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21 May 2026, 02:35
RetoSwap Monero DEX Exploited: $2.7 Million in XMR Stolen
BitcoinWorld RetoSwap Monero DEX Exploited: $2.7 Million in XMR Stolen Monero-based decentralized exchange RetoSwap has suffered a security breach, resulting in the theft of approximately 7,000 XMR, valued at around $2.7 million at current market prices. The incident was first flagged by blockchain security firm PeckShield, which identified the exploit on the platform. Details of the RetoSwap Exploit According to PeckShield’s preliminary analysis, the attacker exploited a vulnerability within RetoSwap’s smart contract infrastructure. The exact nature of the exploit—whether it involved a flash loan attack, a price oracle manipulation, or a code vulnerability—has not yet been fully disclosed by the RetoSwap team. The stolen funds were moved to a separate wallet address, and the attacker has not yet attempted to launder the XMR through known mixing services, according to on-chain data analysts. Implications for Privacy-Focused DeFi This attack highlights the persistent security challenges facing decentralized exchanges, particularly those built on privacy-focused blockchains like Monero. While Monero’s inherent privacy features make transaction tracing difficult, they also introduce unique complexities for smart contract development and auditing. The RetoSwap incident serves as a stark reminder that DeFi platforms, regardless of their underlying blockchain, must prioritize rigorous security audits and bug bounty programs to protect user funds. Market and Community Response The Monero community has reacted with concern, as the hack undermines trust in the nascent Monero DeFi ecosystem. XMR’s price saw a minor dip of approximately 1.5% in the hours following the news, reflecting a cautious market sentiment. RetoSwap has not yet released an official post-mortem or announced plans for user reimbursement, leaving affected users in a state of uncertainty. This incident follows a pattern of similar exploits targeting smaller DEXs, where liquidity pools are often less diversified and security measures may be less robust than those on larger platforms. Conclusion The $2.7 million theft from RetoSwap underscores the ongoing security risks within the decentralized finance space, particularly for niche platforms. As the investigation unfolds, the incident will likely prompt renewed calls for enhanced security standards and more transparent incident response protocols across the Monero ecosystem. FAQs Q1: What is RetoSwap? RetoSwap is a decentralized exchange (DEX) built on the Monero blockchain, allowing users to swap Monero-based tokens without a central intermediary. Q2: How much was stolen in the RetoSwap hack? Approximately 7,000 XMR, valued at around $2.7 million at the time of the attack, was stolen. Q3: Has the attacker been identified? No. The attacker’s identity remains unknown. The funds have been moved to a separate wallet, but no laundering activity has been publicly detected yet. This post RetoSwap Monero DEX Exploited: $2.7 Million in XMR Stolen first appeared on BitcoinWorld .
21 May 2026, 02:29
SpaceX targets 10,000 launches a year within five years, FAA administrator says
SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell told FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford the company is targeting 10,000 rocket launches a year within five years. “I don’t think today we’re the limiting factor,” Bedford added. The target aligns with Elon Musk’s March 31 post on X: “In 4 or 5 years, there will be a launch every hour.” Hourly launches would total about 8,760 annually. SpaceX currently flies about 160 orbital missions a year. It completed 154 launches in 2025 and hit 50 by late April 2026, per SpaceDaily. The entire world managed about 250 launches last year. The 10,000 target represents a roughly 60-fold increase over SpaceX’s own current pace and a 40-fold increase over global output. SpaceX needs 51 times its current FAA approval to hit the target The FAA has approved SpaceX for a combined 195 launches per year across its four active sites. Starbase in Texas holds a 25-launch annual cap after the FAA raised it from 5 in May 2025. Kennedy Space Center’s Launch Complex 39A was cleared for 44 Starship launches per year in a February 2026 environmental impact statement. Two new Starship pads at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station can handle 76 annually. Vandenberg in California was recently approved for 50 Falcon 9 launches, up from 36. Getting from 195 approved launches to 10,000 requires more than building rockets. Laura Forczyk, founder of space consultancy Astralytical, has said the challenge extends to “airspace integration, supply chain and regulatory scaling.” Casey Dreier of The Planetary Society has argued it would mean “moving from bespoke launch licensing to something closer to airline-style operational approvals.” Starship V3 is behind schedule and two test flights have failed Falcon 9 cannot sustain the kind of frequency Shotwell described. Its current pace of one launch every two to three days is already the fastest sustained cadence any orbital rocket has achieved. The 10,000 target depends on Starship reaching full reusability and rapid turnaround. SpaceX’s next Starship flight test is scheduled for no earlier than May 21 from Starbase. The mission will test upgraded versions of both Super Heavy and Starship, deploy 20 Starlink satellite simulators, and attempt a booster landing at sea. Two earlier test flights broke apart during flight. The V3 variant is behind the original schedule. FAA Deputy Associate Administrator Minh Nguyen said at the ASCEND 2026 conference on May 19 that the agency expects “another 1,000 launches and reentries, likely in the next four or five years. SpaceX’s stated target is ten times higher. If you're reading this, you’re already ahead. Stay there with our newsletter .
21 May 2026, 01:40
TAC Recovers Majority of Funds After $2.85M TON Bridge Exploit, Users Made Whole
BitcoinWorld TAC Recovers Majority of Funds After $2.85M TON Bridge Exploit, Users Made Whole Blockchain project TAC has successfully recovered the majority of funds stolen in a $2.85 million exploit targeting its TON bridge on May 11, according to a detailed post-mortem report released by the team. The incident, which involved a sophisticated attack on the bridge’s verification system, initially resulted in the loss of locked assets on the TON side and the unauthorized issuance of uncollateralized assets on the TAC platform. How the Exploit Worked The post-mortem reveals that the attacker bypassed the bridge’s code hash verification by deploying a counterfeit contract designed to mimic a legitimate jetton wallet. This fraudulent contract tricked the bridge into processing fake inputs as valid USDT deposits. As a result, the bridge issued uncollateralized assets on the TAC side while draining the corresponding locked assets from the TON network. The stolen funds were quickly laundered across multiple blockchain networks using the LayerZero interoperability protocol, a common tactic employed by attackers to obscure the trail and complicate recovery efforts. Security firm Hypernative detected the breach immediately, but initial recovery attempts were unsuccessful. Recovery and User Compensation Despite the early setback, TAC stated that it has recovered most of the stolen funds through direct negotiations with involved parties. To ensure no user bears a loss, the project will use its foundation treasury to cover any remaining shortfall, guaranteeing that all affected users are fully compensated. The team emphasized that the bridge’s sequencer, which was paused following the exploit, will be gradually reactivated only after undergoing external audits and peer reviews to prevent a recurrence. Why This Matters for DeFi Security This incident highlights a persistent vulnerability in cross-chain bridge infrastructure: the reliance on code hash verification as a security gate. Attackers are increasingly finding ways to deploy look-alike contracts that pass superficial checks, exploiting trust assumptions in the verification process. For users, the outcome here is relatively positive, but it underscores the importance of using bridges that have undergone rigorous, independent security audits and maintain robust monitoring systems. The speed with which funds were moved across networks via LayerZero also demonstrates the growing sophistication of crypto laundering techniques, placing additional pressure on security firms and blockchain analytics platforms to improve real-time detection capabilities. Conclusion TAC’s swift recovery of most funds and its commitment to full user compensation represent a best-case scenario following a serious security breach. However, the attack serves as a reminder that cross-chain bridges remain high-value targets. The project’s decision to subject its patched sequencer to external audits before full reactivation is a prudent step toward rebuilding user trust and strengthening long-term security posture. FAQs Q1: How much was stolen in the TAC bridge exploit? The attacker drained approximately $2.85 million in locked assets from the TON side of the bridge. Q2: Will TAC users lose money from this hack? No. TAC has recovered most of the funds and will use foundation reserves to cover any remaining losses, ensuring all users are fully compensated. Q3: What security flaw did the attacker exploit? The attacker bypassed the bridge’s code hash verification by deploying a counterfeit contract that mimicked a legitimate jetton wallet, tricking the bridge into processing fake USDT deposits. This post TAC Recovers Majority of Funds After $2.85M TON Bridge Exploit, Users Made Whole first appeared on BitcoinWorld .
21 May 2026, 01:35
NHN KCP Tests Stablecoin Payments to Unify Online and Offline Transactions
BitcoinWorld NHN KCP Tests Stablecoin Payments to Unify Online and Offline Transactions South Korean payment giant NHN KCP has launched a proof-of-concept (PoC) to evaluate the feasibility of integrating blockchain-based stablecoins into its payment infrastructure, according to a report from Newsis. The trial is being conducted on a dedicated payment-focused mainnet developed in collaboration with Avalanche, a global blockchain platform. Bridging Online and Offline Payments with Stablecoins NHN KCP, a comprehensive payment processor, aims to connect its widely used PAYCO simple payment service with the new stablecoin system. The goal is to create what the company describes as the industry’s first integrated stablecoin payment ecosystem capable of handling both online and offline transactions seamlessly. This PoC represents a significant step toward mainstream adoption of digital currencies in everyday commerce, moving beyond speculative trading into practical, regulated financial applications. Why This Matters for the Payments Industry The move by NHN KCP is notable because it addresses a key friction point in current digital payment systems: the separation between online and offline payment rails. By leveraging stablecoins — cryptocurrencies pegged to a stable asset like the U.S. dollar — the company hopes to reduce transaction costs, speed up settlement times, and offer a unified payment experience. Avalanche’s high-throughput blockchain provides the necessary scalability and low latency for real-time payment processing, which is critical for retail environments. Implications for Merchants and Consumers For merchants, a stablecoin-based system could lower processing fees compared to traditional credit card networks and reduce the complexity of managing multiple payment methods. For consumers, it promises a smoother checkout experience whether shopping online or at a physical store. The integration with PAYCO, which already has a substantial user base in South Korea, could accelerate adoption if the PoC proves successful. Conclusion NHN KCP’s stablecoin proof-of-concept with Avalanche marks a practical exploration of blockchain technology in mainstream financial services. If successful, it could pave the way for broader acceptance of stablecoins in regulated payment ecosystems, particularly in markets with high digital payment penetration like South Korea. The industry will be watching closely for results and potential commercial rollout. FAQs Q1: What is NHN KCP testing with stablecoins? NHN KCP is conducting a proof-of-concept to test the viability of using stablecoins for both online and offline payments, built on the Avalanche blockchain and integrated with its PAYCO service. Q2: Why is Avalanche being used for this trial? Avalanche offers a high-speed, low-cost blockchain platform suitable for payment processing, with the scalability needed to handle retail transaction volumes in real time. Q3: How could stablecoin payments benefit consumers? If successful, consumers could enjoy a unified payment experience across online and offline channels, potentially with lower fees and faster transaction confirmations compared to traditional methods. This post NHN KCP Tests Stablecoin Payments to Unify Online and Offline Transactions first appeared on BitcoinWorld .
21 May 2026, 01:10
Bitcoin stays above $70,000 after $1.14B selloff
🚨 $1.14 billion in $BTC was sold as Bitcoin stayed above $70,000. Network activity and revenue on Coinbase’s Base blockchain are rising despite negative premium. 🧠 Critical data: Technical charts and futures show buyers remain strong and selling pressure is easing. Continue Reading: Bitcoin stays above $70,000 after $1.14B selloff The post Bitcoin stays above $70,000 after $1.14B selloff appeared first on COINTURK NEWS .
21 May 2026, 00:50
Polaris Office Wins $7 Million South Korean Government AI Contract; POLA Token Faces Bithumb Delisting Review
BitcoinWorld Polaris Office Wins $7 Million South Korean Government AI Contract; POLA Token Faces Bithumb Delisting Review Polaris Office, the company behind the Polaris Share (POLA) blockchain project, has been selected to lead a major government-funded artificial intelligence initiative in South Korea. The project, with a total budget of approximately 9.6 billion won (about $7.0 million), was reported by Newsis on [date of article]. Polaris Office will jointly manage the project with Handysoft, another South Korean technology firm. Project Details and Objectives The initiative is part of the “Development of Technology to Overcome Limitations of Lightweight, Low-Power AI” program, supported by South Korea’s Ministry of Science and ICT and the Institute of Information & Communications Technology Planning & Evaluation (IITP). The primary goal is to develop ultra-efficient, lightweight AI models specialized for document collaboration. This effort is framed as a matter of digital sovereignty, aiming to reduce reliance on foreign AI technologies for sensitive document processing. The research phase is expected to last approximately three years and nine months, with a conclusion targeted for 2029. Contrasting Fortunes: POLA Token Under Scrutiny While the company celebrates this government contract, its cryptocurrency project, Polaris Share (POLA), faces significant headwinds. South Korean crypto exchange Bithumb recently placed POLA on its delisting watchlist. Bithumb stated that a comprehensive review revealed “significant deficiencies” in the project’s business progress, token adoption, and community activity. This development introduces a stark contrast between the company’s traditional software business success and the struggles of its blockchain venture. What This Means for Investors and Users For investors and users of the Polaris ecosystem, this situation presents a mixed picture. The government AI contract validates the company’s technical capabilities and could lead to long-term revenue streams. However, the potential delisting of POLA from a major exchange like Bithumb could severely impact the token’s liquidity and market value. The divergence between the company’s core software business and its cryptocurrency project highlights the risks associated with tokens tied to companies with broader operations. Conclusion Polaris Office’s $7 million government AI contract marks a significant achievement for the company, reinforcing its position in the document technology sector. However, the simultaneous threat of POLA’s delisting on Bithumb serves as a cautionary tale for the cryptocurrency market, where token value is heavily dependent on exchange listings and community engagement. The coming years will reveal whether the company can leverage its AI success to revitalize its blockchain project or if the two ventures will continue on diverging paths. FAQs Q1: What is the Polaris Office AI project about? A1: It is a South Korean government-funded project to develop lightweight, low-power AI models specifically for document collaboration. The goal is to enhance digital sovereignty by creating efficient AI that can run on limited hardware. Q2: Why is POLA token at risk of delisting? A2: Bithumb, a major South Korean exchange, placed POLA on its delisting watchlist after a review found significant deficiencies in the project’s business progress, token adoption, and community activity. Q3: How long will the government AI project last? A3: The research phase is scheduled to last approximately three years and nine months, with a planned conclusion in 2029. This post Polaris Office Wins $7 Million South Korean Government AI Contract; POLA Token Faces Bithumb Delisting Review first appeared on BitcoinWorld .
