? Ku Nwela eka Ndzavisiso wa CrossFi wa 2025

Bacabangani Ngempela Abasebenzisi Bomhlaba Nge-Crypto kanye ne-Web3 Banking? Ukugxumela Ocwaningweni Lwe-CrossFi lwango-2025

The privacy conundrum is already present in the crypto sector and is not going away. Blockchain technology excels at transparency and immutability, but the game comes up a little short when it comes to ensuring the privacy of its transactions. Over 560 million users hold crypto globally worth more than $3 trillion, but it still pales in comparison to $26.3 trillion held by the 100 largest asset holders and the potential they possess. Lack of privacy is one of these institutional investors’ key concerns. Bitcoin’s always been transparent (public ledger since 2009), but early obscurity (pre-Chainalysis days) meant less tracking. Now, with tools like Elliptic and automated bots, it’s a fishbowl. As a result, the privacy-transparency debate is raging, and reconciling the two could be the key to crypto’s future. All major crypto holders and their wallet addresses are identified and tracked endlessly. While this is great for transparency purposes, big money holders will want something more in the future when it comes to protecting and hiding their identities when required. The looming threat of crypto regulations is another important factor in determining the future course of action of crypto. Many jurisdictions around the world are enacting new rules governing the digital asset economy—KYC/AML (e.g., FATF financing, MiCA 2024). Among these regulations is the requirement of transparency, and the states may demand that the users have their transaction data tracked for oversight. For instance, Binance was fined $2.25 million by India's Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU-IND) in 2024 for violating anti-money laundering (AML) laws. Panther Protocol recently engaged in a series of professional discussions with traditional finance investors. While they praise the digital currency’s progress, they raised major concerns regarding crypto’s ability to shield their transactions from the members of the public. For many, a transparent blockchain is not suitable for their big investments. Something needs to be done in the near future so that the groundbreaking benefits of the digital currency economy are still firmly in place. Why is Privacy Crucial for Conventional Investors? In traditional finance, privacy is a crucial requirement as it is an expectation, not an exception. Banks do not publish the records of their customers’ day-to-day operations, and customers trust them with their financial data. Crypto transactions, on the other hand, are a complete antithesis of this closed doors approach, allowing anyone to access data anytime, anywhere. For traditional investors, this overdose of transparency presents the following challenges: Avoiding the Surveillance Economy
Security Vulnerabilities
Loss of Sovereignty
Exploiting Information
Institutional Reluctance Technologies to Help Improve Privacy in Crypto There is an immediate requirement to develop technologies that will help companies thrive and preserve their financial activities. The key aspect to note here is that these innovations need to be carried out in a way that doesn’t threaten the primary benefits of the blockchain revolution, or else the appeal won’t be there. The challenge is not choosing between transparency and privacy but rather designing systems that support both. Zero-knowledge proofs are used by some privacy-focused digital currency networks like Zcash. They allow transacting parties to engage in activity without revealing the underlying data associated with them. Multi-party computations are another approach used to help improve the privacy function of blockchain transactions. The idea here is to compute a function jointly and avoid being linked back individually to one transaction. This has been useful for custody-related solutions. Advancing Privacy Solutions in Crypto As the blockchain economy evolves, efforts to advance privacy-focused technologies are gaining traction. The Panther Protocol Foundation (PPF) is one organization driving this shift, looking to advance the use case of privacy-focused technologies in the blockchain economy. The organization aims to adopt these technologies in DeFi by funding research and development via open-source contributions. PPF wants to ensure that privacy concerns associated with the digital currency sector remain at the forefront of new research and are not swept under the carpet. PPF is committed to supporting: Developing infrastructure for privacy-enabled transactions.
Compliance with regulations regarding user confidentiality
Decentralized decision-making in crypto through its Panther DAO by discussing critical ideas within the community regarding the future of privacy in crypto PPF is building tools like zAccounts and KYC/KYT functionality to help improve privacy and the regulatory side of things in crypto. Why Privacy Could Shape Crypto’s Future The crypto sector’s got a lot going for it—over 560 million users and $3 trillion in play—but privacy’s still a sticking point. Transparency’s great for trust, but it’s not enough when institutional investors, sitting on $26.3 trillion, hesitate because their transactions are wide open. Without some way to balance the both, big money might stay on the sidelines. As time goes on, the future could see digital currency hitting heights traditional finance can’t touch. The season is not here yet, but it’s approaching. The privacy conundrum is already present in the crypto sector and is not going away. Blockchain technology excels at transparency and immutability, but the game comes up a little short when it comes to ensuring the privacy of its transactions. The privacy conundrum is already present in the crypto sector and is not going away. Blockchain technology excels at transparency and immutability, but the game comes up a little short when it comes to ensuring the privacy of its transactions. Over 560 million users hold crypto globally worth more than $3 trillion, but it still pales in comparison to $26.3 trillion held by the 100 largest asset holders and the potential they possess. Lack of privacy is one of these institutional investors’ key concerns. 560 million users held Bitcoin’s always been transparent (public ledger since 2009), but early obscurity (pre-Chainalysis days) meant less tracking. Now, with tools like Elliptic and automated bots, it’s a fishbowl. As a result, the privacy-transparency debate is raging, and reconciling the two could be the key to crypto’s future. All major crypto holders and their wallet addresses are identified and tracked endlessly. While this is great for transparency purposes, big money holders will want something more in the future when it comes to protecting and hiding their identities when required. The looming threat of crypto regulations is another important factor in determining the future course of action of crypto. Many jurisdictions around the world are enacting new rules governing the digital asset economy—KYC/AML (e.g., FATF financing, MiCA 2024). Among these regulations is the requirement of transparency, and the states may demand that the users have their transaction data tracked for oversight. For instance, Binance was fined $2.25 million by India's Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU-IND) in 2024 for violating anti-money laundering (AML) laws. Panther Protocol recently engaged in a series of professional discussions with traditional finance investors. While they praise the digital currency’s progress, they raised major concerns regarding crypto’s ability to shield their transactions from the members of the public. For many, a transparent blockchain is not suitable for their big investments. Something needs to be done in the near future so that the groundbreaking benefits of the digital currency economy are still firmly in place. Why is Privacy Crucial for Conventional Investors? In traditional finance, privacy is a crucial requirement as it is an expectation, not an exception. Banks do not publish the records of their customers’ day-to-day operations, and customers trust them with their financial data. Crypto transactions, on the other hand, are a complete antithesis of this closed doors approach, allowing anyone to access data anytime, anywhere. For traditional investors, this overdose of transparency presents the following challenges: Avoiding the Surveillance Economy Security Vulnerabilities Loss of Sovereignty Exploiting Information Institutional Reluctance Avoiding the Surveillance Economy Security Vulnerabilities Loss of Sovereignty Exploiting Information Institutional Reluctance Technologies to Help Improve Privacy in Crypto There is an immediate requirement to develop technologies that will help companies thrive and preserve their financial activities. The key aspect to note here is that these innovations need to be carried out in a way that doesn’t threaten the primary benefits of the blockchain revolution, or else the appeal won’t be there. The challenge is not choosing between transparency and privacy but rather designing systems that support both. Zero-knowledge proofs are used by some privacy-focused digital currency networks like Zcash. They allow transacting parties to engage in activity without revealing the underlying data associated with them. Multi-party computations are another approach used to help improve the privacy function of blockchain transactions. The idea here is to compute a function jointly and avoid being linked back individually to one transaction. This has been useful for custody-related solutions. Advancing Privacy Solutions in Crypto As the blockchain economy evolves, efforts to advance privacy-focused technologies are gaining traction. The Panther Protocol Foundation (PPF) is one organization driving this shift, looking to advance the use case of privacy-focused technologies in the blockchain economy. The organization aims to adopt these technologies in DeFi by funding research and development via open-source contributions. PPF wants to ensure that privacy concerns associated with the digital currency sector remain at the forefront of new research and are not swept under the carpet. PPF is committed to supporting: Developing infrastructure for privacy-enabled transactions. Compliance with regulations regarding user confidentiality Decentralized decision-making in crypto through its Panther DAO by discussing critical ideas within the community regarding the future of privacy in crypto Developing infrastructure for privacy-enabled transactions. Compliance with regulations regarding user confidentiality Decentralized decision-making in crypto through its Panther DAO by discussing critical ideas within the community regarding the future of privacy in crypto PPF is building tools like zAccounts and KYC/KYT functionality to help improve privacy and the regulatory side of things in crypto. Why Privacy Could Shape Crypto’s Future The crypto sector’s got a lot going for it—over 560 million users and $3 trillion in play—but privacy’s still a sticking point. Transparency’s great for trust, but it’s not enough when institutional investors, sitting on $26.3 trillion, hesitate because their transactions are wide open. Without some way to balance the both, big money might stay on the sidelines. As time goes on, the future could see digital currency hitting heights traditional finance can’t touch. The season is not here yet, but it’s approaching.

Crypto Has a Privacy Conundrum

Crypto addresses aren’t exactly the simplest thing to memorize. No one does, indeed. We often just copy and paste our crypto addresses to send and receive funds, and that’s it. However, this tiny step of copy-pasting could turn out terribly wrong if you happen to copy an address that wasn’t the one you intended to send funds to, but you got confused because it looked very, very similar and it was in your own wallet history. That’s address poisoning. This type of attack happens when cybercriminals create ‘vanity addresses’, which are crypto addresses with a customization degree. There are even free generators online. They make these new addresses look as similar as possible to the ones available in your public transaction history —Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Obyte are public networks, for instance, where anyone can consult most transactions using an explorer. The next step is sending meaningless amounts of funds to your wallet, effectively ‘poisoning’ your transaction history. When you later copy-paste an address from your transaction history for sending funds, you might mistakenly select the attacker’s similar-looking address, causing your coins to go to them instead. In most chains, crypto transactions are irreversible, so it’s unlikely that you ever recover your funds after this oversight. Behind the scenes As described by Chainalysis, attackers running address poisoning campaigns often rely on ready-made tools sold on dark web marketplaces. These kits include software that creates thousands of wallet addresses mimicking real ones, automating the process of sending small "dust" transactions to victims. With beginner-friendly interfaces and detailed guides, even low-skilled scammers can launch large-scale campaigns. For example, a single campaign seeded over 82,000 fake Ethereum addresses in 2024, nearly 1% of all newly created addresses during that period, targeting experienced crypto users with higher wallet balances. One high-profile attack on May 3, 2024, targeted an unknown crypto whale, resulting in $68 million in wrapped Bitcoin (WBTC) being sent to an attacker-controlled wallet. The attacker exploited the victim’s reliance on address prefixes, creating a look-alike address, similar enough to confuse the victim at the moment of sending funds. The stolen funds, briefly valued at $71 million due to market changes, were partially returned after a series of on-chain messages from the victim, including a veiled threat. The attacker kept $3 million in profits after routing transactions through multiple intermediary wallets. Despite a low success rate per malicious address—only 0.03% received over $100—the campaign's scale and targeting of high-value victims resulted in substantial profits. For instance, the $3 million retained by the scammer above yielded a remarkable ROI of over 1,147%. The stolen funds were primarily laundered through DeFi protocols and a centralized exchange (CEX) in Eastern Europe. This campaign exemplifies how address poisoning can combine low effort with high potential rewards, making it a persistent threat in the crypto space. Preventive Measures –or Avoid Addresses Protecting yourself from address poisoning starts with meticulous attention to detail. Always double-check every character in a wallet address before initiating a transaction. Scammers rely on the fact that similar-looking addresses can easily confuse users. Rather than relying on transaction history, copy addresses directly from trusted sources, such as saved contacts, directly from your exchange, or from verified messages. Some wallets even allow you to save legitimate addresses as contacts, making future transactions faster and safer. Test transactions are another helpful safeguard—sending a small, symbolic amount first ensures the address is correct before transferring large sums. Just make sure to copy the correct one the second time. Incorporating secure practices into your crypto routine is essential, but you can also simplify your crypto experience by using systems that minimize reliance on wallet addresses. For example, Obyte allows you to send funds through textcoins—simple, shareable codes that can be sent via email, chat, or even printed. These codes (twelve random words) make transferring funds intuitive and address-free, with clear instructions for claiming them, whether you’re the sender or the receiver. This approach eliminates the risk of address confusion entirely. Besides, Obyte also lets you link your wallet to your email, a new username, or a GitHub profile through its attestation system. Once verified, you can use these identifiers, such as @username, github/username, or just email address, instead of cryptic addresses, making transactions not only safer but also far more user-friendly. Featured Vector Image by Freepik Crypto addresses aren’t exactly the simplest thing to memorize. No one does, indeed. We often just copy and paste our crypto addresses to send and receive funds, and that’s it. However, this tiny step of copy-pasting could turn out terribly wrong if you happen to copy an address that wasn’t the one you intended to send funds to, but you got confused because it looked very, very similar and it was in your own wallet history. That’s address poisoning. This type of attack happens when cybercriminals create ‘ vanity addresses ’, which are crypto addresses with a customization degree. There are even free generators online. They make these new addresses look as similar as possible to the ones available in your public transaction history —Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Obyte are public networks, for instance, where anyone can consult most transactions using an explorer. vanity addresses vanity addresses They make these new addresses look as similar as possible to the ones available in your public transaction history —Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Obyte are public networks, for instance, where anyone can consult most transactions using an explorer. The next step is sending meaningless amounts of funds to your wallet, effectively ‘poisoning’ your transaction history. When you later copy-paste an address from your transaction history for sending funds, you might mistakenly select the attacker’s similar-looking address, causing your coins to go to them instead. In most chains, crypto transactions are irreversible, so it’s unlikely that you ever recover your funds after this oversight. Behind the scenes As described by Chainalysis , attackers running address poisoning campaigns often rely on ready-made tools sold on dark web marketplaces. These kits include software that creates thousands of wallet addresses mimicking real ones, automating the process of sending small "dust" transactions to victims. With beginner-friendly interfaces and detailed guides, even low-skilled scammers can launch large-scale campaigns. For example, a single campaign seeded over 82,000 fake Ethereum addresses in 2024, nearly 1% of all newly created addresses during that period, targeting experienced crypto users with higher wallet balances. by Chainalysis by Chainalysis These kits include software that creates thousands of wallet addresses mimicking real ones, automating the process of sending small "dust" transactions to victims. One high-profile attack on May 3, 2024, targeted an unknown crypto whale, resulting in $68 million in wrapped Bitcoin (WBTC) being sent to an attacker-controlled wallet. The attacker exploited the victim’s reliance on address prefixes, creating a look-alike address, similar enough to confuse the victim at the moment of sending funds. The stolen funds, briefly valued at $71 million due to market changes, were partially returned after a series of on-chain messages from the victim, including a veiled threat. The attacker kept $3 million in profits after routing transactions through multiple intermediary wallets. Despite a low success rate per malicious address—only 0.03% received over $100—the campaign's scale and targeting of high-value victims resulted in substantial profits . For instance, the $3 million retained by the scammer above yielded a remarkable ROI of over 1,147%. The stolen funds were primarily laundered through DeFi protocols and a centralized exchange (CEX) in Eastern Europe. This campaign exemplifies how address poisoning can combine low effort with high potential rewards, making it a persistent threat in the crypto space. Despite a low success rate per malicious address—only 0.03% received over $100—the campaign's scale and targeting of high-value victims resulted in substantial profits Preventive Measures –or Avoid Addresses Protecting yourself from address poisoning starts with meticulous attention to detail. Always double-check every character in a wallet address before initiating a transaction. Scammers rely on the fact that similar-looking addresses can easily confuse users. Rather than relying on transaction history, copy addresses directly from trusted sources, such as saved contacts, directly from your exchange, or from verified messages. Some wallets even allow you to save legitimate addresses as contacts, making future transactions faster and safer. Test transactions are another helpful safeguard—sending a small, symbolic amount first ensures the address is correct before transferring large sums . Just make sure to copy the correct one the second time. Some wallets even allow you to save legitimate addresses as contacts, making future transactions faster and safer. Test transactions are another helpful safeguard—sending a small, symbolic amount first ensures the address is correct before transferring large sums Incorporating secure practices into your crypto routine is essential, but you can also simplify your crypto experience by using systems that minimize reliance on wallet addresses. For example, Obyte allows you to send funds through textcoins —simple, shareable codes that can be sent via email, chat, or even printed. Obyte Obyte textcoins textcoins These codes (twelve random words) make transferring funds intuitive and address-free, with clear instructions for claiming them, whether you’re the sender or the receiver. This approach eliminates the risk of address confusion entirely. Besides, Obyte also lets you link your wallet to your email, a new username, or a GitHub profile through its attestation system . Once verified, you can use these identifiers, such as @username, github/username, or just email address, instead of cryptic addresses, making transactions not only safer but also far more user-friendly. attestation system attestation system Featured Vector Image by Freepik Featured Vector Image by Freepik Freepik Freepik

You Could Lose Your Crypto If You Copy-Paste Your Wallet Address—Here's What You Could Do Instead

Jy kan jou kripto verloor as jy jou beursie-adres kopieer-plak—hier is wat jy eerder kan doen

Sie könnten Ihre Kryptowährung verlieren, wenn Sie Ihre Wallet-Adresse kopieren und einfügen – Folgendes könnten Sie stattdessen tun

Podrías perder tus criptomonedas si copias y pegas la dirección de tu billetera: esto es lo que puedes hacer en su lugar

ウォレットアドレスをコピー＆ペーストすると仮想通貨を失う可能性があります。代わりにできることは次のとおりです。

ເຈົ້າອາດຈະສູນເສຍ Crypto ຂອງເຈົ້າຖ້າທ່ານຄັດລອກທີ່ຢູ່ Wallet ຂອງທ່ານ - ນີ້ແມ່ນສິ່ງທີ່ເຈົ້າສາມາດເຮັດໄດ້ແທນ

Jūs varat pazaudēt savu kriptovalūtu, ja kopējat un ielīmējat savu maka adresi — lūk, ko jūs varētu darīt tā vietā

Mety ho very ny Crypto ianao raha mandika-mametaka ny adiresin'ny kitaponao—Izao no azonao atao

Хэрэв та түрийвчний хаягаа хуулж буулгавал криптогоо алдаж магадгүй - үүний оронд та юу хийж болох вэ?

که تاسو د خپل والټ پته کاپي او پیسټ کړئ نو تاسو کولی شئ خپل کریپټو له لاسه ورکړئ — دلته هغه څه دي چې تاسو یې پرځای کولی شئ

Ak skopírujete a prilepíte adresu svojej peňaženky, mohli by ste prísť o svoje kryptomeny – namiesto toho môžete urobiť toto

Bạn có thể mất tiền điện tử nếu sao chép-dán địa chỉ ví của mình—Đây là những gì bạn có thể làm thay thế

Ungalahlekelwa I-Crypto Yakho Uma Ukopisha-Namathisela Ikheli Lakho Le-Wallet-Nakhu Ongakwenza Kunalokho

United Arab Emirates, February 6th, 2025/Chainwire/--The Middle East Blockchain Awards (MEBA) returns for its second year after the success of its inaugural edition, with Dubai selected as the host city. The ceremony will take place at the iconic Jumeirah Burj Al Arab on April 29, coinciding with the TOKEN2049 conference. The event will unite industry leaders, innovators, and visionaries to celebrate achievements in blockchain and cryptocurrency. MEBA 2025 arrives at a pivotal moment amid the rapid acceleration of blockchain adoption across the MENA region. Recent data from Chainalysis positioned the region as the seventh-largest cryptocurrency market in the world. Between July 2023 and June 2024, MENA received an estimated on-chain value of $338.7 billion—accounting for 7.5% of the global transaction volume. Notably, the UAE has emerged as a global leader in digital asset adoption. According to Henley & Partners’ latest report, the UAE ranks third worldwide in digital currency usage. Chainalysis data also revealed that the UAE received approximately $34billion in cryptocurrencies between June 2023 and July 2024, experiencing a robust 42% year-on-year growth. This is driven by the country’s progressive approach to blockchain technology, with cities like Dubai establishing themselves as key innovation hubs. Max Palethorpe, Founder and CEO of Hoko Group, the official organizers of MEBA, commented: "The Middle East Blockchain Awards provides a unique platform to recognize the incredible achievements that are driving the next wave of innovation in blockchain and digital transformation. With the UAE leading the charge in the Web 3.0 revolution, it’s inspiring to see industry leaders coming together to shape the future of this dynamic industry. This year’s event promises to be a true celebration of the pioneers who are pushing boundaries and setting new standards.” Returning as a judge for the second consecutive year, Dr. Marwan Al Zarouni, CEO, AI for Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism and CEO of Dubai Blockchain Centre (DBCC) added: **“**I am thrilled to be part of the judging panel once again and witness the rapid evolution of blockchain technologies in the MENA region. With the UAE at the forefront of this transformation, the government's forward-thinking approach, combined with the region’s dynamic innovation ecosystem, is accelerating the adoption of Web 3.0 technologies. The Middle East Blockchain Awards captures this momentum and further cements the UAE’s position as a global hub for blockchain excellence." Other judges of the Middle East Blockchain Awards this year include: ●     Jumana Al Darwish, Award Winning Social Entrepreneur and Founder of Happy Box ●     Scott Melker, Host, The Wolf of All Streets Podcast, and Crypto TownHall ●     Mario Nawfal, Host of Largest Show on X and Founder of International Blockchain Consulting Group ●     Saqr Ereiqat, Secretary General of Dubai Digital Assets Association and Co-Founder of Crypto Oasis ●     Jorge Sebastiao, Co-Founder Global Blockchain Organization and Co-Founder EcoX ●     Matthies Mende, Founder and CEO of Bonuz and Co-Founder of Dubai Blockchain Center Centeraims to foster innovation, recognize excellence, and set new standards for blockchain and Web 3.0 projects across the region. In its inaugural edition in 2022, MEBA partnered with Abu Dhabi Global Market’s flagship platform, Abu Dhabi Finance Week, and the Middle East, Africa, and Asia Crypto and Blockchain Association (MEAACBA). Submissions are now open at www.mebawards.io, where participants can find additional details about the categories and the nomination process. About Hoko Abu Dhabi Hoko Agency is a diversified and innovative company that owns and operates a diverse portfolio of businesses within the sectors of Finance, Blockchain, Entertainment, Sport and F&B. Hoko strives to be the best-in-class in each of their service lines; offering quality products, world class service and fitting solutions that go beyond the industry's expectations. Contact Head of PR Yousef Batter White Label Strategy yousef.batter@whitelabelstrategy.io This story was distributed as a release by Chainwire under HackerNoon’s Business Blogging Program. Learn more about the program here United Arab Emirates, February 6th, 2025/Chainwire/-- The Middle East Blockchain Awards (MEBA) returns for its second year after the success of its inaugural edition, with Dubai selected as the host city. The ceremony will take place at the iconic Jumeirah Burj Al Arab on April 29, coinciding with the TOKEN2049 conference. United Arab Emirates, February 6th, 2025/Chainwire/-- The Middle East Blockchain Awards The event will unite industry leaders, innovators, and visionaries to celebrate achievements in blockchain and cryptocurrency. MEBA 2025 arrives at a pivotal moment amid the rapid acceleration of blockchain adoption across the MENA region. Recent data from Chainalysis positioned the region as the seventh-largest cryptocurrency market in the world. Between July 2023 and June 2024, MENA received an estimated on-chain value of $338.7 billion—accounting for 7.5% of the global transaction volume. Notably, the UAE has emerged as a global leader in digital asset adoption. According to Henley & Partners’ latest report, the UAE ranks third worldwide in digital currency usage. Chainalysis data also revealed that the UAE received approximately $34billion in cryptocurrencies between June 2023 and July 2024, experiencing a robust 42% year-on-year growth. This is driven by the country’s progressive approach to blockchain technology, with cities like Dubai establishing themselves as key innovation hubs. Max Palethorpe, Founder and CEO of Hoko Group, the official organizers of MEBA, commented: Max Palethorpe, Founder and CEO of Hoko Group, the official organizers of MEBA, commented: "The Middle East Blockchain Awards provides a unique platform to recognize the incredible achievements that are driving the next wave of innovation in blockchain and digital transformation. With the UAE leading the charge in the Web 3.0 revolution, it’s inspiring to see industry leaders coming together to shape the future of this dynamic industry. This year’s event promises to be a true celebration of the pioneers who are pushing boundaries and setting new standards.” "The Middle East Blockchain Awards provides a unique platform to recognize the incredible achievements that are driving the next wave of innovation in blockchain and digital transformation. With the UAE leading the charge in the Web 3.0 revolution, it’s inspiring to see industry leaders coming together to shape the future of this dynamic industry. This year’s event promises to be a true celebration of the pioneers who are pushing boundaries and setting new standards.” Returning as a judge for the second consecutive year, Dr. Marwan Al Zarouni, CEO, AI for Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism and CEO of Dubai Blockchain Centre (DBCC) added: Dr. Marwan Al Zarouni, CEO, AI for Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism and CEO of Dubai Blockchain Centre (DBCC) added: **“**I am thrilled to be part of the judging panel once again and witness the rapid evolution of blockchain technologies in the MENA region. With the UAE at the forefront of this transformation, the government's forward-thinking approach, combined with the region’s dynamic innovation ecosystem, is accelerating the adoption of Web 3.0 technologies. The Middle East Blockchain Awards captures this momentum and further cements the UAE’s position as a global hub for blockchain excellence." **“**I am thrilled to be part of the judging panel once again and witness the rapid evolution of blockchain technologies in the MENA region. With the UAE at the forefront of this transformation, the government's forward-thinking approach, combined with the region’s dynamic innovation ecosystem, is accelerating the adoption of Web 3.0 technologies. The Middle East Blockchain Awards captures this momentum and further cements the UAE’s position as a global hub for blockchain excellence." Other judges of the Middle East Blockchain Awards this year include: ●     Jumana Al Darwish, Award Winning Social Entrepreneur and Founder of Happy Box ●     Scott Melker, Host, The Wolf of All Streets Podcast, and Crypto TownHall ●     Mario Nawfal, Host of Largest Show on X and Founder of International Blockchain Consulting Group ●     Saqr Ereiqat, Secretary General of Dubai Digital Assets Association and Co-Founder of Crypto Oasis ●     Jorge Sebastiao, Co-Founder Global Blockchain Organization and Co-Founder EcoX ●     Matthies Mende, Founder and CEO of Bonuz and Co-Founder of Dubai Blockchain Center Centeraims to foster innovation, recognize excellence, and set new standards for blockchain and Web 3.0 projects across the region. In its inaugural edition in 2022, MEBA partnered with Abu Dhabi Global Market’s flagship platform, Abu Dhabi Finance Week, and the Middle East, Africa, and Asia Crypto and Blockchain Association (MEAACBA). Submissions are now open at www.mebawards.io , where participants can find additional details about the categories and the nomination process. www.mebawards.io About Hoko Abu Dhabi Hoko Agency is a diversified and innovative company that owns and operates a diverse portfolio of businesses within the sectors of Finance, Blockchain, Entertainment, Sport and F&B. Hoko strives to be the best-in-class in each of their service lines; offering quality products, world class service and fitting solutions that go beyond the industry's expectations. Contact Head of PR Head of PR Yousef Batter Yousef Batter White Label Strategy White Label Strategy yousef.batter@whitelabelstrategy.io yousef.batter@whitelabelstrategy.io This story was distributed as a release by Chainwire under HackerNoon’s Business Blogging Program. Learn more about the program here This story was distributed as a release by Chainwire under HackerNoon’s Business Blogging Program. Learn more about the program here here here

Dubai To Host Second Edition Of Middle East Blockchain Awards As MENA Drives Global Crypto Growth

Дубай прыме другое выданне Blockchain Awards на Блізкім Усходзе, паколькі MENA стымулюе глабальны рост крыптаграфіі

Dubái acogerá la segunda edición de los premios Middle East Blockchain Awards, que impulsan el crecimiento mundial de las criptomonedas

دبی میزبان دومین دوره جوایز بلاک چین در خاورمیانه خواهد بود زیرا MENA رشد جهانی رمزنگاری را افزایش می دهد.

Dubai ad otthont a Közel-Kelet Blockchain díjainak második kiadásának, mivel a MENA a globális kriptográfiai növekedést segíti

MENA が世界の暗号通貨の成長を牽引する中、ドバイで第 2 回中東ブロックチェーン アワードが開催

Дубаи ќе биде домаќин на второто издание на наградите за блокчејн на Блискиот Исток бидејќи МЕНА го поттикнува глобалниот крипто раст

MENA дэлхийн криптогийн өсөлтийг дэмжиж байгаа тул Дубай Ойрхи Дорнодын блокчейн шагналын хоёр дахь хэвлэлийг зохион байгуулна.

Dubai Iskay kaq Edición Chawpi Oriente Blockchain Premiokunata chaskinqa MENA Global Crypto Wiñayta purichisqanman hina

MENA ගෝලීය ක්‍රිප්ටෝ වර්ධනයට නායකත්වය දෙන බැවින්, මැද පෙරදිග බ්ලොක්චේන් සම්මාන උළෙලේ දෙවන සංස්කරණය ඩුබායි විසින් පවත්වනු ලැබේ.

Dubai do të presë Edicionin e Dytë të Çmimeve Blockchain të Lindjes së Mesme ndërsa MENA nxit rritjen globale të kriptove

Дубай нашри дуюми ҷоизаҳои блокчейни Шарқи Наздикро баргузор мекунад, зеро MENA рушди ҷаҳонии крипторо пеш мебарад

Ang Dubai ay Magho-host ng Ikalawang Edisyon ng Middle East Blockchain Awards Habang Itinutulak ng MENA ang Global Crypto Growth

In December, Chainalysis reported that 400 million crypto wallets now have a positive (non-zero) balance. That’s a lot of crypto investors congratulating themselves on their investment decisions! But here’s a top tip for anyone planning to spend their rewards - every dollar of profit you make from crypto is taxed just like any other income. First things first - what is a ‘tax year’ and what does it have to do with my crypto? A tax year is a period that spans 12 months, the beginning and end of which don't always align with the calendar year (i.e. 1 Jan - 31 Dec). The current tax year in New Zealand is between 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025 inclusive. All income that you received starting 1 April 2024 through 31 March 2025 is subject to income tax. This includes income from all of your crypto transactions, such as: Selling crypto at a profit.
Swapping one crypto with another crypto, at a profit.
Sending someone a crypto gift, where the value of that crypto gift has appreciated from the point at which you've bought it.
Receiving income in crypto, from a business, staking or crypto mining.
Spending crypto using a crypto credit card. After tallying up your income from crypto, the exact tax you owe will depend on your income tax bracket. Myth #1 - I can fly under the radar, right? In short: it’s a big, fat NO! Many regional tax authorities (including the IRD in New Zealand) have made it clear that income from crypto is subject to income tax. What’s more, this is often fully trackable by tax authorities. Koinly’s New Zealand crypto tax guide for 2025 is pretty clear on this fact, stating that “Yes, the Inland Revenue Department can track crypto as it can request data from crypto exchanges” - and yes, that includes international exchanges. Myth #2 - Ok, file my taxes - easy! Although this might ‘sound’ simple, it can be complex to manage when adjusting your portfolio. For example, you may want to temporarily move your Bitcoin into a stablecoin to wait out some market volatility and then buy back in again. Although you have not ‘sold out’ of crypto, the tax ticket is clipped with any gains and the question becomes (especially for higher income earners) whether it is worth 'trading' dips when this may create a 31-39% taxable event. Rules and regulations around crypto gains can vary significantly from one region to another, so it's crucial to familiarise yourself with the relevant legislation in your specific region to ensure you’re complying. In general, there are some common principles that apply wherever you’re trading… If you've made gains from your crypto ventures, you're obligated to pay taxes on those profits. On the flip side, if you've incurred losses, you may be able to offset them against taxes paid in other areas, such as PAYE on your salary. Most reputable exchanges will keep a record of all your transactions for you and you should be able to easily download them into a spreadsheet to accurately calculate your profits and losses for tax purposes. Different tax authorities accept different methods for calculating what your crypto profit might be and this can get quite complex when you have bought and sold multiple times. As with most things, a stitch in time can often save nine and getting professional help with your crypto tax upfront can often help you avoid landing in hot water with your tax authority. Crypto-specific tax platforms make it easy for you to calculate the taxes you owe from all your crypto transactions by calculating all your gains, income, and expenses. At tax time, simply download your tax report for your country, and you’re good to file! Myth #3 - Trading sounds like never ending tax headaches! While the tax office expects its share of your crypto profits, there are scenarios where you can relax a little. Generally, you don’t need to pay income tax on crypto you’re holding but haven’t sold or traded yet. This also applies when purchasing crypto using fiat currency. For stablecoins tied to an underlying currency there’s no volatility or price fluctuation linked to your transaction, meaning no taxable gains or losses. Likewise, if you’re simply holding onto your crypto without actively trading, tax implications typically only arise once you sell or otherwise dispose of your assets. (Can anyone say HODL for the win!) Similarly, transferring Bitcoin between your wallets won’t trigger any tax obligations. The bottom line As the crypto market continues to thrive and profits are tantalisingly within reach for many, it’s important to remember your tax responsibilities. Neglecting to report your earnings could land you in serious trouble with authorities. By understanding the tax rules in your region and consulting a professional when needed, you can keep your trading ventures both lucrative and fully compliant. In December, Chainalysis reported that 400 million crypto wallets now have a positive (non-zero) balance. That’s a lot of crypto investors congratulating themselves on their investment decisions! But here’s a top tip for anyone planning to spend their rewards - every dollar of profit you make from crypto is taxed just like any other income. In December, Chainalysis reported that 400 million crypto wallets now have a positive (non-zero) balance. That’s a lot of crypto investors congratulating themselves on their investment decisions! But here’s a top tip for anyone planning to spend their rewards - every dollar of profit you make from crypto is taxed just like any other income. In December, Chainalysis reported that 400 million crypto wallets now have a positive (non-zero) balance. That’s a lot of crypto investors congratulating themselves on their investment decisions! But here’s a top tip for anyone planning to spend their rewards - every dollar of profit you make from crypto is taxed just like any other income. reported reported First things first - what is a ‘tax year’ and what does it have to do with my crypto? First things first - what is a ‘tax year’ and what does it have to do with my crypto? A tax year is a period that spans 12 months, the beginning and end of which don't always align with the calendar year (i.e. 1 Jan - 31 Dec). The current tax year in New Zealand is between 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025 inclusive. All income that you received starting 1 April 2024 through 31 March 2025 is subject to income tax. This includes income from all of your crypto transactions, such as: Selling crypto at a profit. Swapping one crypto with another crypto, at a profit. Sending someone a crypto gift, where the value of that crypto gift has appreciated from the point at which you've bought it. Receiving income in crypto, from a business, staking or crypto mining. Spending crypto using a crypto credit card. Selling crypto at a profit. Swapping one crypto with another crypto, at a profit. Sending someone a crypto gift, where the value of that crypto gift has appreciated from the point at which you've bought it. Receiving income in crypto, from a business, staking or crypto mining. Spending crypto using a crypto credit card. After tallying up your income from crypto, the exact tax you owe will depend on your income tax bracket. Myth #1 - I can fly under the radar, right? In short: it’s a big, fat NO! Many regional tax authorities (including the IRD in New Zealand) have made it clear that income from crypto is subject to income tax. What’s more, this is often fully trackable by tax authorities. Koinly’s New Zealand crypto tax guide for 2025 is pretty clear on this fact, stating that “Yes, the Inland Revenue Department can track crypto as it can request data from crypto exchanges” - and yes, that includes international exchanges. IRD IRD Myth #2 - Ok, file my taxes - easy! Although this might ‘sound’ simple, it can be complex to manage when adjusting your portfolio. For example, you may want to temporarily move your Bitcoin into a stablecoin to wait out some market volatility and then buy back in again. Although you have not ‘sold out’ of crypto, the tax ticket is clipped with any gains and the question becomes (especially for higher income earners) whether it is worth 'trading' dips when this may create a 31-39% taxable event. Rules and regulations around crypto gains can vary significantly from one region to another, so it's crucial to familiarise yourself with the relevant legislation in your specific region to ensure you’re complying. In general, there are some common principles that apply wherever you’re trading… If you've made gains from your crypto ventures, you're obligated to pay taxes on those profits. If you've made gains from your crypto ventures, you're obligated to pay taxes on those profits. On the flip side, if you've incurred losses, you may be able to offset them against taxes paid in other areas, such as PAYE on your salary. On the flip side, if you've incurred losses, you may be able to offset them against taxes paid in other areas, such as PAYE on your salary. Most reputable exchanges will keep a record of all your transactions for you and you should be able to easily download them into a spreadsheet to accurately calculate your profits and losses for tax purposes. Different tax authorities accept different methods for calculating what your crypto profit might be and this can get quite complex when you have bought and sold multiple times. As with most things, a stitch in time can often save nine and getting professional help with your crypto tax upfront can often help you avoid landing in hot water with your tax authority. Crypto-specific tax platforms make it easy for you to calculate the taxes you owe from all your crypto transactions by calculating all your gains, income, and expenses. At tax time, simply download your tax report for your country, and you’re good to file! Myth #3 - Trading sounds like never ending tax headaches! While the tax office expects its share of your crypto profits, there are scenarios where you can relax a little. Generally, you don’t need to pay income tax on crypto you’re holding but haven’t sold or traded yet. This also applies when purchasing crypto using fiat currency. For stablecoins tied to an underlying currency there’s no volatility or price fluctuation linked to your transaction, meaning no taxable gains or losses. Likewise, if you’re simply holding onto your crypto without actively trading, tax implications typically only arise once you sell or otherwise dispose of your assets. (Can anyone say HODL for the win!) Similarly, transferring Bitcoin between your wallets won’t trigger any tax obligations. The bottom line As the crypto market continues to thrive and profits are tantalisingly within reach for many, it’s important to remember your tax responsibilities. Neglecting to report your earnings could land you in serious trouble with authorities. By understanding the tax rules in your region and consulting a professional when needed, you can keep your trading ventures both lucrative and fully compliant.

No, Crypto Is NOT a Tax-free Investment (Plus Other Lies You've Been Told)

Nee, Crypto is NIE 'n belastingvrye belegging nie (plus ander leuens wat u vertel is)

Не, крыпта НЕ з'яўляецца інвестыцыяй без падаткаў (плюс іншая хлусня, якую вам сказалі)

No, las criptomonedas NO son una inversión libre de impuestos (y otras mentiras que te han contado)

नहीं, क्रिप्टो एक कर-मुक्त निवेश नहीं है (साथ ही अन्य झूठ जो आपको बताए गए हैं)

Tidak, Kripto BUKANLAH Investasi Bebas Pajak (Ditambah Kebohongan Lain yang Telah Anda Dengar)

いいえ、暗号通貨は非課税投資ではありません（そして、あなたに伝えられている他の嘘）

아니요, 암호화폐는 비과세 투자가 아닙니다(그리고 여러분이 들은 다른 거짓말들)

होइन, क्रिप्टो कर-मुक्त लगानी होइन (साथै तपाईंलाई भनिएका अन्य झूटहरू)

Oya, Crypto SI ishoramari ridafite umusoro (Wongeyeho Ibinyoma Wabwiwe)

Nie, kryptomeny NIE sú investíciou oslobodenou od dane (plus ďalšie lži, o ktorých vám bolo povedané)

Не, крипто сармоягузории бидуни андоз НЕСТ (илова бар ин дурӯғҳои дигаре, ки ба шумо гуфтаанд)

Hayi, i-Crypto AYILUTyala-mali olungahlawulelwa rhafu (kunye nobunye ubuxoki obuxelelweyo)

PwC estimates that by 2030, AI will contribute a staggering $15.7 trillion to the global economy, resulting in a 14% increase in global GDP. Web3 seeks to democratize the internet by providing users control over their data. Artificial Intelligence and Web3 are coming together to transform how we transact globally and reshape our world. With an AI and Web3 driven digital and financial ecosystem anyone with internet access has the ability to invest in digital assets, transact across boarders and get loans. For many of the world’s unbanked population this will finally level the financial playing field. Major crypto and DeFi industry leaders have put their full support behind Web3 as a means of global financial inclusion. Binance CEO Richard Teng explains the company’s vision, "We are committed to promoting the adoption of Web3 and blockchain technology to foster financial inclusion and reduce transaction costs, while working closely with regulators to establish a globally harmonized regulatory framework that balances innovation with consumer protection." What are Web3 and AI? Web3 is the third generation of the internet that moves away from the monolithic tech giants and centralized servers of the Web2 era. The web was meant to democratize the world, and instead, Web2 created all-powerful tech giants that were more powerful than governments. It replaced one kind of authoritarianism with another. Web3 is different. Based on blockchain technology, Web3 is built on a decentralized system that relies far less on authority and trust. Blockchain technology allows us to tokenize goods, services, and processes and control them all with smart contracts that take human oversight and inefficiency out of the equation. It’s a faster, simpler, and more transparent way of doing business. Artificial Intelligence is a system or machine designed to think and make decisions, and increasingly employs machine learning, natural language processing, and computer vision.  AI can automate complex tasks, improve efficiency and ultimately promises to streamline many of the Web3 driven transactions. AI-Powered Smart Contracts On the Ethereum and Solana blockchain, among others, smart contracts are built into the fiber of the code that allows them to execute agreements when certain terms and conditions are met. That can be as simple as releasing a payment for delivery of goods, or it can be as complex as a series of thousands of checkpoints and deliveries in a global supply chain. Adding AI to the mix means that smart contracts can evolve to deal with external changes, too, all while respecting the integrity of the blockchain structure. Intelligent contracts and dApps will open up new doors, and we’re seeing the early stages of this with AI-enhanced DeFi platforms that can adjust loan offers, essentially in real-time, based on disparate collateral. Decentralized AI Networks Who controls the AI? This has been a big question lately as we have come to grasp the sheer power of AI tech. Right now, the old problem persists, and one of the most powerful technologies we have ever seen is held in centralized servers by increasingly powerful individuals and businesses. Decentralized AI, which uses blockchain to distribute and process technology without a central authority, could be the answer. This approach ensures data privacy and that AI technology is available to all. That could be one of Web3’s fundamental gifts to the world. Enhancing Blockchain Security Blockchain technology is essentially more secure than Web2 tech, thanks to its decentralized nature. However, too many high-profile breaches still result in catastrophic losses for companies and lingering doubts about the mass adoption of blockchain tech. AI can work as a guard dog for the blockchain, sniffing out anomalies and constantly checking for weaknesses and threats. The systems will get better and better at spotting red flags and fraudulent activity, which will cut the hacks and help the wider world get comfortable with decentralized systems. Projects like Chainalysis and CipherTrace are leading the charge for improved blockchain security. Predictive Analytics We think we know about predictive analytics, but we haven’t seen anything yet. In hours, AI can process a lifetime’s worth of data and spot near-invisible patterns that could go on to change everything from medicine to stock trading. The combination of blockchain and AI is the key, as laying outpatient records, photos, and other data on the blockchain can preserve individual confidentiality while shining a light on potential cures and treatments for diseases. The world of crypto and stock trading is changing radically, too, as the likes of Numerai and Covalent leverage AI to provide constantly evolving trading strategies and insights. Again, with AI evaluating millions, even billions of trades on the blockchain, new triggers and patterns are changing the face of investment. Nagging Doubts With AI and the Blockchain The benefits of AI and blockchain working together are just too big to pass up, and they are already happening. There are, however, some lingering concerns about giving the computers the reins. Data privacy is an ongoing issue and a legacy of the Web2 era, where data breaches, regular ID checks, and constant privacy policies became the norm. Web3 has most of the answers to this already, but there are concerns about how AI will respect user privacy while accessing decentralized data. Scalability is another real concern. The Ethereum blockchain is ingenious, but it suffers from congestion, variable fees, and excessive energy consumption. AI could produce all the solutions to those problems with tiny efficiencies at every step of the process, or simply ramp up the power demands and issues. Finally, regulation is always a thorny subject, and finding a set of clearly defined rules and laws is an arduous task. There are so many unknowns with AI and the blockchain that this could be a critical step if we are to avoid clipping this tech’s wings. The Future of AI in Web3 We have barely scratched the surface of these technical advancements, and the true potential of their combined might will take time to even comprehend. AI and the blockchain can change the world on their own. Together, they could reshape it entirely. PwC estimates that by 2030, AI will contribute a staggering $15.7 trillion to the global economy, resulting in a 14% increase in global GDP. Web3 seeks to democratize the internet by providing users control over their data. Artificial Intelligence and Web3 are coming together to transform how we transact globally and reshape our world. PwC estimates With an AI and Web3 driven digital and financial ecosystem anyone with internet access has the ability to invest in digital assets, transact across boarders and get loans. For many of the world’s unbanked population this will finally level the financial playing field. Major crypto and DeFi industry leaders have put their full support behind Web3 as a means of global financial inclusion. Binance CEO Richard Teng explains the company’s vision, "We are committed to promoting the adoption of Web3 and blockchain technology to foster financial inclusion and reduce transaction costs, while working closely with regulators to establish a globally harmonized regulatory framework that balances innovation with consumer protection." Binance What are Web3 and AI? Web3 is the third generation of the internet that moves away from the monolithic tech giants and centralized servers of the Web2 era. The web was meant to democratize the world, and instead, Web2 created all-powerful tech giants that were more powerful than governments. It replaced one kind of authoritarianism with another. Web3 is different. Based on blockchain technology, Web3 is built on a decentralized system that relies far less on authority and trust. Blockchain technology allows us to tokenize goods, services, and processes and control them all with smart contracts that take human oversight and inefficiency out of the equation. It’s a faster, simpler, and more transparent way of doing business. Artificial Intelligence is a system or machine designed to think and make decisions, and increasingly employs machine learning, natural language processing, and computer vision.  AI can automate complex tasks, improve efficiency and ultimately promises to streamline many of the Web3 driven transactions. AI-Powered Smart Contracts On the Ethereum and Solana blockchain, among others, smart contracts are built into the fiber of the code that allows them to execute agreements when certain terms and conditions are met. That can be as simple as releasing a payment for delivery of goods, or it can be as complex as a series of thousands of checkpoints and deliveries in a global supply chain. Adding AI to the mix means that smart contracts can evolve to deal with external changes, too, all while respecting the integrity of the blockchain structure. Intelligent contracts and dApps will open up new doors, and we’re seeing the early stages of this with AI-enhanced DeFi platforms that can adjust loan offers, essentially in real-time, based on disparate collateral. AI-enhanced DeFi platforms Decentralized AI Networks Who controls the AI? This has been a big question lately as we have come to grasp the sheer power of AI tech. Right now, the old problem persists, and one of the most powerful technologies we have ever seen is held in centralized servers by increasingly powerful individuals and businesses. Decentralized AI, which uses blockchain to distribute and process technology without a central authority, could be the answer. This approach ensures data privacy and that AI technology is available to all. That could be one of Web3’s fundamental gifts to the world. Enhancing Blockchain Security Blockchain technology is essentially more secure than Web2 tech, thanks to its decentralized nature. However, too many high-profile breaches still result in catastrophic losses for companies and lingering doubts about the mass adoption of blockchain tech. AI can work as a guard dog for the blockchain, sniffing out anomalies and constantly checking for weaknesses and threats. The systems will get better and better at spotting red flags and fraudulent activity, which will cut the hacks and help the wider world get comfortable with decentralized systems. Projects like Chainalysis and CipherTrace are leading the charge for improved blockchain security. Predictive Analytics We think we know about predictive analytics, but we haven’t seen anything yet. In hours, AI can process a lifetime’s worth of data and spot near-invisible patterns that could go on to change everything from medicine to stock trading. The combination of blockchain and AI is the key, as laying outpatient records, photos, and other data on the blockchain can preserve individual confidentiality while shining a light on potential cures and treatments for diseases. potential cures and treatments The world of crypto and stock trading is changing radically, too, as the likes of Numerai and Covalent leverage AI to provide constantly evolving trading strategies and insights. Again, with AI evaluating millions, even billions of trades on the blockchain, new triggers and patterns are changing the face of investment. Nagging Doubts With AI and the Blockchain The benefits of AI and blockchain working together are just too big to pass up, and they are already happening. There are, however, some lingering concerns about giving the computers the reins. Data privacy is an ongoing issue and a legacy of the Web2 era, where data breaches, regular ID checks, and constant privacy policies became the norm. Web3 has most of the answers to this already, but there are concerns about how AI will respect user privacy while accessing decentralized data. Scalability is another real concern. The Ethereum blockchain is ingenious, but it suffers from congestion, variable fees, and excessive energy consumption. AI could produce all the solutions to those problems with tiny efficiencies at every step of the process, or simply ramp up the power demands and issues. Finally, regulation is always a thorny subject, and finding a set of clearly defined rules and laws is an arduous task. There are so many unknowns with AI and the blockchain that this could be a critical step if we are to avoid clipping this tech’s wings. The Future of AI in Web3 We have barely scratched the surface of these technical advancements, and the true potential of their combined might will take time to even comprehend. AI and the blockchain can change the world on their own. Together, they could reshape it entirely.

Web3 Promised to Decentralize the Internet—AI Might Actually Make It Happen

وعدت تقنية Web3 بإلغاء مركزية الإنترنت - وقد تتمكن الذكاء الاصطناعي من تحقيق ذلك بالفعل

Web3 İnterneti Mərkəzsizləşdirməyə Söz Verdi - AI əslində bunu baş verə bilər

Web3 prometió descentralizar Internet: la IA podría hacerlo realidad

Web3 je obećao da će decentralizirati internet — umjetna inteligencija bi to zapravo mogla ostvariti

A Web3 megígérte, hogy decentralizálja az internetet – a mesterséges intelligencia ténylegesen meg is valósíthatja

Web3 הבטיח לבזר את האינטרנט - בינה מלאכותית עשויה לגרום לזה לקרות

Web3 はインターネットの分散化を約束したが、AI が実際にそれを実現するかもしれない

Web3 solīja decentralizēt internetu — AI varētu to faktiski īstenot

Web3 Интернэтийн төвлөрлийг сааруулна гэж амласан - AI үүнийг бодитоор хийж магадгүй

Web3 sľúbil, že bude decentralizovať internet – AI to môže v skutočnosti dosiahnuť

Веб3 је обећао да ће децентрализовати интернет — АИ би то заиста могло да се догоди

Web3 ваъда додааст, ки интернетро ғайримарказӣ мекунад - AI метавонад воқеан ин корро кунад

We’re now far from Bitcoin's early days when it was the only cryptocurrency and its market capitalization was barely existent. Numerous alternative coins have followed, along with companies, organizations, and Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) massive adoption. There’s a whole crypto industry right now, built by people from all around the world, and it’s likely bigger than you think. Not all the figures are public and evident, like the now familiar cryptocurrency market capitalization available on free sites like CoinMarketCap or CoinGecko. There are also private profits and private investments that aren’t exactly in cryptocurrency but in fiat currency flowing through crypto companies. There’s the thing: the crypto industry also moves traditional money, and takes it as investment as well. But first, let’s check the most transparent side of the industry. Coins and more coins As we mentioned above, there are free sites to consult not only the whole crypto market cap, but also every financial detail by coin, and also the markets by exchange. You can know pretty much everything about decentralized cryptocurrencies, including their market cap, trading volume, prices, supplies, documents, and even what people are saying about them on social media. As of January 2025, the total crypto market cap is at $3.5 trillion, counting at least 10,691 different coins [CMC]. It may sound big, but is still a modest figure when compared with other markets and industries. The gold market cap still surpasses it by far, with over $18 trillion. Not to mention that the global stock market is at over $113 trillion, with big companies like Apple and Microsoft surpassing $3 trillion each. However, the crypto market has also surpassed by far some of the biggest industries in the world, including auto manufacturers, credit services, and telecom services. All of this is without counting the figures outside cryptocurrencies themselves. So, no stocks, values, or profits from crypto companies and other related ventures. Let alone the money that non-crypto companies are pouring into the crypto world, hiring services and platforms to improve their own firms. Let’s see a bit of that ahead. Companies and more companies It’s not clear how many crypto and DLT-related companies exist globally at this point. If we decide that a crypto firm doesn’t even need to be registered anywhere, because it could be a simple kiosk to exchange your coins closer to your home, then it’s even harder to tell. But we can make some educated guesses. For instance, F6S, a platform that connects companies worldwide, is tracking around 1,512 crypto-related companies —all of them with their valuations outside the cryptocurrency market cap. On LinkedIn, when searching for companies, the keyword 'cryptocurrency' gives 464 results, but 'blockchain' gives 5,000 results. Crunchbase, for its part, lists 4,357 blockchain and cryptocurrency companies and organizations, with a total funding amount of $64.9 billion and an estimated revenue range from $1 million to $10 million. This could be a very modest estimation, though. Other sources suggest a total of $100 billion in fundraising. Annual revenues by top crypto exchanges have been reported in billions. The current #1 crypto exchange by volume, Binance, was founded in 2017, with a total funding of $21 million from several venture capital (VCs) firms. Now, its annual revenues have been reported in a range between $12 and $14 billion. Coinbase, a major competitor, reported a revenue of $3.1 billion in 2023. Bybit, another top exchange, has a revenue range of $100 million and $1 billion. On the other hand, venture capital firms keep pouring money into the industry as well. In early 2024 alone, over $2.4 billion was invested by venture capital firms in crypto startups, and the investment interest in this type of firm is growing. A report by the research firm Absrbd indicated that over 70% of institutional investors were planning to put money in crypto in 2024. DLT Investments Now, beyond venture capital investments and new crypto companies, there are also numerous non-related crypto firms and governments using DLT somehow, or considering it. Among them, we have household names like BBVA, Barclays, Visa, Walmart, Ford, Pfizer, Siemens, Deloitte, Maersk, and British Airways; and governments from Dubai, Singapore, Seoul, Uganda, Massachusetts, and Buenos Aires. All of them, of course, have their own budgets and spending for this technology —but that’s a private affair. According to some statistics from previous years, global investment in DLT solutions was expected to rise to nearly $19 billion by 2024. Additionally, these platforms are projected to contribute around $3.1 trillion in business value by 2030, potentially influencing 10-20% of the world’s economic infrastructure. This seems to be confirmed by a 2023 report by Casper Labs, in which they surveyed 603 global business decision-makers in the UK, China, and the US. They found, among other things, that 87% of the surveyed parties were already planning to invest in DLT solutions. Besides, they also expect their technology budgets to rise over time —which would mean more money put into DLT efforts. People and more people We can talk now about distribution and reach: the crypto industry is everywhere but on different levels. According to the last Global Adoption Crypto Index by Chainalysis, the region Central & Southern Asia and Oceania (CSAO) is leading the crypto adoption this year. Seven of the top 20 countries in crypto activity, such as India (#1), Indonesia (#3), and Vietnam (#5), are in this region, showcasing vibrant use across local exchanges, DeFi platforms, and merchant services. Sub-Saharan Africa, represented by Nigeria (#2), also demonstrates strong adoption, especially for real-world uses like stablecoins. Meanwhile, North America and Western Europe see significant institutional activity, driven by events like the U.S. Bitcoin ETF launch. Conversely, retail and DeFi use is surging in regions like Latin America and Eastern Europe, supporting practical applications and altcoin activity. We can say that crypto is very distributed and diverse for users, but that’s still a work in progress for founders and leaders. From the business side, the crypto industry is still dominated by white men from developed countries, while most average users are people who have been mostly excluded from traditional financial services, or whose countries have certain monetary issues or limitations. An ecosystem for all Among the sea of loosely similar crypto platforms, Obyte stands out as a complete, decentralized crypto ecosystem accessible to all, regardless of their background or applications. Its Directed Acyclic Graph (DAG) architecture eliminates intermediaries like miners, ensuring that every transaction is directly recorded without interference. This design makes Obyte censorship-resistant and empowers users by preventing centralized control, fostering true autonomy in digital financial activities. Whether it's exchanging assets, participating in prediction markets, safely registering personal data, creating tokens, or managing funds with complex conditions, Obyte simplifies the experience for both beginners and experts. The wallet’s intuitive design and built-in chatbots lower barriers to entry, making powerful DLT tools accessible to everyone. With its comprehensive features, Obyte evolves as a platform suitable for diverse applications, from simple peer-to-peer payments to IoT and business use cases. By continuously delivering innovative tools and updates, Obyte contributes meaningful value to the crypto industry as a whole. Featured Vector Image by Freepik We’re now far from Bitcoin's early days when it was the only cryptocurrency and its market capitalization was barely existent. Numerous alternative coins have followed, along with companies, organizations, and Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) massive adoption. There’s a whole crypto industry right now, built by people from all around the world, and it’s likely bigger than you think. Not all the figures are public and evident, like the now familiar cryptocurrency market capitalization available on free sites like CoinMarketCap or CoinGecko. There are also private profits and private investments that aren’t exactly in cryptocurrency but in fiat currency flowing through crypto companies. There’s the thing: the crypto industry also moves traditional money, and takes it as investment as well. But first, let’s check the most transparent side of the industry. Coins and more coins As we mentioned above, there are free sites to consult not only the whole crypto market cap, but also every financial detail by coin, and also the markets by exchange. You can know pretty much everything about decentralized cryptocurrencies, including their market cap, trading volume, prices, supplies, documents, and even what people are saying about them on social media. As of January 2025, the total crypto market cap is at $3.5 trillion, counting at least 10,691 different coins [CMC]. As of January 2025, the total crypto market cap is at $3.5 trillion, counting at least 10,691 different coins [CMC]. It may sound big, but is still a modest figure when compared with other markets and industries. The gold market cap still surpasses it by far, with over $18 trillion. Not to mention that the global stock market is at over $113 trillion, with big companies like Apple and Microsoft surpassing $3 trillion each. However, the crypto market has also surpassed by far some of the biggest industries in the world , including auto manufacturers, credit services, and telecom services. The gold market cap The gold market cap biggest industries in the world biggest industries in the world All of this is without counting the figures outside cryptocurrencies themselves. So, no stocks, values, or profits from crypto companies and other related ventures. Let alone the money that non-crypto companies are pouring into the crypto world, hiring services and platforms to improve their own firms. Let’s see a bit of that ahead. Companies and more companies It’s not clear how many crypto and DLT-related companies exist globally at this point. If we decide that a crypto firm doesn’t even need to be registered anywhere, because it could be a simple kiosk to exchange your coins closer to your home, then it’s even harder to tell. But we can make some educated guesses. For instance, F6S, a platform that connects companies worldwide, is tracking around 1,512 crypto-related companies —all of them with their valuations outside the cryptocurrency market cap. is tracking is tracking On LinkedIn, when searching for companies, the keyword 'cryptocurrency' gives 464 results, but 'blockchain' gives 5,000 results. Crunchbase, for its part, lists 4,357 blockchain and cryptocurrency companies and organizations, with a total funding amount of $64.9 billion and an estimated revenue range from $1 million to $10 million. This could be a very modest estimation, though. Other sources suggest a total of $100 billion in fundraising. Crunchbase , for its part, lists 4,357 blockchain and cryptocurrency companies and organizations, with a total funding amount of $64.9 billion and an estimated revenue range from $1 million to $10 million. Crunchbase Crunchbase Other sources Other sources Annual revenues by top crypto exchanges have been reported in billions. The current #1 crypto exchange by volume, Binance, was founded in 2017, with a total funding of $21 million from several venture capital (VCs) firms. Now, its annual revenues have been reported in a range between $12 and $14 billion. Coinbase, a major competitor, reported a revenue of $3.1 billion in 2023. Bybit , another top exchange, has a revenue range of $100 million and $1 billion. funding funding reported reported Bybit Bybit On the other hand, venture capital firms keep pouring money into the industry as well. In early 2024 alone, over $2.4 billion was invested by venture capital firms in crypto startups, and the investment interest in this type of firm is growing. A report by the research firm Absrbd indicated that over 70% of institutional investors were planning to put money in crypto in 2024. was invested was invested A report A report DLT Investments Now, beyond venture capital investments and new crypto companies, there are also numerous non-related crypto firms and governments using DLT somehow , or considering it. Among them, we have household names like BBVA, Barclays, Visa, Walmart, Ford, Pfizer, Siemens, Deloitte, Maersk, and British Airways; and governments from Dubai, Singapore, Seoul, Uganda, Massachusetts, and Buenos Aires. All of them, of course, have their own budgets and spending for this technology —but that’s a private affair. using DLT somehow using DLT somehow According to some statistics from previous years, global investment in DLT solutions was expected to rise to nearly $19 billion by 2024. Additionally, these platforms are projected to contribute around $3.1 trillion in business value by 2030, potentially influencing 10-20% of the world’s economic infrastructure. This seems to be confirmed by a 2023 report by Casper Labs , in which they surveyed 603 global business decision-makers in the UK, China, and the US. some statistics some statistics Additionally, these platforms are projected to contribute around $3.1 trillion in business value by 2030, potentially influencing 10-20% of the world’s economic infrastructure. Casper Labs Casper Labs They found, among other things, that 87% of the surveyed parties were already planning to invest in DLT solutions. Besides, they also expect their technology budgets to rise over time —which would mean more money put into DLT efforts. People and more people We can talk now about distribution and reach: the crypto industry is everywhere but on different levels. According to the last Global Adoption Crypto Index by Chainalysis, the region Central & Southern Asia and Oceania (CSAO) is leading the crypto adoption this year. Seven of the top 20 countries in crypto activity, such as India (#1), Indonesia (#3), and Vietnam (#5), are in this region, showcasing vibrant use across local exchanges, DeFi platforms, and merchant services. Global Adoption Crypto Index Global Adoption Crypto Index Seven of the top 20 countries in crypto activity, such as India (#1), Indonesia (#3), and Vietnam (#5), are in this region, showcasing vibrant use across local exchanges, DeFi platforms, and merchant services. Sub-Saharan Africa, represented by Nigeria (#2), also demonstrates strong adoption, especially for real-world uses like stablecoins. Meanwhile, North America and Western Europe see significant institutional activity, driven by events like the U.S. Bitcoin ETF launch. Conversely, retail and DeFi use is surging in regions like Latin America and Eastern Europe, supporting practical applications and altcoin activity. We can say that crypto is very distributed and diverse for users, but that’s still a work in progress for founders and leaders. From the business side, the crypto industry is still dominated by white men from developed countries, while most average users are people who have been mostly excluded from traditional financial services, or whose countries have certain monetary issues or limitations. still a work in progress still a work in progress An ecosystem for all Among the sea of loosely similar crypto platforms, Obyte stands out as a complete, decentralized crypto ecosystem accessible to all, regardless of their background or applications. Its Directed Acyclic Graph ( DAG ) architecture eliminates intermediaries like miners, ensuring that every transaction is directly recorded without interference. This design makes Obyte censorship-resistant and empowers users by preventing centralized control, fostering true autonomy in digital financial activities. Obyte Obyte DAG DAG Whether it's exchanging assets, participating in prediction markets, safely registering personal data, creating tokens, or managing funds with complex conditions, Obyte simplifies the experience for both beginners and experts. The wallet’s intuitive design and built-in chatbots lower barriers to entry, making powerful DLT tools accessible to everyone. Whether it's exchanging assets, participating in prediction markets, safely registering personal data, creating tokens, or managing funds with complex conditions, Obyte simplifies the experience for both beginners and experts. With its comprehensive features, Obyte evolves as a platform suitable for diverse applications, from simple peer-to-peer payments to IoT and business use cases . By continuously delivering innovative tools and updates, Obyte contributes meaningful value to the crypto industry as a whole. business use cases business use cases Featured Vector Image by Freepik Featured Vector Image by Freepik Freepik Freepik

Crypto’s $3.5 Trillion Market Cap is Impressive—But the Real Money’s Hiding in Plain Sight

ক্রিপ্টোর $3.5 ট্রিলিয়ন মার্কেট ক্যাপ চিত্তাকর্ষক-কিন্তু আসল অর্থ সরল দৃষ্টিতে লুকিয়ে আছে

Cryptos markedsværdi på 3,5 billioner dollars er imponerende - men de rigtige penge gemmer sig i almindeligt syn

Die Marktkapitalisierung von 3,5 Billionen US-Dollar für Kryptowährungen ist beeindruckend – doch das wahre Geld liegt direkt vor der Nase

La capitalización de mercado de 3,5 billones de dólares de las criptomonedas es impresionante, pero el dinero real está oculto a simple vista

ارزش بازار 3.5 تریلیون دلاری Crypto چشمگیر است - اما پول واقعی در یک دید پنهان است

La capitalizzazione di mercato di 3,5 trilioni di dollari delle criptovalute è impressionante, ma il vero denaro si nasconde in bella vista

仮想通貨の時価総額3.5兆ドルは印象的だが、本当のお金は目に見えて隠れている

មូលធនប័ត្រទីផ្សារ 3.5 ពាន់ពាន់លានដុល្លាររបស់ Crypto គឺគួរឱ្យចាប់អារម្មណ៍ - ប៉ុន្តែការលាក់លុយពិតនៅក្នុងការមើលឃើញធម្មតា

Kripto 3,5 triljonu dolāru tirgus maksimālā vērtība ir iespaidīga, taču īstā nauda slēpjas acīmredzami

Kriptonyň 3,5 trillion dollarlyk bazar kapasasy täsir galdyryjy, ýöne hakyky puluň göze dürtülip durmagy

Ринкова капіталізація криптовалюти в 3,5 трильйона доларів вражає, але реальні гроші ховаються на виду

کرپٹو کا 3.5 ٹریلین ڈالر کا مارکیٹ کیپ متاثر کن ہے — لیکن اصل رقم سادہ نظر میں چھپا رہی ہے

The Current State of Crypto Regulation In LatAm

Crypto Adoption in 2024: Trends and What’s Coming in 2025

ክሪፕቶ ጉዲፈቻ በ2024፡ አዝማሚያዎች እና በ2025 ምን እየመጣ ነው።

Adopción de criptomonedas en 2024: tendencias y lo que viene en 2025

Adopsyon Crypto nan 2024: Tandans ak sa k ap vini an 2025

Adozione delle criptovalute nel 2024: tendenze e cosa accadrà nel 2025

2024 年の暗号通貨の採用: トレンドと 2025 年の展望

2024 жылы крипто қабылдау: трендтер және 2025 жылы не болады

Crypto Adoption ka 2024: Ditshekamelo le Seo se Tlago ka 2025

په 2024 کې د کریپټو اختیار: رجحانات او څه چې په 2025 کې راځي

Kupitishwa kwa Crypto mnamo 2024: Mitindo na Kinachokuja mnamo 2025

2024 இல் கிரிப்டோ தத்தெடுப்பு: போக்குகள் மற்றும் 2025 இல் என்ன வரப்போகிறது

I-Crypto Adoption ngo-2024: Iindlela kunye nezinto ezizayo ngo-2025

2024 年加密货币采用情况：趋势及 2025 年的发展前景

Wildcat: Undercollateralized Credit Expansion for Fun and Profit 2.0

Wildcat: Crédito Subcolateralizado Jach’anchayaña Kusisiñataki ukhamaraki Ganancia 2.0

Wildcat: Əyləncə və Mənfəət üçün Təminatsız Kreditin Genişlənməsi 2.0

Wildcat: пашырэнне крэдыту з недастатковым забеспячэннем для забавы і прыбытку 2.0

ওয়াইল্ডক্যাট: মজা এবং লাভের জন্য আন্ডারকোলেটরালাইজড ক্রেডিট এক্সপানশন 2.0

Wildcat: Expansión del crédito sin garantías suficientes para divertirse y obtener ganancias 2.0

Wildcat: expansión de crédito subcolateralizada para diversión e beneficio 2.0

ワイルドキャット: 楽しみと利益のための担保不足の信用拡大 2.0

„Wildcat“: nepakankamai užtikrinto kredito išplėtimas pramogoms ir pelnui 2.0

Wildcat: Fanitarana trosa tsy voahaja ho an'ny fahafinaretana sy tombony 2.0

Wildcat: Upanuzi wa Mikopo Isiyo na Dhamana kwa Furaha na Faida 2.0

வைல்ட்கேட்: கேளிக்கை மற்றும் லாபத்திற்காக அண்டர்கலாடரலைஸ்டு கிரெடிட் விரிவாக்கம் 2.0

ዋይልድካት፡ ንመዘናግዕን መኽሰብን ዝኸውን ትሑት ውሕስነት ዘለዎ ምስፍሕፋሕ ልቓሕ 2.0

MIAMI, Florida, November 13th, 2024/Chainwire/--Valhalla, Floki's PlayToEarn Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game (MMORPG) blockchain game is proud to announce a partnership in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). On Nov. 13, Valhalla unveiled a partnership with Dubai's Mall of the Emirates, marking a milestone in its global outreach efforts. The partnership will see Valhalla’s branding prominently displayed across 93 screens in the mall for a four-week campaign running from November 15 to December 12. Mall of the Emirates, located in the heart of Dubai, is one of the world’s most prestigious shopping destinations. Since opening in 2005, it has become an iconic landmark, attracting millions of visitors each year. The mall sees daily traffic of approximately 111,500 people, making it a prime venue for Valhalla’s campaign to reach a diverse and international audience. The mall’s strategic location on Sheikh Zayed Road, a prime area in Dubai, combined with its diverse visitor base, offers Valhalla an opportunity to engage both local and international audiences. Spanning an area of 255,489 square meters, the multi-level mall boasts over 630 retail outlets, 80 luxury stores, and 250 flagship stores. It also features some of Dubai’s most popular attractions, including the indoor ski resort Ski Dubai, the Magic Planet entertainment center, and VOX Cinemas. The mall’s dining options, with over 100 restaurants and cafés, further enhance its appeal as a top destination for both residents and tourists. The Campaign’s Goal Valhalla is ramping up its presence in the UAE, a key market for crypto adoption. Despite its smaller population, the UAE ranks as the third-largest crypto economy in the MENA region, with $34 billion in crypto transactions recorded between July 2023 and June 2024. This represents an impressive 42% year-on-year growth, far outpacing the MENA average of 11.73%, according to Chainalysis. Dubai’s rapid evolution into a crypto hub has been fueled by initiatives like the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA), which offer crypto-friendly regulatory frameworks.This has drawn major players and startups, solidifying Dubai’s status as a global crypto leader. Valhalla’s campaign at Mall of the Emirates aligns perfectly with this momentum. By showcasing its brand in one of Dubai’s busiest and most iconic locations, Floki aims to boost awareness and adoption of its ecosystem. This campaign follows Floki’s recent four-week marketing initiative at WAFI Mall in Dubai, running from November 8 to December 5, where its branding appears across 18 digital screens. Together, these efforts are part of Floki’s larger strategy to dominate the Dubai crypto scene. About Valhalla Valhalla is a blockchain-based MMORPG inspired by Norse mythology, offering players the chance to discover, tame, and battle with creatures called Veras. The game features a player-driven economy and a hexagonal battlefield designed for dynamic combat. Users can learn more at Valhalla.game. About Floki Floki is the people’s cryptocurrency and utility token of the Floki Ecosystem. Focused on utility, community, philanthropy, and strategic marketing, Floki is working toward becoming the world’s most recognized and used cryptocurrency. With over 490,000 holders globally, Floki has already established a strong brand presence. Users can learn more at floki.com. Website | Youtube | Telegram | Instagram | Tik Tok | Discord | Facebook | Reddit | Twitch | Valhalla Contact Vidal Pedro Floki Marketing@floki.com This story was distributed as a release by Chainwire under HackerNoon’s Business Blogging Program. Learn more about the program here MIAMI, Florida, November 13th, 2024/Chainwire/--Valhalla, Floki's PlayToEarn Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game (MMORPG) blockchain game is proud to announce a partnership in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). On Nov. 13, Valhalla unveiled a partnership with Dubai's Mall of the Emirates, marking a milestone in its global outreach efforts. The partnership will see Valhalla’s branding prominently displayed across 93 screens in the mall for a four-week campaign running from November 15 to December 12. Mall of the Emirates, located in the heart of Dubai, is one of the world’s most prestigious shopping destinations. Since opening in 2005, it has become an iconic landmark, attracting millions of visitors each year. The mall sees daily traffic of approximately 111,500 people, making it a prime venue for Valhalla’s campaign to reach a diverse and international audience. The mall’s strategic location on Sheikh Zayed Road, a prime area in Dubai, combined with its diverse visitor base, offers Valhalla an opportunity to engage both local and international audiences. Spanning an area of 255,489 square meters, the multi-level mall boasts over 630 retail outlets, 80 luxury stores, and 250 flagship stores. It also features some of Dubai’s most popular attractions, including the indoor ski resort Ski Dubai, the Magic Planet entertainment center, and VOX Cinemas. The mall’s dining options, with over 100 restaurants and cafés, further enhance its appeal as a top destination for both residents and tourists. The Campaign’s Goal Valhalla is ramping up its presence in the UAE, a key market for crypto adoption. Despite its smaller population, the UAE ranks as the third-largest crypto economy in the MENA region, with $34 billion in crypto transactions recorded between July 2023 and June 2024. This represents an impressive 42% year-on-year growth, far outpacing the MENA average of 11.73%, according to Chainalysis . according to Chainalysis according to Chainalysis Dubai’s rapid evolution into a crypto hub has been fueled by initiatives like the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA), which offer crypto-friendly regulatory frameworks.This has drawn major players and startups, solidifying Dubai’s status as a global crypto leader. Valhalla’s campaign at Mall of the Emirates aligns perfectly with this momentum. By showcasing its brand in one of Dubai’s busiest and most iconic locations, Floki aims to boost awareness and adoption of its ecosystem. This campaign follows Floki’s recent four-week marketing initiative at WAFI Mall in Dubai, running from November 8 to December 5, where its branding appears across 18 digital screens. Together, these efforts are part of Floki’s larger strategy to dominate the Dubai crypto scene. About Valhalla Valhalla is a blockchain-based MMORPG inspired by Norse mythology, offering players the chance to discover, tame, and battle with creatures called Veras. The game features a player-driven economy and a hexagonal battlefield designed for dynamic combat. Users can learn more at Valhalla.game . Valhalla Valhalla Valhalla.game Valhalla.game About Floki Floki is the people’s cryptocurrency and utility token of the Floki Ecosystem. Focused on utility, community, philanthropy, and strategic marketing, Floki is working toward becoming the world’s most recognized and used cryptocurrency. With over 490,000 holders globally, Floki has already established a strong brand presence. Users can learn more at floki.com . Floki Floki floki.com floki.com Website | Youtube | Telegram | Instagram | Tik Tok | Discord | Facebook | Reddit | Twitch | Valhalla Website Website Youtube Youtube Telegram Telegram Instagram Instagram Tik Tok Tik Tok Discord Discord Facebook Facebook Reddit Reddit Twitch Twitch Valhalla Valhalla Contact Vidal Pedro Floki Marketing@floki.com This story was distributed as a release by Chainwire under HackerNoon’s Business Blogging Program. Learn more about the program here This story was distributed as a release by Chainwire under HackerNoon’s Business Blogging Program. Learn more about the program here here here

Floki’s Valhalla Partners With Dubai’s Mall Of The Emirates For Landmark Campaign

Floki-nin Valhalla, Landmark Kampaniyası üçün Dubayın Mall Of The Emirates ilə ortaqdır

ল্যান্ডমার্ক ক্যাম্পেইনের জন্য দুবাইয়ের মল অফ এমিরেটসের সাথে ফ্লোকির ভালহাল্লা অংশীদার

Floki's Valhalla spolupracuje s dubajským nákupním centrem Mall Of The Emirates for Landmark Campaign

Floki’s Valhalla se asocia con el centro comercial Mall of the Emirates de Dubái para una campaña emblemática

フロキのヴァルハラがドバイのエミレーツ・モールと提携して画期的なキャンペーンを展開

ल्यान्डमार्क अभियानको लागि दुबईको मल्ल अफ एमिरेट्ससँग फ्लोकीको भल्हल्ला साझेदारहरू

د فلوکي والهاله د تاریخي کمپاین لپاره د دوبۍ د اماراتو مال سره ملګرتیا کوي

Valhalla da Floki faz parceria com o Mall of the Emirates de Dubai para uma campanha histórica

Floki's Valhalla bashkëpunon me fushatën e Dubait Mall Of The Emirates për të shënuar

Floki's Valhalla бо Mall Of Emirates дар Дубай барои маъракаи муҳим шарикӣ мекунад

Floki’s Valhalla співпрацює з Dubai’s Mall of the Emirates для знакової кампанії

UFloki's Valhalla Partners kunye neDubai Mall ye-Emirates yePhulo eliLandmark

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