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Malware is any malicious software designed to infiltrate and harm a system, and crypto-stealing malware specifically targets digital assets. These threats come in many forms, tricking users into installing them through fake apps, phishing links, or compromised software. Once inside a device, they can steal private keys, modify transactions, or deceive victims into approving fraudulent transfers, leading to significant financial losses. In 2024 alone, wallet drainer malware stole nearly $500 million from over 332,000 victims, marking a sharp rise from the previous year. The largest single theft reached $55.48 million, with the first quarter seeing the highest activity. Hackers and scammers are pretty active, as we can see. That’s why we'll explore here five relatively new cunning malware types, from deceptive trojans to sneaky transaction-altering clippers. In 2024 alone, wallet drainer malware stole nearly $500 million from over 332,000 victims, marking a sharp rise from the previous year. In 2024 alone In 2024 alone SparkCat & SpyAgent You know you should take care of your private keys, preferably outside the digital world. But have you ever felt lazy enough to just take a screenshot of them, and save it inside your gallery? Who will ever know, right? Well, this malware type is the very reason why you should stop doing that. Cybercriminals will know and snatch all your coins. They’re now using optical character recognition (OCR) technology to scan images stored on your device for sensitive information. OCR-based malware can detect and extract text from screenshots, putting your cryptocurrency recovery phrases, passwords, and other private data at risk. If you’ve ever taken a screenshot of a wallet seed phrase, login credentials, or personal messages, this malware can find it and send it to attackers—giving them full control over your accounts. OCR-based malware can detect and extract text from screenshots, putting your cryptocurrency recovery phrases, passwords, and other private data at risk. Kaspersky identifiedSparkCat, which has been active on both Google Play and the App Store, while McAfee discovered SpyAgent, mainly spreading through Android APKs outside official stores. The two malware strains are suspiciously similar, so they might as well be the same under different names. SparkCat has been found in popular apps like messengers and food delivery services, with over 242,000 downloads, targeting users in the UAE, Europe, and Asia. Meanwhile, SpyAgent has focused on South Korea, with signs of expansion to the UK. SparkCat SparkCat SpyAgent SpyAgent To protect yourself, besides avoiding storing sensitive information in screenshots, only download well-ranked apps from official stores, and be cautious about granting unnecessary permissions. If you suspect an infection, remove the app immediately and use security tools to scan your device. Fake Job Offers Are you looking for a job in the crypto industry right now? You may be at risk of being scammed by the criminals behind this type of malware. They create fake job postings on trusted platforms like LinkedIn, CryptoJobsList, and WellFound, luring victims into fake interviews. The process seems professional at first, with initial exchanges happening over email or messaging apps like Telegram and Discord. However, at some point, the recruiter asks the applicant to download special video conferencing software to complete the interview. This software, often presented as a tool like “Willo,” “Meeten,” or “GrassCall,” is actually a trojan designed to steal personal data and cryptocurrency. Once installed, the malware activates and begins gathering sensitive information from the victim’s device. However, at some point, the recruiter asks the applicant to download special video conferencing software to complete the interview. Willo Willo Meeten Meeten GrassCall GrassCall Among these malicious programs, Meeten stands out for its ability to steal cryptocurrency directly from browser wallets. Researchers from Cado Security Labs uncovered that Meeten’s malware can collect banking details, browser cookies, and even passwords stored in popular crypto wallets like Ledger and Trezor. GrassCall follows a similar pattern but is linked to a Russian cybercriminal group called Crazy Evil. This group specializes in social engineering attacks, using fake job interviews to gain victims’ trust. Victims who download the GrassCall software unknowingly install a remote access trojan (RAT) alongside an infostealer. These programs allow attackers to log keystrokes, extract passwords, and drain crypto wallets. Security experts tracking this campaign found that the criminals even rewarded their affiliates with a share of the stolen assets, making it a highly organized operation. To stay safe from such scams, always be cautious when asked to download software from unfamiliar sources, verify recruiters’ identities through official company websites, and use security tools to detect suspicious activity on your devices.\ Victims who download the GrassCall software unknowingly install a remote access trojan (RAT) alongside an infostealer. MassJacker Clippers are a type of malware that specifically targets cryptocurrency transactions by monitoring the clipboard of an infected device. When you copy a wallet address, clippers silently replace it with one controlled by attackers. Since cryptocurrency transactions are irreversible, if you don’t double-check the address before sending funds, your money could be gone for good. Clippers are simple yet highly effective, as they don’t require sophisticated attacks—just an unnoticed swap in your copied text. MassJacker is a large-scale clipper campaign recently discovered to be using at least 778,531 fraudulent wallet addresses. At the time of analysis by CyberArk, only 423 of the wallets contained any funds, totaling about $95,300, but historical data suggests much larger sums have been stolen. The malware operators seem to rely on a central Solana wallet, which has received over $300,000 so far. MassJacker spreads through pirated software downloads, particularly from a site called pesktop[.]com. MassJacker is a large-scale clipper campaign recently discovered to be using at least 778,531 fraudulent wallet addresses. by CyberArk by CyberArk When you run an infected installer (for a movie, a game, a tool, etc.), a hidden script executes a complex chain of malware loaders, eventually injecting MassJacker into a legitimate Windows process to evade detection. To avoid MassJacker and similar threats, be cautious when downloading software, especially pirated programs, as they are a common delivery method for malware. Always verify wallet addresses manually before confirming any transaction to ensure they haven’t been altered.\ GitVenom If you're an open-source developer using GitHub, you should be extra cautious about the repositories you download. As discovered by Kaspersky, hackers have been spreading malware called GitVenom by creating fake projects that look legitimate. These projects often claim to be useful tools, such as Telegram bots for managing Bitcoin wallets or automation scripts for Instagram. They even come with well-written documentation, AI-generated README files, and artificially inflated commit histories to appear authentic. However, once you download and run the code, GitVenom silently infects your system, stealing sensitive data, including your browsing history, passwords, and—most importantly—your cryptocurrency wallet information. Once active, GitVenom installs additional malware, including clipboard hijackers (clippers) that replace copied wallet addresses, redirecting transactions to attacker-controlled wallets. So far, cybercriminals have stolen at least 5 BTC, worth around $485,000, with most infections detected in Russia, Brazil, and Turkey. However, once you download and run the code, GitVenom silently infects your system, stealing sensitive data, including your browsing history, passwords, and—most importantly—your cryptocurrency wallet information. GitVenom GitVenom Don’t just trust a GitHub project because it looks popular—inspect the code, check for unusual activity in commit histories, and be wary of newly created repositories with polished documentation. Running unverified code from GitHub without proper review could compromise your entire development environment and crypto assets. DroidBot Described by Cleafy, this malware targets banking and cryptocurrency apps to steal user credentials —and their funds. It has been active since June 2024, mainly in the UK, Italy, France, Spain, and Portugal, with signs of expansion into Latin America. The malware impersonates apps like Google Chrome, Google Play Store, and Android Security to trick users into installation. Cleafy Cleafy Once on a device, it abuses Android’s Accessibility Services to record keystrokes, display fake login screens, intercept SMS messages, and even remotely control infected devices. Some of the affected platforms include Binance, KuCoin, BBVA, Santander, Kraken, and MetaMask. Over 77 targets have been identified, though. Once on a device, it abuses Android’s Accessibility Services to record keystrokes, display fake login screens, intercept SMS messages, and even remotely control infected devices A key characteristic of DroidBot is its operation as a Malware-as-a-Service (MaaS), allowing cybercriminals to rent the malware for $3,000 per month. At least 17 affiliate groups use the malware, each customizing it to attack specific targets. Researchers believe the malware’s creators are Turkish, as suggested by language settings in leaked screenshots. So far, 776 infections have been confirmed, mostly in Europe. DroidBot’s infection vectors primarily rely on social engineering tactics, tricking users into downloading the malicious app through fake security updates or cloned applications. Once installed, it can remotely control the device, execute commands, and even darken the screen to hide its activity. Always be careful with the software you’re installing! Protect Yourself Against Crypto-Stealing Malware It’s necessary to stay vigilant in the online world. Likewise, you can take some preventive measures against potential attacks. Avoid downloading apps from unofficial sources to reduce malware risks. Avoid downloading apps from unofficial sources to reduce malware risks. Regularly update your OS and apps to patch vulnerabilities. Always keep proper security tools (antivirus, antispyware, etc.)


When pasting crypto addresses, monitor your clipboard activity to detect unauthorized modifications. In Obyte, you can avoid crypto addresses and instead send funds __through textcoins__or attestations.


Keep your private keys outside the digital world. In Obyte, it’s also possible to __erase the words__from the wallet after writing them down physically.


Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for all your accounts. In Obyte wallets, you can do this by creating a multidevice account from the Global Settings.


**Limit browser and app permissions to prevent potential attacks.**If you need to download an app, check its rank and number of downloads (legitimate apps often have thousands and millions of downloads.)


Verify GitHub repositories before downloading code.


Use well-known software tools for job interviews, instead of downloading new brands that you’ve never heard of before. If your potential employer insists, suspect them and research more about them.


Stay informed and updated on new security and crypto trends from reliable sources! Regularly update your OS and apps to patch vulnerabilities. Always keep proper security tools (antivirus, antispyware, etc.) Regularly update your OS and apps to patch vulnerabilities. Always keep proper security tools (antivirus, antispyware, etc.) When pasting crypto addresses, monitor your clipboard activity to detect unauthorized modifications. In Obyte, you can avoid crypto addresses and instead send funds __through textcoins__or attestations. When pasting crypto addresses, monitor your clipboard activity to detect unauthorized modifications. In Obyte, you can avoid crypto addresses and instead send funds __through textcoins__or attestations. When pasting crypto addresses, monitor your clipboard activity to detect unauthorized modifications. Obyte Obyte through textcoins Keep your private keys outside the digital world. In Obyte, it’s also possible to __erase the words__from the wallet after writing them down physically. Keep your private keys outside the digital world. In Obyte, it’s also possible to __erase the words__from the wallet after writing them down physically. erase the words Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for all your accounts. In Obyte wallets, you can do this by creating a multidevice account from the Global Settings. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for all your accounts. In Obyte wallets, you can do this by creating a multidevice account from the Global Settings. Obyte wallets Obyte wallets **Limit browser and app permissions to prevent potential attacks.**If you need to download an app, check its rank and number of downloads (legitimate apps often have thousands and millions of downloads.) **Limit browser and app permissions to prevent potential attacks.**If you need to download an app, check its rank and number of downloads (legitimate apps often have thousands and millions of downloads.) Verify GitHub repositories before downloading code. Verify GitHub repositories before downloading code. Use well-known software tools for job interviews, instead of downloading new brands that you’ve never heard of before. If your potential employer insists, suspect them and research more about them. Use well-known software tools for job interviews, instead of downloading new brands that you’ve never heard of before. If your potential employer insists, suspect them and research more about them. Use well-known software tools for job interviews, instead of downloading new brands that you’ve never heard of before Stay informed and updated on new security and crypto trends from reliable sources! Stay informed and updated on new security and crypto trends from reliable sources! Featured Vector Image by Freepik Featured Vector Image by Freepik Freepik Freepik

2025 Has Already Brought a Host of New Crypto-Stealing Malwares—Here's 5 to Watch Out For

2025 قد حصل بالفعل على مجموعة من الوسائل الخبيثة الجديدة التي تسرق الائتمان - هنا 5 لمراقبة

2025 Ужо прынесла шэраг новых крадзяжоў криптовалют — вось 5, каб паглядзець на

2025 hat bereits eine Vielzahl neuer Krypto-diebstahlender Malwares gebracht – hier sind 5, auf die Sie achten sollten

2025 ya ha traído una multitud de nuevos malwares de robo de criptomonedas - Aquí hay 5 para cuidar

2025 on jo tuonut joukon uusia salauksen varastamia haittaohjelmia - tässä on 5 varoa

2025はすでに新しい暗号盗難マルウェアのホストをもたらしました―ここに注意が必要な5

2025 Kofutela Kofutela Kofutela Kofutela Kofutela Kofutela Kofutela Kofutela Kofutela Kofutela Kofutela Kofutela Kofutela Kofutela Kofutela

2025-ийн шинэ Crypto-Stealing Malwares - Энд үзэх 5

2025 දැනටමත් නව Crypto-Stealing Malwares - මෙන්න බලන්න 5

2025 už priniesol množstvo nových šifrovacích škodlivých programov – tu je 5, na ktoré si treba dávať pozor

At this time, it would be unusual for an industry not to have a place in the world of decentralized ledgers and cryptocurrencies. Everyone can offer something here. Memecoins, for instance, offer basically nothing besides fun, but we also have the other side of the coin with Real-World Assets (RWA) tokens and platforms. Just as the name suggests, they offer assets that already exist in the real world (the world outside of crypto) through tokenization features. To go into detail, Real-World Assets (RWAs) refer to physical or traditional financial assets that can be represented as digital tokens on a crypto network. These assets, which may include real estate, commodities, bonds, and art, hold intrinsic value and are widely recognized in global financial markets. To go into detail, Real-World Assets (RWAs) refer to physical or traditional financial assets that can be represented as digital tokens on a crypto network. The process of tokenizing RWAs involves converting ownership rights into ledger-based tokens, allowing these assets to be traded and accessed in a decentralized manner. Now, for practical reasons, every time you see the term “RWA” inside crypto, they’ll likely be talking about the tokens and platforms related to this concept, and not exactly to the assets involved. The process of tokenizing The process of tokenizing One of the most significant advantages of RWA tokenization is its ability to improve liquidity. Unlike traditional asset markets, which often involve complex transactions and lengthy processing times, crypto-based RWAs enable instant and global trading. Additionally, tokenization allows for fractional ownership, lowering entry barriers for investors who might otherwise be excluded due to high capital requirements —not everyone can buy a whole house, for instance, but a lot of people could hold a fraction of it and enjoy the benefits. RWA Use Cases Real-World assets (RWAs) have the potential to revolutionize various industries by making traditionally illiquid assets more accessible and flexible. One major use case is in government and corporate bonds, where tokenization allows investors to purchase small portions of these financial instruments instead of needing large sums of money upfront. This fractional ownership makes bond investments more inclusive while maintaining the benefits of Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT), such as enhanced transparency and instant transactions. In real estate, RWAs enable fractional property ownership, lowering the barriers to entry. Instead of purchasing an entire building, investors can buy tokens representing a share of a property and earn rental income. This simplifies real estate investment, making it more transparent and accessible. Additionally, tokenized industrial properties like warehouses and factories provide businesses with easier capital-raising options while offering investors a diversified portfolio. In real estate, RWAs enable fractional property ownership, lowering the barriers to entry. Instead of purchasing an entire building, investors can buy tokens representing a share of a property and earn rental income. RWAs also apply to physical commodities and collectibles, allowing fractional ownership of precious metals, artwork, and machinery. Instead of buying a whole gold bar or a rare painting, individuals can invest in small shares, benefiting from potential appreciation. As the adoption of RWAs grows, industries will continue to explore how tokenization can optimize asset ownership, increase market efficiency, and create new economic opportunities. RWAs in Obyte Obyte provides a cost-effective and accessible way to create tokenized RWAs, making it an appealing platform for both beginners and experts. As a decentralized, DAG-based system, Obyte eliminates intermediaries while ensuring seamless transactions. Users can generate custom tokens either with coding for advanced configurations or without coding through a simple online tool. This flexibility allows businesses and individuals to tokenize a wide range of assets, from financial instruments to loyalty rewards, without incurring high costs. Obyte Obyte Users can generate custom tokens either with coding for advanced configurations or without coding through a simple online tool. Unlike other networks, where tokens require separate smart contracts for transactions, Obyte treats all tokens equally, just like its native currency, GBYTE. This means transfers happen smoothly within the core protocol, reducing complexity and potential errors. Transaction fees are minimal, often less than $0.01, making it ideal for frequent and small-value transfers. Additional token features include adjustable supply, privacy settings, and regulatory compliance options, like requiring verified users for transfers. all tokens all tokens A notable real-world application of Obyte’s tokenization is Aufort, a European investment firm that represents gold holdings using Obyte's DAG network. This enables instant and global transactions while maintaining a custodial model for simplicity. Beyond this, Obyte’s tokenization tools can be used for any kind of fractional ownership, internal business credits, or custom digital assets tailored to specific needs. Obyte gives you the power to decide—no middlemen, no high costs, just your vision made real on-chain. Obyte’s tokenization tools Obyte’s tokenization tools Featured Vector Image by Freepik Featured Vector Image by Freepik Freepik Freepik

Educational Byte: What are Real-World Assets (RWA) Tokens in Crypto?

Opvoedkundige Byte: Wat is Real-World Assets (RWA) Tokens in Crypto?

Адукацыйны байт: Што такое рэальныя сусветныя актывы (RWA) токены ў крыпта?

Uddannelsesbyte: Hvad er real-world assets (RWA) tokens i Crypto?

Byte educativo: ¿Qué son los tokens de activos del mundo real (RWA) en Crypto?

Byte educativo: cosa sono i token del mondo reale (RWA) in Crypto?

教育バイト:仮想通貨における現実世界の資産(RWA)トークンとは何ですか?

ការបណ្តុះបណ្តាលបណ្តុះបណ្តុះបណ្តុះបណ្តុះបណ្តុះបណ្តុះបណ្តុះបណ្តុះបណ្តុះបណ្តុះបណ្តុះបណ្តុះបណ្តុះបណ្តុះបណ្តុះបណ្តុះបណ្តុះបណ្តុះបណ្តាល

Образовни бајтови: Што се реалниот свет средства (RWA) токени во крипто?

د زده کړې بیټ: په Crypto کې د حقیقي نړۍ د اټکلونو (RWA) ټوکنونه څه دي؟

Byte educacional: O que são tokens de ativos do mundo real (RWA) em criptografia?

According to CoinMarketCap (CMC), there are over 10,000 coins and tokens available to trade in different markets worldwide. Among them, we can find all kinds of things, from old-established cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Obyte to experimental DeFi platforms and memecoins. However, you might not know that, in addition to a vast array of tokens, there’s also a diverse selection of free crypto-related tools —ranging from practical to quirky and entertaining. CMC and CoinGecko are, for instance, two quite popular and useful crypto tools, but they’re far from being the only ones. We can discover some interesting things if we just look around a bit. Let’s see some platforms in this category. When Lambo? Memecoins are quite the thing now, but the crypto community always had its own internal memes and jokes without related tokens. “When Lambo” is an old one and a very popular one too. It implies a momentous question: when will we be able to afford an expensive Lamborghini car with our current crypto holdings? It’s known that prices change rapidly in the crypto space, so can you maybe get richer tomorrow with the same number of coins? We can dream, at least. “When Lambo” is so widespread around here that some years ago CMC changed all the prices from USD to LAMBOs in April’s Fools. And the question has its own calculator, to help you find out once and for all how much of a Lambo you can buy with your current holdings in different coins. The site Crypto to Lambo allows you to type the amount, choose between 100 coins and three Lamborghini models, and calculate, well, when Lambo? CMC changed CMC changed The site Crypto to Lambo allows you to type the amount, choose between 100 coins and three Lamborghini models, and calculate, well, when Lambo? Crypto to Lambo Crypto to Lambo The results will include what Lambo you can buy with your coins (at least a toy Lambo?), how many more tokens you need to buy it, the needed price per coin you’ll need to afford it, and the current percentage you have in your wallet. It’ll also lead you to trade on the exchanges Binance or Bitvavo, but that’s an additional option. Do your own research first! Wallet Scrutiny Cryptocurrencies are mostly decentralized, which means you have full control over your holdings if you have a private key. But wait a second, because there might be a trick there. The coins and their ledger are decentralized, yes, but the wallet you use to interact with crypto networks can be a completely different story. Wallets are often offered by middlemen (companies and developer teams), who generally have good intentions —but that’s not always the case. Some awful things (backdoors and other traps) could be hidden in their codes, beyond what we can see. Even if the wallets are open-source software, which means anyone can check their codes, not everyone knows how to. And worse: cybercriminals are designing fake wallets with the same name and branding as legitimate ones, aiming to trick users into downloading this malicious software from official app stores to steal their private keys. Some awful things (backdoors and other traps) could be hidden in their codes, beyond what we can see. Even if the wallets are open-source software, which means anyone can check their codes, not everyone knows how to Now, of course, there’s a way to avoid these bad scenarios, and we have several easy and free tools available for it. WalletScrunity is one of them, focused primarily on Bitcoin wallets, but basic information about others is available too. On this site, anyone can just type the name of their preferred wallet (software or hardware) and discover if it passed the tests and questions from their developers. Among those tests, they verify who’s the team behind the brand, if it’s open-source or not, if it’s non-custodial (offer private keys) or not, and if it’s the original product. They also offer safe links to download or buy the correct version. WalletScrunity WalletScrunity Crypto Bubbles With all their detailed data and long lists, sites to check cryptocurrency market caps, like CMC and CoinGecko, can be a tad overwhelming for beginners. Crypto Bubbles offers a more visual, dynamic experience to check the same data, using colorful bubbles and user-friendly interfaces to do it. The first thing you’ll see on this site is a lot of crypto logos and tickers floating around in bubbles of different sizes and colors, indeed. Crypto Bubbles offers a more visual, dynamic experience to check the same data, using colorful bubbles and user-friendly interfaces to do it. Crypto Bubbles Crypto Bubbles Green bubbles mean price increases —the larger the bubble, the higher the percentage change or market cap. Red bubbles imply negative percentages, and they also change in size, depending on the figures. It’s possible to order them per period (hour, day, week, month, year) or market cap size. In the Settings, they’ll let you change the currency for the prices (USD, EUR, CAD, etc.), languages, colors, and watchlists. If you click a bubble, more specific data, charts, and links about that currency will appear, summed up in a very graphical manner. Below the bubbles, a more traditional list of coins is also available to order by market cap, price, volume, or time changes. Or you can use their search bar to find your favorite coins. An app for iOS and Android can be downloaded too. TxCity Network explorers aren’t exactly the most colorful and user-friendly thing in the world. And let’s not talk about those long, incomprehensible alphanumeric strings that represent transactions and addresses. TxCity was created to see crypto transactions in a new, clearer light. By representing each transaction as a person attempting to board a bus—where buses symbolize blocks in a blockchain— this platform offers users a unique, real-time perspective on the available crypto networks. By representing each transaction as a person attempting to board a bus—where buses symbolize blocks in a blockchain— this platform offers users a unique, real-time perspective on the available crypto networks. Obviously, those networks are only blockchains — they are the kind of networks that have buses and bus drivers. This approach demystifies on-chain data, effectively converting mere transactional networks into visual ecosystems. https://x.com/tastycrypto/status/1887589349677744200?embedable=true https://x.com/tastycrypto/status/1887589349677744200?embedable=true By using TxCity, anyone can visualize transactions across multiple networks, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Bitcoin Cash, Monero, and Litecoin. The platform also plans to introduce features like bridge visualization between Ethereum and LUKSO, providing users with a real-time experience of their cross-chain transactions. Additionally, TxCity aims to represent wallets as characters or avatars, simplifying user interactions. TxCity TxCity To begin using TxCity, simply visit their website and select the chain you wish to explore. The platform will display live transactions as animated characters attempting to board buses, offering an engaging way to observe how transactions are processed and included in blocks. This visual representation not only makes it easier to understand crypto operations but also serves as an educational tool for those new to this space. Order a Pizza in Obyte Did you know you can order a Hawaiian, Pepperoni, or Mexican pizza using an Obyte chatbot? Well, at least as a role-play! The Obyte Testnet Wallet offers a fun and risk-free way to explore cryptocurrency transactions, including interacting with chatbots. By following simple steps, users can simulate making a purchase and experience how payments work within the Obyte ecosystem. It’s an engaging way to see how digital payments function while learning about Obyte’s capabilities in a relaxed and playful environment. The Obyte Testnet Wallet offers a fun and risk-free way to explore cryptocurrency transactions, including interacting with chatbots. Obyte Testnet Wallet Obyte Testnet Wallet A testnet is a duplicate version of a crypto network designed for learning, development, and testing. Unlike the mainnet, where transactions involve real assets, the testnet allows users to practice without any financial risk. The Obyte Testnet Wallet is a safe space where developers can refine their applications and everyday users can experiment with different features. To start, users can claim free testnet coins—tokens without market value—to send transactions, explore smart contracts, and even test advanced security measures like two-factor authentication (2FA) or multi-signature accounts. A testnet A testnet free testnet coins free testnet coins Beyond simulated pizza purchases, the testnet wallet offers a variety of features to explore. Users can try chatbots from the Bot Store, set up conditional payments, and experiment with wallet settings. It’s also possible to add new devices and test secure account recovery options. Everything is recorded on the testnet explorer, providing insights into how transactions are processed. Since no real money is involved, users can experiment freely and gain confidence before switching to the actual Obyte wallet. testnet explorer testnet explorer Obyte wallet Obyte wallet Featured Vector Image by Freepik Featured Vector Image by Freepik Freepik Freepik

5 Quirky and Useful Crypto Tools You Didn’t Know Before

New terms and systems keep coming to the crypto world, and “DePIN” is a relatively new one around. It means Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Network, and it can be defined as a system that uses Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) to gather and incentivize individuals to build and maintain real-world infrastructure, like wireless networks, massive storage, or energy grids, without central control. Or, in other words, mix a crypto network with some physical set-up provided by people globally, and you’ll likely have a DePIN. They can be more inclined toward physical services or more toward digital services, but they always include a physical part. In this sense, there are two main types of DePIN: Physical Resource Networks (PRNs) and Digital Resource Networks (DRNs). Or, in other words, mix a crypto network with some physical set-up provided by people globally, and you’ll likely have a DePIN. PRNs focus on real-world assets like hardware, energy, or mobility services, requiring a fixed location. DRNs, on the other hand, handle digital resources such as computing power or bandwidth, which are flexible and not tied to a place, but that still require some kind of physical device. Both models use token incentives to create decentralized networks for sharing resources efficiently. Examples of PNRs include Helium, which builds decentralized wireless networks, Hivemapper, which crowdsources global mapping using dashcam data, and WeatherXM, where individuals deploy weather stations to provide localized weather data in exchange for rewards. In the DRN realm, we have Akash Network, offering decentralized cloud computing; Golem, which provides distributed computing power, and Filecoin, which enables decentralized storage. Components of a DePIN At its core, DePIN relies on physical infrastructure, which includes tangible assets like Internet of Things (IoT) devices, routers, sensors, solar panels, and even satellites. These resources are typically owned and operated by individuals or businesses that contribute to the network in exchange for incentives. The infrastructure plays a crucial role in providing services such as connectivity, data collection, or energy distribution, forming the foundation of a DePIN ecosystem. DePIN ecosystem DePIN ecosystem To connect these physical assets with a decentralized ledger, a middleware layer is required. This component ensures seamless communication between the hardware and the crypto network. It functions similarly to decentralized oracles, gathering real-world data and transmitting it on-chain for processing. Middleware enhances interoperability, allowing different devices and systems to integrate smoothly within a DePIN. Once the data reaches the DLT, it’s securely recorded, processed, and used for automating transactions, managing demand, and ensuring fair distribution of services and rewards. It functions similarly to decentralized oracles, gathering real-world data and transmitting it on-chain for processing. decentralized oracles decentralized oracles A well-functioning DePIN also relies on governance and tokenomics. Governance mechanisms, often community-driven, ensure that decisions about the network’s development are made collectively. Tokenomics, on the other hand, provides incentives for participation by rewarding contributors with tokens. These tokens can be used for transactions, staking, or governance, ensuring a self-sustaining ecosystem where users and providers benefit from their contributions. Governance mechanisms Governance mechanisms IoT & Obyte Obyte offers a fully decentralized, censorship-resistant, and efficient framework that makes it well-suited as the foundation for a DePIN system. Unlike blockchains, which rely on block producers or “validators”, Obyte’s DAG-based architecture eliminates the need for intermediaries. Transactions are added directly by users, ensuring there is no single point of control that could be pressured to censor data or restrict participation. Obyte can ensure that DePIN participants remain autonomous while benefiting from a transparent and tamper-resistant record of activity. Obyte Obyte Obyte can ensure that DePIN participants remain autonomous while benefiting from a transparent and tamper-resistant record of activity. One of Obyte’s advantages is its lightweight and energy-efficient design, making it ideal for IoT-driven DePIN networks. IoT devices often operate with limited computing power and memory, and Obyte’s structure allows these devices to interact with the network without requiring excessive resources. The platform has already demonstrated its capabilities through proof-of-concept projects, including IoT-based payment systems, smart energy trading, and autonomous machine transactions. proof-of-concept projects proof-of-concept projects Beyond censorship-resistance and efficiency, Obyte’s customized oracles, tokenization features, and Autonomous Agents (AAs) provide a strong foundation for governing DePIN interactions. Oracles can connect real-world data to the ledger, and AAs can manage device authentication, enforce service agreements, and facilitate fair payments in a trustless environment. The platform has already enabled decentralized auctions, pay-per-use power tools, and secure IoT transactions, demonstrating its ability to facilitate real-world economic interactions. Beyond censorship-resistance and efficiency, Obyte’s customized oracles, tokenization features, and Autonomous Agents (AAs) provide a strong foundation for governing DePIN interactions. customized oracles customized oracles tokenization features tokenization features AAs AAs secure IoT transactions secure IoT transactions With its autonomy, resilience, and low operating costs, Obyte offers an ideal solution for DePIN projects that require fast, censorship-resistant, and cost-effective transactions among physical infrastructure providers and users. Featured Vector Image by Freepik Featured Vector Image by Freepik Freepik Freepik

Educational Byte: What is DePIN in Crypto?

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Təhsil Baytı: Kriptoda DePIN nədir?

Byte educativo: ¿Qué es DePIN en Crypto?

Educational Byte: Mikä on DePIN kryptovaluutassa?

בייט חינוכי: מהו DePIN בקריפטו?

教育バイト: 暗号通貨における DePIN とは何ですか?

교육용 바이트: 암호화폐에서 DePIN이란 무엇인가?

Едукативен бајт: Што е DePIN во Crypto?

Byte edukacyjne: Co to jest DEPIN w kryptowalutach?

අධ්යාපන බයිට්: Crypto වල DePIN යනු කුමක්ද?

Utbildningsbyte: Vad är DePIN i Crypto?

Byte giáo dục: DePIN trong Crypto là gì?

5 Funny and Weird Software You Can Use for Free - and Donate via Kivach

በነጻ ሊጠቀሙባቸው የሚችሉት 5 አስቂኝ እና እንግዳ ሶፍትዌር - እና በኪቫች በኩል ይለግሱ

5 Software divertido y extraño que puedes usar de forma gratuita - y donarte a través de Kivach

5 hauskaa ja outoa ohjelmistoa, joita voit käyttää ilmaiseksi – ja lahjoita Kivachin kautta

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5 Funny and Weird Software You Can Use for Free - and Donate via Kivach 無料で利用できる面白いソフトウェア

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5 забавных и странных программ, которые вы можете использовать бесплатно - и пожертвовать через Kivach

5 Software qesharake dhe të çuditshme që mund të përdorni falas - dhe të dhuroni përmes Kivach

5 roliga och konstiga program du kan använda gratis - och donera via Kivach

Mugt ulanyp boljak 5 gülkünç we geň programma üpjünçiligi - we Kivach arkaly bagyşlaň

Ücretsiz olarak kullanabileceğiniz 5 komik ve tuhaf yazılım - ve Kivach aracılığıyla bağış

5 Isoftware ehlekisayo kunye nengaqhelekanga onokuthi uyisebenzise simahla- kwaye uNikele ngeKivach

Cryptocurrency is software handled with other software (wallets, exchanges, etc.), therefore, some technical issues are bound to happen here and there for its users. As with any other software, these problems are occasional and not everyone experiences them.  Also, they’re often related to something the user did or didn’t do, and are easily fixable. Crypto troubleshooting may vary widely among different platforms and networks, but some common issues have easy solutions, without waiting for support. Whether transferring funds, managing private keys, or dealing with network settings, crypto users may face some technical hiccups. Understanding how deposits, withdrawals, and fees work can prevent common mistakes while knowing what to do in case of lost access or incorrect transactions can save time and stress. Let’s explore some cases. Whether transferring funds, managing private keys, or dealing with network settings, crypto users may face some technical hiccups. Loss of Devices or Private Keys You’ll need to remember this, always: cryptocurrencies aren’t banks or companies. There’s no “I forgot my password” button to recover your funds. The greatest strength of decentralized cryptocurrencies can also be their biggest drawback—it all depends on personal responsibility. Private keys are the sole means of accessing funds, giving owners complete control. However, because only they have access to these keys, losing them means losing their funds permanently, with no way to recover them or seek assistance. cryptocurrencies aren’t banks or companies Private keys are usually made up of twelve or more random words, much easier to memorize than any crypto address. You can do that, but, of course, it’s heavily advised to write them down offline and keep them in a safe place, far from curious eyes. The “offline” bit is important: leave them in your digital spaces as a screenshot or text, and you’re risking that a hacker (or even a family member or coworker?) can gain access to them. Anyone who has these words (keys) can trade with those funds. Don’t forget it. Private keys Private keys The “offline” bit is important: leave them in your digital spaces as a screenshot or text, and you’re risking that a hacker (or even a family member or coworker?) can gain access to them. Now, if you lost the device (mobile, desktop, or another) where you had your crypto wallet, that does have a very easy solution, at least for funds. The coins were never there, in the first place. Just go to another (personal) device, download the wallet app of your preference, and, instead of creating a new wallet, select the option to recover a wallet. Type your private keys there, and voilá. It’s important to note that this works only for public token funds in Obyte. The private assets, like Blackbytes, and other data stored in the wallet (private profiles, smart contracts, prosaic contracts, contracts with arbitration, chats, contacts, etc.) are stored in the user's device. Therefore, you must make separate backups for this data. It’s important to note that this works only for public token funds in Obyte. On the other hand, if you don’t remember your private keys or lost the paper/metal tag on which you have written them, but still have access to the digital app, you can recover your seed from there again if the function is still available. If it’s not, run and transfer all the funds to another wallet of your own (with private keys) before it’s too late.a Deposits & Withdrawals Depositing and withdrawing cryptocurrency can sometimes be tricky, especially for beginners. The process varies depending on whether you’re using a centralized exchange (CEX) or a non-custodial wallet or a decentralized exchange (DEX). In centralized exchanges (companies that offer this service, like Binance or Biconomy), deposits and withdrawals may be delayed or made impossible if your account isn’t fully verified, or if the exchange is undergoing maintenance, or if it went bankrupt, or it was hacked. or Biconomy or Biconomy Additionally, most centralized exchanges have deposit and withdrawal limits, which may require identity verification (KYC) to increase. It’s also important to double-check the selected crypto network when withdrawing, as sending funds to the wrong network could result in permanent loss or, at best, a complicated recovery process if the exchange allows it. We’ve written a guide to identify crypto networks. KYC KYC It’s also important to double-check the selected crypto network when withdrawing, as sending funds to the wrong network could result in permanent loss or, at best, a complicated recovery process if the exchange allows it. to identify crypto networks to identify crypto networks Decentralized Trading Decentralized Trading On decentralized exchanges and wallets, the process is more self-managed, meaning there’s often no customer support to assist with failed transactions. These aren’t that common, though. One key issue can be liquidity—certain tokens may not have enough buy/sell activity, causing delays or price slippage. That’s the difference between the expected price of a trade and the actual price at which it is executed, usually due to low liquidity or high market volatility. You could lose important percentages this way, but the DEX will always warn you. Network congestion can also lead to longer confirmation times and higher fees. Constantly ensure you have enough balance to cover gas fees, as all non-native tokens (including stablecoins) require the native coin of the network (such as ETH or GBYTE) to process transactions. If a transaction is stuck due to low fees, you may be able to speed it up by replacing it with a higher-fee version, depending on the network’s features. Also, depending on your wallet provider, you may be able to change transaction fee percentages in the settings. Constantly ensure you have enough balance to cover gas fees, as all non-native tokens (including stablecoins) require the native coin of the network (such as ETH or GBYTE) to process transactions. including stablecoins including stablecoins by replacing it by replacing it Regardless of the platform, always confirm the wallet address before sending funds, as crypto transactions cannot be reversed. If you experience issues, checking transaction explorers can provide insight into what went wrong. Most wallets offer links to chain explorers in every transaction. Incorrect Address or Network Sending cryptocurrency to the wrong address or network is a common mistake, often caused by human error, scams, or malware. Scammers use tactics like address poisoning, where they send small amounts to a user’s wallet to create a malicious but similar address in their transaction history, hoping the user copies it by mistake. Another risk comes from clipper malware, which modifies copied wallet addresses to replace them with an attacker’s address. address poisoning address poisoning clipper malware clipper malware To avoid these threats, always double-check the address character by character before confirming a transaction, and consider using a hardware wallet with a secure display for address verification. Some digital wallets, like MetaMask and Obyte, also allow the addition of addresses as contacts, making the process easier and more secure. In Obyte, you can also avoid addresses completely and use textcoins and attestations instead. Some digital wallets, like MetaMask and Obyte, also allow the addition of addresses as contacts, making the process easier and more secure. like MetaMask and Obyte like MetaMask and Obyte use textcoins and attestations instead use textcoins and attestations instead If coins are mistakenly sent to an unknown address, recovery is nearly impossible unless the recipient willingly returns them. You could send them a message (data) through another transaction if the network allows this function. For instance, this is possible through memos or tags in Ripple and Stellar, through OP_Return in Bitcoin, and just by sending data instead of funds in Obyte. through OP_Return through OP_Return Wrong Networks Wrong Networks If funds are sent to the wrong network or chain, recovery may be possible depending on compatibility. Some chains, like Ethereum and Binance Smart Chain (BSC), share the same address system, meaning assets may still be accessible through the same wallet on the correct network. In this case, adding the missing network to your multicurrency wallet (like MetaMask) and switching networks might reveal the funds. If funds are sent to the wrong network or chain, recovery may be possible depending on compatibility. depending on compatibility depending on compatibility However, non-compatible networks, such as Ethereum and Algorand, use different address structures, meaning tokens sent across them (if the transaction doesn't fail before being sent) are often lost permanently. Before transferring funds, always confirm the correct network and use a reputable cross-chain bridge if you need the funds in a different chain. a reputable cross-chain bridge a reputable cross-chain bridge In cases where funds are sent to an exchange by mistake, contacting their support team may help, though success depends on their policies. As a preventive measure, always test with a small amount first, ensure you are using the correct address, and verify network compatibility before making significant transactions. As a last resource, you could hire a company that specializes in funds recovery, like CNC Intelligence or CipherBlade. They may not succeed, though, and note that there are a lot of scammers claiming to be able to help with funds recovery. Always do your own research. As a preventive measure, always test with a small amount first, ensure you are using the correct address, and verify network compatibility before making significant transactions Troubleshooting in Obyte We follow general crypto best practices here: always back up your private keys, double-check addresses before sending (or better yet, use textcoins or attestations), and ensure you have enough GBYTE to cover transaction fees. If you’re using our decentralized exchanges (Oswap.io and ODEX) or our cross-chain bridge (Counterstake), check liquidity first to avoid failed swaps or delays. Additionally, since the major Obyte network upgrade in November 2024, older wallet versions are no longer compatible. If you’re experiencing issues, updating to the latest version is the first step to resolving many problems. Oswap.io Oswap.io ODEX ODEX Counterstake Counterstake major Obyte network upgrade major Obyte network upgrade Some common transaction errors can be fixed easily. If you encounter "could not send payment: authentifier verification failed," it likely means smart contract conditions haven’t been met. Contact your counterparty and, if applicable, your arbiter. "No bytes to pay fees" simply means you need to add GBYTE to your wallet before making a transaction that uses another token. Connection-related issues, such as "connect to light vendor failed," or "internal connection closed" might require checking your connection, your firewall settings, disabling Tor, or switching to a different hub. The last two options are available in the Settings (Global Preferences) of the wallet. Some common transaction errors Some common transaction errors If you encounter "could not send payment: authentifier verification failed," it likely means smart contract conditions haven’t been met. your arbiter your arbiter For private transactions, a "too many messages" error when sending Blackbytes can often be fixed by splitting the transfer into smaller amounts. If none of these solutions work, the #helpdesk channel in the Obyte Discord server is the best place to seek further assistance. Blackbytes Blackbytes Obyte Discord server Obyte Discord server Featured Vector Image by vectorjuice / Freepik Featured Vector Image by vectorjuice / Freepik Freepik Freepik

Crypto Troubleshooting: Simple Solutions to Common Problems

حل المشكلات: حلول بسيطة للمشاكل المشتركة

Solución de problemas de criptografía: soluciones simples a problemas comunes

Solución de problemas de criptografía: solucións sinxelas a problemas comúns

Crypto Troubleshooting: soluzioni semplici ai problemi comuni

暗号のトラブルシューティング: よくある問題に対する簡単な解決策

Penyelesaian Masalah Kripto: Penyelesaian Mudah untuk Masalah Biasa

Depanare Crypto: soluții simple la probleme comune

Crypto Gukemura Ikibazo: Ibisubizo Byoroshye Kubibazo Bisanzwe

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Crypto Troubleshooting: Solusions Simple to Common Problems (Diiwaanka Crypto: Solusions Simple to Common Problems)

Zgjidhja e problemeve të kriptove: Zgjidhje të thjeshta për problemet e zakonshme

Usuluhishi wa Crypto: Suluhisho Rahisi kwa Shida za Kawaida

Rewards are common in the crypto world, and there are several ways to put your assets to work for more. Liquidity mining is a widely popular method, but that’s just the beginning. Over the years, numerous financial instruments and techniques from traditional spheres have been adapted to cryptocurrencies and tokens. One of those techniques is rehypothecation. This concept traditionally refers to financial institutions using client assets (e.g., securities posted as collateral) for their own transactions, often leveraging them for additional trades or loans. That’s why the name: ‘hypothecated’ assets (assets offered as a guarantee for a debt) are re-used as a way for more financial gain. Customers aren’t always aware of this risky practice, but, if they are, they can be compensated with lower fees. The concept has been loosely adapted into some specific types of tokens and methods in crypto. Here, rehypothecated assets imply that the same cryptocurrency is reused in multiple places, usually to earn extra rewards, secure several networks at the same time, or provide more liquidity in different protocols. Let’s see some of the methods. has been loosely adapted has been loosely adapted Here, rehypothecated assets imply that the same cryptocurrency is reused in multiple places, usually to earn extra rewards, secure several networks at the same time, or provide more liquidity in different protocols. Restaking & Liquid Staking Restaking is a way to reuse staked assets to secure multiple Proof-of-Stake (PoS) crypto networks at once. In traditional staking, users lock up their crypto to help maintain a network and are compensated for it. Restaking builds on this by letting the same staked tokens be used to support additional protocols, increasing potential earnings. Restaking Restaking For instance, you can stake ETH on Ethereum, get staking rewards, then use a restaking protocol to secure another network with the same ETH, earning extra rewards. However, this also raises the risk of slashing—a penalty imposed when a “validator” misbehaves—since the assets are committed to multiple networks simultaneously. Despite these risks, restaking is seen as a way to improve capital efficiency in PoS security. For instance, you can stake ETH on Ethereum, get staking rewards, then use a restaking protocol to secure another network with the same ETH, earning extra rewards. On the other hand,liquid staking solves a major limitation of traditional staking: the inability to access locked funds. When users stake their assets, they usually can’t use them elsewhere. Liquid staking platforms create a solution by issuing tokens that represent the staked assets, allowing them to be traded or used in decentralized finance (DeFi) applications. For example, a user who stakes ETH through a liquid staking provider might receive a token like stETH, which can be used in lending or trading. This process boosts liquidity but also introduces risks, such as smart contract vulnerabilities and price fluctuations in the secondary market. liquid staking liquid staking Wrapped Tokens It’s important to remember that every crypto network is natively isolated from the others —they’re not connected and, therefore, their internal assets can’t be used outside of it without extra help. That’s why wrapped tokens were built: they’re coins that represent another asset on a different network. They’re often created by locking the original asset in a digital vault and minting an equivalent token on the new chain. This way, they enable different coins to move between different chains. They’re often created by locking the original asset in a digital vault and minting an equivalent token on the new chain. This way, they enable different coins to move between different chains. move between different chains move between different chains For example, Bitcoin can’t natively operate on Ethereum-like networks, but wrapping it into WBTC (Wrapped Bitcoin) allows it to be used on numerous DeFi platforms. While wrapped tokens themselves are not directly a form of rehypothecation, they can be further used in staking, lending, and trading, effectively multiplying their presence across multiple platforms. This increases liquidity but also raises concerns about centralization and asset custody. All of these methods contribute to rehypothecation by allowing the same assets to be utilized in multiple ways, often for additional rewards. While this can create more opportunities for users, it also comes with risks such as potential losses from slashing, smart contract failures, and reduced transparency in asset ownership. As with any financial decision, crypto holders should carefully consider the benefits and dangers before participating in these systems. Rehypothecation in Obyte Obyte isn’t a PoS network, using instead a Directed Acyclic Graph (DAG) and a system of Order Providers (OPs) to ensure decentralization and total autonomy of users. However, it offers a secure and neutral, interference-free environment for these kinds of activities due to its features, framed in a censorship-resistant and unstoppable crypto network. Obyte Obyte One of such features is customized assets: tokens you can create on Obyte to represent anything of value, like staked coins or wrapped tokens from other chains. These tokens can be used across different applications, such as staking, lending, or trading, without needing intermediaries. Obyte’s Autonomous Agents (AAs) and various apps, including the Counterstake Bridge, can automate these processes, making it easy to reuse your assets while keeping everything decentralized and secure. Wrapped Bitcoin, for instance, can be used through Counterstake. One of such features is customized assets: tokens you can create on Obyte to represent anything of value, like staked coins or wrapped tokens from other chains. customized assets customized assets Autonomous Agents Autonomous Agents Counterstake Bridge Counterstake Bridge Besides, Obyte’s public ledger ensures you can always see how your assets are being used. This, combined with its potential features and decentralized applications, makes Obyte a great platform for maximizing the use cases of your crypto assets while minimizing risks. Whether you’re staking, lending, or trading, Obyte provides the framework to safely and efficiently reuse your assets for greater rewards. Featured Vector Image by sentavio / Freepik Featured Vector Image by sentavio / Freepik Freepik Freepik Editor’s note: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Cryptocurrencies are speculative, complex, and involve high risks. This can mean high prices volatility and potential loss of your initial investment. You should consider your financial situation, investment purposes, and consult with a financial advisor before making any investment decisions. The HackerNoon editorial team has only verified the story for grammatical accuracy and does not endorse or guarantee the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of the information stated in this article. #DYOR Editor’s note: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Cryptocurrencies are speculative, complex, and involve high risks. This can mean high prices volatility and potential loss of your initial investment. You should consider your financial situation, investment purposes, and consult with a financial advisor before making any investment decisions. The HackerNoon editorial team has only verified the story for grammatical accuracy and does not endorse or guarantee the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of the information stated in this article. #DYOR Editor’s note: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Cryptocurrencies are speculative, complex, and involve high risks. This can mean high prices volatility and potential loss of your initial investment. You should consider your financial situation, investment purposes, and consult with a financial advisor before making any investment decisions. The HackerNoon editorial team has only verified the story for grammatical accuracy and does not endorse or guarantee the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of the information stated in this article. #DYOR Editor’s note: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Cryptocurrencies are speculative, complex, and involve high risks. This can mean high prices volatility and potential loss of your initial investment. You should consider your financial situation, investment purposes, and consult with a financial advisor before making any investment decisions. The HackerNoon editorial team has only verified the story for grammatical accuracy and does not endorse or guarantee the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of the information stated in this article. #DYOR

Crypto Rehypothecation: The High-Risk, High-Reward Strategy That Can Pay Off Big

Kripto rehipotekasiyası: Böyük Ödəyə bilən Yüksək Riskli, Yüksək Mükafat Strategiyası

Crypto Rehypothecation: La estrategia de alto riesgo y alta recompensa que puede pagar a los grandes

Rehypothecation Crypto: استراتژی پرخطر و با پاداش بالا که می تواند نتایج بزرگی را به همراه داشته باشد

暗号通貨の再担保：大きな利益を生む高リスク、高リターンの戦略

크립토 재담보: 큰 수익을 낼 수 있는 고위험 고수익 전략

Crypto Rehypothecation: ການຄາດຄະເນດິນດີຕ້ອນຮັບສູງ, ການຄາດຄະເນດິນດີຕ້ອນຮັບສູງ

Crypto Rehypothecation: Strategi Berisiko Tinggi, Ganjaran Tinggi yang Boleh Membayar Besar

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Kryptografická rehypotekácia: vysoko riziková stratégia s vysokou odmenou, ktorá sa môže výrazne vyplatiť

Крипто рехипотецатион: стратегија високог ризика, високе награде која може исплатити велике

Crypto Rehypothecation: Strategin med hög risk och hög belöning som kan löna sig stort

Crypto Rehypothecation: Ang High-Risk, High-Reward Strategy na Maaari Pagbayad ng Big

A curious thing about cypherpunks is that, despite the cryptography-for-privacy niche being small in the '90s, many of them stepped into the world and built amazing products, platforms, and careers. Not everyone can achieve global recognition, but many cypherpunks have. Jon Callas, a participant in the original cypherpunk mailing list, is another well-known figure now, especially in the computer science field. Jon Callas began his professional journey around 1980 at the University of Maryland, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in mathematics, complemented by minors in philosophy and English literature. His career took off when he joined Century Computing as a member of the technical staff, followed by a significant tenure at Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) —a major American player in the computer field at the time. At DEC, he contributed to a wide range of projects, from operating system security to cross-platform communications. Jon Callas began his professional journey around 1980 at the University of Maryland, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in mathematics, complemented by minors in philosophy and English literature. Jon Callas Jon Callas In the 1990s, Callas co-founded World Benders, Inc., where he led the development of Meeting Space, a pioneering cross-platform collaboration tool. Later, he became deeply involved in the cypherpunk movement. His work during this period reflected his commitment to secure communications and digital rights, principles that would define his career. cypherpunk movement cypherpunk movement Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, Callas held key roles at various organizations, including Counterpane Internet Security and Wave Systems Corporation, where he focused on network security and cryptographic systems. But other brands ultimately brought him greater recognition. Apple & PGP Callas first joined Apple in 1995 as a senior scientist, focusing on security and cryptographic products. During this period, he worked on networking and privacy solutions, including early encryption for Mac OS. He also helped develop PowerTalk, one of the first operating system-integrated encryption tools. That wasn’t popular at the time, however, he salvaged a key component—Keychain, Apple's password manager—which later evolved into a core security feature. In 1997, Callas moved to PGP, Inc., a company founded by another known cypherpunk: Phil Zimmermann, the creator of Pretty Good Privacy (PGP). This was the first widely available public-key encryption software for email and file security. Callas became chief scientist, playing a crucial role in shaping PGP’s security architecture. In 1997, Callas moved to PGP, Inc., a company founded by another known cypherpunk: Phil Zimmermann, the creator of Pretty Good Privacy (PGP). Phil Zimmermann Phil Zimmermann When Network Associates acquired PGP later that year, he took on the role of CTO for their Total Network Security Division, where he helped standardize OpenPGP. After leaving in 1999, he co-founded PGP Corporation in 2002, serving as CTO and CSO, refining encryption tools and overseeing security for PGP products until 2009. Callas returned to Apple in 2009 as a "Security Privateer," developing FileVault 2, Apple’s full-disk encryption system, and working on security approvals for iOS. He briefly left for roles in other security firms but rejoined Apple in 2016 as a Security Design and Architecture Manager, continuing his contributions to cryptographic security there until 2018. His agenda for privacy and security didn’t change, though.\ rejoined Apple rejoined Apple Silent Circle & Blackphone Callas co-founded the company Silent Circle in 2012 and its Blackphone in 2013, serving as Silent Circle’s CTO until April 2016. Alongside Phil Zimmermann and other security experts, he helped build Silent Circle into a provider of encrypted communication tools, including secure voice, video, and text messaging services. The Blackphone, introduced in 2014, and described as “the first cypherpunk smartphone,” was a device designed specifically for privacy, created through a collaboration between Silent Circle and Geeksphone. It ran on PrivatOS, a customized version of Android that removed unnecessary tracking features and provided built-in encryption, VPN services, and smart app permission controls. The Blackphone, introduced in 2014, and described as “the first cypherpunk smartphone,” was a device designed specifically for privacy, created through a collaboration between Silent Circle and Geeksphone. the first cypherpunk smartphone the first cypherpunk smartphone https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FnojAyOHFPw&embedable=true https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FnojAyOHFPw&embedable=true Marketed to businesses and privacy-conscious users, the Blackphone was intended to be a secure alternative to mainstream smartphones, prioritizing user control over data. Despite its innovative approach, sales fell short of expectations, contributing to Silent Circle’s financial struggles in 2016. While the Blackphone project was short-lived, it marked a significant step in privacy-focused technology. Silent Phone, originally an app bundled with the Blackphone, became its spiritual successor and the company’s primary product, offering encrypted voice, video, and messaging services across various platforms, including iOS and Android.\ Silent Phone Silent Phone Ads & Privacy After these initiatives and roles, Callas never stopped working for security and privacy. In 2018, he joined the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) as a Senior Technology Fellow, where he worked until August 2020. He then transitioned to the cypherpunk-founded Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), serving as Director of Public Interest Technology until June 2023. That same year, he founded Zatik Security, a cybersecurity firm aimed at helping small and medium-sized businesses establish strong security measures. Additionally, since November 2023, he has been a Senior Computer Scientist at the nonprofit SRI International. Callas has been vocal about the growing threats to privacy, emphasizing that large technology corporations pose a greater risk than governments. His concerns center around the widespread practice of collecting and monetizing personal data for advertising, which creates an economy dependent on user surveillance. He believes that companies prioritizing privacy are more resilient, particularly if the digital advertising industry faces economic instability. The ongoing conflict over ad-blocking, which pits privacy-focused users against ad-driven business models, exemplifies this divide. Callas has been vocal about the growing threats to privacy, emphasizing that large technology corporations pose a greater risk than governments His stance highlights a fundamental split in Silicon Valley: while companies like Apple and Microsoft monetize products and services without relying on user data sales, others, such as Google and Facebook, generate the majority of their revenue through advertising. Callas argues that ad-driven companies are at risk if the industry declines, forcing them to rethink their business models. He sees the ad-blocker dispute as a key battle for digital privacy, one that could reshape the tech industry’s relationship with user data, at least in the long term. His stance His stance Crypto is a Tool Even before that warning about big companies, Callas has been clearly against surveillance or even banning of privacy tools, alleging that they’re just that: tools. And tools can be used by anyone, everywhere, for any purpose. An old message (by him) from the cypherpunk mailing list reads: An old message An old message “Politically, I’m a Lockeian, and put privacy up there with Locke’s basic trio of life, liberty, and property. As part of this, I fight the stupid notion that because there are bad people out there, rights should be abridged. Crypto[graphy] is a tool, and nigh any useful tool can be misused. If we let that fact stop us from making tools, we’d be using nerf axes and dressing in bubble wrap. If we let the fact that bad guys are using our stuff bother us too much, we’d be against privacy.” “Politically, I’m a Lockeian, and put privacy up there with Locke’s basic trio of life, liberty, and property. As part of this, I fight the stupid notion that because there are bad people out there, rights should be abridged. Crypto[graphy] is a tool, and nigh any useful tool can be misused. If we let that fact stop us from making tools, we’d be using nerf axes and dressing in bubble wrap. If we let the fact that bad guys are using our stuff bother us too much, we’d be against privacy.” Obyte embodies these privacy and freedom principles by eliminating central intermediaries and giving users full control over their data and transactions. As a Directed Acyclic Graph (DAG) crypto network without middlemen, it ensures censorship resistance and decentralization, key tenets in Callas’s vision of privacy-first technology. Its privacy-focused features, such as Blackbytes, an untraceable currency, and encrypted chat and chatbots, allow anyone to preserve these fundamental rights. Obyte embodies these privacy and freedom principles by eliminating central intermediaries and giving users full control over their data and transactions. Obyte Obyte Blackbytes Blackbytes and chatbots and chatbots Obyte’s smart contracts, decentralized assets, and self-sovereign identity (SSI) further enhance user autonomy, allowing trustless interactions without reliance on centralized entities. By prioritizing security and user control, Obyte presents an alternative to centralized ecosystems, reinforcing the idea that privacy-focused models can be both sustainable and resilient against economic shifts in the digital landscape. decentralized assets decentralized assets SSI SSI Read more from Cypherpunks Write Code series: Tim May & Crypto-anarchism
Wei Dai & B-money
Nick Szabo & Smart Contracts
Adam Back & Hashcash
Eric Hughes & Remailer
St Jude & Community Memory
Julian Assange & Wikileaks
Hal Finney & RPOW
John Gilmore & EFF
Satoshi Nakamoto & Bitcoin
Gregory Maxwell & Bitcoin Core
David Chaum & Ecash
Vinay Gupta & Mattereum
Jim Bell & Assassination Politics
Peter Todd & Bitcoin Core
Len Sassaman & Remailers
Eva Galperin Against Stalkerware
Suelette Dreyfus & Free Speech Tim May & Crypto-anarchism Tim May & Crypto-anarchism Tim May & Crypto-anarchism Wei Dai & B-money Wei Dai & B-money Wei Dai & B-money Nick Szabo & Smart Contracts Nick Szabo & Smart Contracts Nick Szabo & Smart Contracts Adam Back & Hashcash Adam Back & Hashcash Adam Back & Hashcash Eric Hughes & Remailer Eric Hughes & Remailer Eric Hughes & Remailer St Jude & Community Memory St Jude & Community Memory St Jude & Community Memory Julian Assange & Wikileaks Julian Assange & Wikileaks Julian Assange & Wikileaks Hal Finney & RPOW Hal Finney & RPOW Hal Finney & RPOW John Gilmore & EFF John Gilmore & EFF John Gilmore & EFF Satoshi Nakamoto & Bitcoin Satoshi Nakamoto & Bitcoin Satoshi Nakamoto & Bitcoin Gregory Maxwell & Bitcoin Core Gregory Maxwell & Bitcoin Core Gregory Maxwell & Bitcoin Core David Chaum & Ecash David Chaum & Ecash David Chaum & Ecash Vinay Gupta & Mattereum Vinay Gupta & Mattereum Vinay Gupta & Mattereum Jim Bell & Assassination Politics Jim Bell & Assassination Politics Jim Bell & Assassination Politics Peter Todd & Bitcoin Core Peter Todd & Bitcoin Core Peter Todd & Bitcoin Core Len Sassaman & Remailers Len Sassaman & Remailers Len Sassaman & Remailers Eva Galperin Against Stalkerware Eva Galperin Against Stalkerware Eva Galperin Against Stalkerware Suelette Dreyfus & Free Speech Suelette Dreyfus & Free Speech Suelette Dreyfus & Free Speech Featured Vector Image by Garry Killian / Freepik Freepik Photograph of Jon Callas by SkyDogCon / X

Jon Callas, the Cypherpunk That Built Tools Big Tech Fears

ጆን ካላስ፣ መሣሪያዎችን የገነባው ሳይፈርፑንክ ትልቅ የቴክኖሎጂ ፍራቻ

জন ক্যালাস, সাইফারপাঙ্ক যিনি সরঞ্জাম তৈরি করেছিলেন, বড় প্রযুক্তির ভয়

Jon Callas, el cypherpunk que creó las herramientas que temen las grandes tecnológicas

Jon Callas, il cypherpunk che ha creato gli strumenti che la Big Tech teme

ג'ון קאלאס, הסייפרפאנק שבנה כלים פחדים גדולים מטכנולוגיה

ジョン・カラス、大手テック企業が恐れるツールを作ったサイファーパンク

លោក Jon Callas ដែលជា Cypherpunk ដែលបង្កើតជាឧបករណ៍ដែលធ្វើឲ្យមានការភ័យខ្លាចខាងបច្ចេកវិទ្យាធំ

Jon Callas, Cypherpunk E Agile Didirišwa tša Theknolotši e Kgolo di Poifo

ජෝන් කැලස්, මෙවලම් විශාල තාක්ෂණික බියක් ඇති කළ සයිෆර්පන්ක්

Büyük Teknoloji Korkularını Yıkacak Araçlar Üreten Cypherpunk Jon Callas

Jon Callas, Cypherpunk Leyi Akeke Switirhisiwa Leswi Big Tech Yi Chavaka

乔恩·卡拉斯（Jon Callas），打造工具的密码朋克，引发科技巨头的恐慌

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

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

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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

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Секоја голема крипто измама, рангирана од најмалку до најмногу украдени

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Sapa Hatun Cripto Estafa, Rankikusqan Aswan pisimanta Aswan Suwasqakama

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

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