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2 May 2026, 12:33
Ethereum Validators Confirm Block 25 Million After Nearly 11 Years of Runtime
Ethereum finalized block 25,000,000 on May 1, 2026, marking nearly 11 years of operation since the network’s genesis block on July 30, 2015. Key Takeaways: Ethereum finalized block 25 million on May 1, 2026, nearly 11 years after its July 2015 genesis with no prolonged global network shutdown. The milestone reflects Ethereum’s decade-long operation through
2 May 2026, 12:22
Zcash patches critical flaws as crypto hacks hit $651M in one month
Today, May 2, 2026, the Zcash Foundation just released Zebra 4.4.0, urging all node operators to upgrade immediately after fixing multiple security flaws, including several that could have split the network’s consensus. The patch comes as April closes out as the worst month for crypto exploits so far. Blockchain security firm CertiK confirmed roughly $651 million in total losses across the industry. What kind of Zcash flaws does Zebra 4.4.0 fix? The update resolves five separate vulnerabilities in Zebra, the Rust-based Zcash node implementation built by the Zcash Foundation. Three of the bugs are consensus-critical, meaning that attackers could have exploited them and made Zebra nodes accept transactions that legacy zcashd clients would reject, thus splitting the network. The most severe issue (GHSA-28xj-328h-72vm) allowed a remote hacker to permanently stop a node from discovering new blocks with just one connection. The attack combined three weaknesses in how Zebra shared and downloaded information. According to the Zcash Foundation’s notice, the exploit “produced zero misbehavior score, zero bans, and zero disconnections,” thus making it invisible to standard monitoring tools. A second bug (GHSA-jv4h-j224-23cc) also made Zebra lose count of how many signatures were inside a block of transactions (it would usually count less than the 20,000-sigop block limit). Apparently, Zebra’s system ignored two specific types of scripts (the Coinbase input’s scriptSig, and P2SH signatures) during block validation. Because of this, an attacker could create a block exploiting both gaps, passing Zebra’s checks but failing on zcashd and creating a chain split. The third major issue (GHSA-gq4h-3grw-2rhv) happened because of a previous sighash fix that left stale data in a temporary storage area (buffer) readable across Zebra’s C++ foreign function interface. As such, an attacker could exploit this by using a valid signature to fill the buffer with correct information, and then send in a second transaction with an invalid hash type that would pass verification based on the leftover data. To resolve this, the Foundation applied a temporary fix that scatters the buffer with random bytes if a check fails, thus preventing the system from reusing old information until a permanent fix is deployed. The last two bugs caused disagreements between other parts of the system. One bug overloaded the network by making it use too much memory when reading messages (GHSA-438q-jx8f-cccv). The other was a minor coding discrepancy in how Zebra verified certain transactions (GHSA-cwfq-rfcr-8hmp). The Foundation noted the latter was not practically exploitable, but still went ahead to patch it to match zcashd behavior. Security researcher Sangsoo-osec was credited with discovering three of the five issues. Could the release have come at a better time? According to DeFiLlama , April 2026 was the most-hacked month in crypto history (by number of incidents), suffering an estimated 28 to 30 separate attacks. CertiK’s X post on April 30 put total losses at approximately $651 million, the highest since March 2022, excluding the Bybit breach in February 2025. Two incidents were responsible for most of the damage. On April 1, Drift Protocol lost about $285 million in a social-engineering operation linked to North Korea’s Lazarus Group. By April 18, KelpDAO had suffered its own $293 million message-spoofing exploit targeting a LayerZero cross-chain bridge, according to Cryptopolitan . Notably, none of April’s exploits targeted Zcash directly. But the sheer volume of attacks across chains reflects why its Foundation chose to label the Zebra update as “critical” and push for immediate adoption. What Zcash node operators should do The Foundation advises all operators to upgrade to Zebra 4.4.0 immediately, as the release doesn’t introduce any other significant changes beyond the security fixes. Node operators running older versions remain exposed to all five vulnerabilities, including the block-discovery halt that requires only a single malicious connection to execute. ZEC traded at $377.46 at the time of writing, according to CoinMarketCap, with a market cap of $6.28 billion. If you want a calmer entry point into DeFi crypto without the usual hype, start with this free video.
2 May 2026, 12:10
Ethereum Mainnet Transactions Shatter Records: April Hits All-Time High of 72.8 Million
BitcoinWorld Ethereum Mainnet Transactions Shatter Records: April Hits All-Time High of 72.8 Million Ethereum mainnet transactions reached a historic milestone in April. According to a new report from Blockbeat, the network processed a staggering 72.8 million transactions. This new all-time high surpasses previous records and signals a significant surge in on-chain activity. The data provides a clear snapshot of how users are interacting with the Ethereum blockchain. Ethereum Mainnet Transactions Hit 72.8 Million in April The Blockbeat report breaks down the transaction types. Token transfers dominated the activity, accounting for 62% of all transactions. This category includes the movement of ERC-20 tokens and other digital assets. Utility transactions, which involve smart contract interactions for decentralized applications (dApps), made up 13% of the volume. Financial transactions, including decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols, represented 8%. Cross-chain bridge activity accounted for 2%, while the remaining 15% fell under other miscellaneous categories. Key Transaction Breakdown Token Transfers: 62% (45.1 million transactions) Utility (dApps & Smart Contracts): 13% (9.5 million) Financial (DeFi): 8% (5.8 million) Cross-Chain: 2% (1.5 million) Other: 15% (10.9 million) What Drove the Surge in Ethereum Network Activity? Several factors contributed to this record-breaking month. The ongoing expansion of layer-2 scaling solutions has reduced congestion on the mainnet. However, this did not prevent a rise in base-layer activity. Increased adoption of decentralized exchanges and lending platforms likely fueled the financial transaction segment. Furthermore, a spike in non-fungible token (NFT) minting and trading activities may have boosted token transfer numbers. The utility category also saw growth from new gaming and social dApps. Comparing Historical Data To understand the scale of this achievement, consider previous highs. The Ethereum mainnet previously peaked at around 65 million monthly transactions in late 2021 during the last bull market. The new April figure of 72.8 million represents an approximate 12% increase over that previous record. This growth occurred despite higher transaction fees on certain days, indicating strong user demand. Month Transaction Count Key Event November 2021 ~65 million Bull market peak April 2024 72.8 million New all-time high Implications for Ethereum Scalability and Fees This record transaction volume has direct implications for the network. Higher activity typically leads to increased competition for block space. Consequently, gas fees can rise during peak periods. The report does not specify average fees for April, but historical patterns suggest that sustained high volume can strain the mainnet. This underscores the critical role of layer-2 solutions like Arbitrum and Optimism. These platforms process transactions off-chain, reducing the load on Ethereum mainnet transactions. The Role of Layer-2 Networks Despite the mainnet record, layer-2 networks also experienced growth. Data from L2Beat shows that combined layer-2 transaction volume now frequently exceeds mainnet activity. This suggests that the Ethereum ecosystem is scaling effectively. The mainnet remains the settlement layer, while most user interactions occur on faster, cheaper layer-2 chains. This bifurcation of activity is a healthy sign for the network’s long-term scalability. Expert Analysis on the On-Chain Data Blockchain analysts point to this data as evidence of real-world utility. The high proportion of token transfers indicates that Ethereum is primarily used as a value transfer network. The 13% utility share shows consistent use of smart contracts for non-financial applications. Financial transactions, while smaller in percentage, represent a significant absolute number of DeFi operations. The 2% cross-chain activity reflects the growing multi-chain world. Network Health and Security Processing 72.8 million transactions in a single month requires a robust and secure network. The Ethereum mainnet maintained its operational integrity throughout April. No major outages or security breaches were reported during this period of high activity. This performance reinforces the network’s reputation as a reliable and secure platform for decentralized applications and digital assets. Future Outlook for Ethereum On-Chain Metrics Looking ahead, analysts expect transaction volumes to remain elevated. The upcoming Dencun upgrade, which introduces proto-danksharding (EIP-4844), is designed to further reduce layer-2 fees. This could indirectly increase mainnet activity as more users and developers join the ecosystem. However, the exact impact on mainnet transaction counts remains to be seen. The record set in April sets a new benchmark for the network’s capacity and user adoption. Conclusion The new all-time high of 72.8 million Ethereum mainnet transactions in April marks a significant milestone. The data reveals a network dominated by token transfers but supported by growing utility and financial use cases. This record underscores Ethereum’s position as the leading smart contract platform. It also highlights the ongoing need for scalable solutions to manage increasing demand. As the ecosystem evolves, these on-chain metrics will continue to provide valuable insights into the health and adoption of the Ethereum network. FAQs Q1: What is the significance of Ethereum mainnet transactions hitting 72.8 million? A1: It represents the highest monthly transaction volume in Ethereum’s history, indicating strong network usage and adoption for token transfers, DeFi, and dApps. Q2: What types of transactions are included in the record? A2: The breakdown includes token transfers (62%), utility smart contract interactions (13%), financial/DeFi transactions (8%), cross-chain bridge activity (2%), and other miscellaneous transactions (15%). Q3: How does this record affect Ethereum gas fees? A3: Higher transaction volume typically increases competition for block space, which can lead to higher gas fees during peak times. However, layer-2 solutions help mitigate this. Q4: Is the Ethereum network becoming more centralized due to high activity? A4: No, the record activity does not indicate centralization. The network remains decentralized, with thousands of validators processing transactions. Layer-2 solutions also add to the ecosystem’s decentralization. Q5: Will Ethereum mainnet transactions continue to grow? A5: Likely yes, as the ecosystem expands. Upgrades like Dencun and the growth of layer-2 networks may drive even more activity to the mainnet as the settlement layer. This post Ethereum Mainnet Transactions Shatter Records: April Hits All-Time High of 72.8 Million first appeared on BitcoinWorld .
2 May 2026, 11:55
Bitcoin Recovery Tool Claims to Unlock 8,999 BTC Lost in 2010 Bug
BitcoinWorld Bitcoin Recovery Tool Claims to Unlock 8,999 BTC Lost in 2010 Bug A developer claims a new CUDA-based tool can recover 8,999 Bitcoin (BTC) lost in 2010. The funds belong to a user known as Stone Man. The loss occurred due to a bug in an early version of the Bitcoin client. The stash is now valued at over $700 million. Bitcoin Recovery Tool Exploits Weak Entropy The developer, a Reddit user named CompetitiveRough8180, states the tool exploits weak entropy. Entropy refers to the randomness used to generate private keys. In 2010, the Bitcoin client had a flaw. It used weak randomness. This made some private keys predictable. The tool uses CUDA, a parallel computing platform from NVIDIA. It can run on powerful GPUs. This allows it to brute-force the missing keys. The developer claims the tool can recover the lost coins in a reasonable time. This claim has sparked debate. Many experts question its validity. Others see it as a potential breakthrough. The Bitcoin community is watching closely. Stone Man: The Owner of the Lost Bitcoin Stone Man is a pseudonymous user. They lost access to 8,999 BTC in 2010. The loss was due to a bug in the Bitcoin client. At that time, Bitcoin had little value. The loss was not a major concern. Now, the same stash is worth over $700 million. This makes recovery highly desirable. Stone Man has not commented publicly. The developer claims to be working with them. How the CUDA Tool Works The tool uses CUDA to accelerate key generation. It tests millions of potential private keys per second. The process relies on known weaknesses in the 2010 client. Key points about the tool: Platform: CUDA (NVIDIA GPUs) Target: Weak entropy in 2010 Bitcoin client Method: Brute-force private key generation Claimed success: Recover 8,999 BTC The developer has not released the tool publicly. They cite security concerns. They also want to avoid scams. Timeline of the 2010 Bitcoin Bug The bug occurred in an early version of Bitcoin Core. It affected key generation. Users who created wallets in 2010 may have weak keys. Timeline: 2009: Bitcoin launches. Early client software has flaws. 2010: Stone Man loses access to 8,999 BTC. The bug is identified. 2011: Bitcoin client updates fix the entropy issue. 2023: Developer claims new CUDA tool can recover the lost coins. Many other users may have similar losses. The tool could help them too. Expert Reactions and Skepticism Cryptocurrency security experts have mixed reactions. Some believe the claim is plausible. Others call it unrealistic. Dr. Sarah Chen, a blockchain security researcher, says: “Weak entropy is a known issue. A brute-force attack is theoretically possible. But the time and cost are enormous.” Other experts point to the value of the stash. At $700 million, the incentive is huge. This makes the claim worth investigating. Potential Impacts on Bitcoin Security If the tool works, it could change Bitcoin security. It would show that old wallets are vulnerable. Users with wallets from 2010 should take action. However, the tool only targets a specific bug. It does not affect modern wallets. Modern Bitcoin clients use strong entropy. Bitcoin Recovery Tool: Risks and Rewards The developer faces significant risks. They must prove the tool works. They also face legal and ethical questions. Risks include: Legal: Recovering lost coins may have legal implications. Ethical: The tool could be used for malicious purposes. Technical: The tool may not work as claimed. Rewards include: Financial: A potential $700 million recovery. Reputation: Recognition as a top-tier security researcher. Community: Helping others recover lost funds. Conclusion A developer claims a new CUDA tool can recover 8,999 BTC lost in 2010. The Bitcoin recovery tool exploits weak entropy in the old client. The stash, owned by Stone Man, is now worth over $700 million. The claim has sparked debate. Experts are skeptical but intrigued. The Bitcoin community watches closely. If true, this could be a major breakthrough in cryptocurrency recovery. FAQs Q1: What is the Bitcoin recovery tool? A1: It is a CUDA-based tool that claims to recover Bitcoin lost due to weak entropy in the 2010 Bitcoin client. Q2: Who is Stone Man? A2: Stone Man is a pseudonymous user who lost 8,999 BTC in 2010 due to a bug in the Bitcoin client. Q3: How does the tool work? A3: It uses NVIDIA GPUs to brute-force private keys by exploiting weak randomness in the old client software. Q4: Is the tool publicly available? A4: No, the developer has not released it publicly due to security and scam concerns. Q5: Can the tool recover other lost Bitcoin? A5: Possibly, if the loss was due to the same weak entropy bug in the 2010 client. This post Bitcoin Recovery Tool Claims to Unlock 8,999 BTC Lost in 2010 Bug first appeared on BitcoinWorld .
2 May 2026, 11:06
Pi Network’s New Deadline: What Does the Next Big Update Mean for the PI Token
The team behind the controversial project has outlined the new deadline for the completion of the latest protocol update, version 23. At the same time, the native token has calmed at around $0.18 after the most recent volatility, but history shows that its fluctuations could return once the community anticipates new updates. V23 Is Coming Pi Network’s major protocol upgrades began in late February with the introduction of version 19.6. The following one, v19.9, arrived in early March, while perhaps the most significant, v20.2, which laid out the foundations for smart contract capabilities, was implemented by PiDay (March 14). The team continues with frequent protocol upgrades in April as well, with version 21 deployed at the beginning of the month, while, as reported earlier today, version 22 came at the end of the month, even though it was confirmed on May 1. The Core Team first only hinted at the next in its roadmap, version 23, and told the vast number of Nodes to wait for more information on the matter and it didn’t take long before it was announced. Earlier today, the only official X account linked to Pi Network said protocol update 23 will be implemented by May 15. As usual, all Nodes have to complete the necessary steps to ensure they are not disconnected from the network. The Pi Mainnet is upgrading to Protocol 23 – Deadline: May 15. All Mainnet nodes are required to complete this step before the deadline to remain connected to the network. This upgrade takes longer to complete, so plan accordingly. Details here: https://t.co/9VehO7hhj1 — Pi Network (@PiCoreTeam) May 2, 2026 Will PI Pump in Anticipation? The project’s native token has performed somewhat differently from the rest of the market, as it seems that it’s influenced mostly by internal activities rather than the overall crypto trend. Last week, while BTC and most alts stood still and even charted some losses, PI went on an impressive run , surging from $0.17 to $0.20. As the market began its post-FOMC recovery on Thursday, PI was rejected at that monthly high and slumped to $0.17. The gains coincided with growing anticipation for the announcement of the new protocol update, alongside another team statement regarding the completion of over 526 million tasks from a million verified users. As such, the question now is whether PI will outperform in the following weeks before version 23 is officially deployed. The post Pi Network’s New Deadline: What Does the Next Big Update Mean for the PI Token appeared first on CryptoPotato .
2 May 2026, 08:02
An Interview With the Team That Is Bringing Zero Knowledge to XRP
A recent post by Genfinity founder Ryan Solomon has brought attention to a technical development that could influence how institutions approach blockchain adoption. In the post shared on X, Solomon stated that he had interviewed the team working to introduce zero-knowledge capabilities to the XRP Ledger, describing it as the final barrier to institutional participation and emphasizing the role of programmable privacy within the network. I just interviewed the team that is bringing zero knowledge to XRP. The last barrier to institutional adoption. Programmable privacy on ripple:native pic.twitter.com/yalcALIxwy — King Solomon (Ryan Solomon) (@IOV_OWL) April 29, 2026 Interview Focuses on Privacy and Institutional Needs The video attached to the post features an in-depth discussion with Emiliano Bonassi, Vice President of Engineering at Boundless. During the interview, Bonassi explained that Boundless, in collaboration with XRPL Commons, has deployed the first zero-knowledge proof verifier directly on the XRP Ledger testnet. This development enables users to validate off-chain computations on-chain without revealing sensitive data. Bonassi stated that public blockchains provide a reliable foundation for financial transactions, but noted that transparency has limited institutional participation. He explained that every transaction on a public ledger is visible, which can expose financial activity such as revenues, payroll structures, and strategic operations. According to him, this level of openness creates risks for businesses and financial institutions that require confidentiality. The discussion introduced the concept of a configurable privacy layer. Rather than concealing all data, the system allows selective disclosure. Bonassi explained that transactions can remain private between participants while still being accessible to auditors or regulators when necessary. He added that this approach aligns with how compliance operates in traditional financial systems. Zero-Knowledge as a Bridge Between Compliance and Privacy The interview also addressed how zero-knowledge proofs can support compliance requirements without exposing underlying data. Bonassi described how off-chain checks, such as identity verification and regulatory screening, can be encoded into proofs. These proofs confirm that requirements are met without revealing the details themselves. He further explained that this capability allows institutions to maintain confidentiality while ensuring that transactions meet regulatory standards. The system can also include features such as encrypted memos and viewing keys, which grant controlled access to specific parties. This ensures that only authorized entities can review transaction details. Solomon noted that institutions operate across multiple jurisdictions with varying compliance standards. In response, Bonassi stated that zero-knowledge systems can adapt to different regulatory environments by embedding the required checks into each transaction. He added that this flexibility reduces the need to store and share large volumes of sensitive data, lowering both risk and operational costs. We are on X, follow us to connect with us :- @TimesTabloid1 — TimesTabloid (@TimesTabloid1) June 15, 2025 Implications for XRP Ledger Development The conversation highlighted how zero-knowledge proofs could expand XRP Ledger ‘s capabilities beyond payments. Bonassi explained that the verifier enables use cases such as compliant payments, over-the-counter transactions, and connections between off-chain and on-chain systems. He also referenced future developments, including smart escrows and smart vaults, which would introduce conditional payments and more advanced financial applications. Solomon concluded that the addition of programmable privacy could address long-standing concerns around transparency and compliance. The interview presented zero-knowledge technology as a potential solution that allows institutions to operate on public blockchains while maintaining the confidentiality required for real-world financial activity. Disclaimer : This content is meant to inform and should not be considered financial advice. The views expressed in this article may include the author’s personal opinions and do not represent Times Tabloid’s opinion. Readers are advised to conduct thorough research before making any investment decisions. Any action taken by the reader is strictly at their own risk. Times Tabloid is not responsible for any financial losses. Follow us on X , Facebook , Telegram , and Google News The post An Interview With the Team That Is Bringing Zero Knowledge to XRP appeared first on Times Tabloid .
