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21 Feb 2026, 11:30
Analyst: XRP Nearing End of Falling Wedge. Here’s What Is Next
Crypto analyst CryptoBull has shared a new technical outlook on XRP, asserting that the digital asset is completing a retest and approaching the conclusion of a falling wedge pattern. In a tweet accompanied by a four-hour chart of XRP against the U.S. dollar on Bitstamp, the analyst stated, “XRP is finishing the retest and nearing the end of its falling wedge. Price will go up soon.” The chart presented by CryptoBull illustrates a downward-sloping resistance line converging toward a horizontal support level, forming what is commonly identified in technical analysis as a falling wedge. The structure shows price compression, with successive lower highs constrained beneath a descending trendline while price action repeatedly tests a relatively flat support zone. According to the analyst’s interpretation, XRP is now completing a retest within this formation and nearing the apex, a point at which price volatility typically increases. #XRP is finishing the retest and nearing the end of its falling wedge. Price will go up soon. pic.twitter.com/A7EYS6dBr6 — CryptoBull (@CryptoBull2020) February 19, 2026 Technical Structure and Retest Phase The four-hour timeframe chart highlights a series of lower highs following a mid-month peak, with price gradually tightening between the descending resistance and horizontal support. CryptoBull’s analysis suggests that the recent pullbacks represent a retest of previously broken levels within the wedge structure. The implication in his statement is that this retest phase is concluding and that upward price movement is imminent. Falling wedges are generally considered reversal patterns when they form after a broader decline. In this case, the analyst appears to interpret the narrowing range as a precursor to an upside breakout. His tweet does not provide a specific price target but clearly communicates an expectation of near-term upward movement. Community Responses Reflect Divided Views The post received a range of responses from other users. Cihat Kaya questioned the interpretation, suggesting that the observed structure might instead represent the retest of a larger downturn and encouraged a broader perspective by advising others to “zoom out a bit.” This response reflects skepticism about whether the falling wedge signals a reversal or merely fits within a more extended bearish trend. Another user, StrikeMac04, commented on the repeated references to testing and retesting, expressing uncertainty about whether further consolidation phases could occur. Meanwhile, X Finance Bull Academy noted that XRP appears to be tightening again and stated that such wedge formations typically do not conclude quietly, implying that a decisive move may follow. We are on X, follow us to connect with us :- @TimesTabloid1 — TimesTabloid (@TimesTabloid1) June 15, 2025 In contrast, Scott Reid strongly criticized XRP, describing it negatively and questioning its value proposition. In response, CryptoBull defended the asset, stating , “It’s fundamentally the best coin in all of crypto. Ripple made billions of dollars of acquisitions. ” His reply emphasized his confidence not only in the technical outlook but also in the underlying fundamentals associated with the broader ecosystem. Overall, CryptoBull’s tweet presents a clear technical thesis: XRP is nearing the end of a falling wedge and is positioned for an upward move. The discussion that followed reflects the ongoing divergence in market sentiment, with participants debating both the technical structure and the asset’s broader fundamentals. 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 Analyst: XRP Nearing End of Falling Wedge. Here’s What Is Next appeared first on Times Tabloid .
21 Feb 2026, 11:30
Stablecoin Sector Adds $703M This Week While Blackrock’s BUIDL Surges 36%
Dollar-pegged tokens edged higher over the past week, pulling in roughly $703 million in fresh capital. Even with that bump, the sector remains down 0.61% month over month, a $1.9 billion dip that keeps the broader tally in check. Among the top ten stablecoin competitors over the last seven days, Blackrock’s BUIDL led the charge,
21 Feb 2026, 11:30
IoTeX Bridge Hack: Devastating $8M Crypto Theft Exposes Critical Bridge Vulnerabilities
BitcoinWorld IoTeX Bridge Hack: Devastating $8M Crypto Theft Exposes Critical Bridge Vulnerabilities In a significant security breach that underscores persistent vulnerabilities in blockchain infrastructure, the IoTeX bridge suffered a devastating hack resulting in $8 million worth of cryptocurrency stolen through a private key leak. The incident, first reported by blockchain security firm PeckShield on November 15, 2024, reveals sophisticated fund movement patterns as attackers convert stolen assets to Bitcoin via ThorChain. This breach represents another critical failure in cross-chain bridge security, highlighting systemic risks in the rapidly evolving decentralized finance ecosystem. IoTeX Bridge Hack: Technical Breakdown and Attack Vector The IoTeX bridge exploit originated from a compromised private key, according to detailed analysis from multiple security researchers. Bridges serve as critical infrastructure connecting different blockchain networks, enabling asset transfers between ecosystems. Specifically, the IoTeX bridge facilitates movement of IOTX tokens and other assets between the IoTeX blockchain and Ethereum network. Security experts confirm that private key management remains one of the most challenging aspects of bridge security architecture. Blockchain forensic analysis reveals the attacker executed a multi-stage laundering operation. Initially, the stolen funds underwent conversion to Ethereum (ETH) through decentralized exchanges. Subsequently, the attacker utilized ThorChain’s cross-chain capabilities to bridge assets to Bitcoin. This sophisticated approach demonstrates evolving money laundering techniques in the cryptocurrency space. The entire operation unfolded over approximately 48 hours, with transactions visible on public blockchain explorers. Cross-Chain Bridge Vulnerabilities: A Persistent Challenge Cross-chain bridges have become frequent targets for attackers due to their complex architecture and substantial value locked. Security researchers identify several recurring vulnerability patterns: Private key management failures : Single points of failure in key storage Smart contract vulnerabilities : Flaws in bridge contract logic Oracle manipulation : Compromised price feeds or validation mechanisms Governance attacks : Exploitation of decentralized decision-making processes The IoTeX incident follows a troubling pattern of bridge exploits that have collectively resulted in billions of dollars in losses. Notably, the Ronin Network bridge suffered a $625 million hack in March 2022, while the Wormhole bridge lost $326 million in February 2022. These incidents collectively demonstrate systemic security challenges in cross-chain infrastructure. Fund Movement Analysis: From IOTX to Bitcoin Conversion PeckShield’s detailed transaction tracing reveals sophisticated fund movement patterns following the initial theft. The security firm documented the complete laundering pathway: Stage Action Amount Timeline Initial Exploit Private key compromise and fund extraction $8M in various assets November 14, 2024 First Conversion Swapped to Ethereum via DEXs Equivalent $8M in ETH Within 12 hours Cross-Chain Transfer Bridged to Bitcoin via ThorChain Progressive transfers November 15-16, 2024 Laundering Phase Mixing and distribution Ongoing process Current status ThorChain’s role in this incident highlights both the capabilities and risks of decentralized cross-chain protocols. As a trustless liquidity protocol, ThorChain enables direct asset swaps between different blockchains without centralized intermediaries. However, this functionality also provides attackers with efficient pathways for laundering stolen funds across blockchain boundaries. Security Industry Response and Mitigation Efforts Following the breach announcement, multiple security firms initiated coordinated response efforts. PeckShield immediately notified relevant exchanges and tracking services about the stolen funds’ movement patterns. Meanwhile, the IoTeX development team began investigating the root cause while implementing emergency security measures. Industry experts emphasize several critical mitigation strategies for bridge security: Multi-signature implementations : Requiring multiple private keys for transactions Time-locked withdrawals : Implementing delay mechanisms for large transfers Enhanced monitoring : Real-time transaction analysis and anomaly detection Insurance protocols : Developing coverage mechanisms for bridge users Security researchers particularly stress the importance of decentralized key management solutions. Many bridges now implement threshold signature schemes (TSS) that distribute key control across multiple parties, significantly reducing single-point failure risks. Regulatory Implications and Industry Impact The IoTeX bridge hack occurs during increased regulatory scrutiny of cryptocurrency security practices. Global financial authorities have intensified focus on cross-chain transactions and bridge security following multiple high-profile exploits. Consequently, this incident may accelerate regulatory discussions about security standards for blockchain infrastructure. Industry analysts predict several potential impacts from this security breach: Increased insurance premiums for bridge protocols and DeFi platforms Enhanced security audits becoming standard industry practice Regulatory pressure for improved transparency and reporting User migration toward more established, audited bridge solutions The incident also highlights the growing importance of blockchain forensic capabilities. Security firms like PeckShield, Chainalysis, and TRM Labs have developed sophisticated tools for tracking fund movements across multiple blockchains. These capabilities prove essential for both security response and potential asset recovery efforts. Historical Context: Bridge Security Evolution Cross-chain bridge technology has evolved through three distinct security generations. Initially, centralized custodial bridges dominated the landscape but suffered from single points of failure. Subsequently, decentralized bridges emerged with improved security models but introduced new complexity challenges. Currently, the industry is transitioning toward more robust architectures incorporating zero-knowledge proofs and advanced cryptographic techniques. Despite these advancements, bridge security remains an ongoing challenge. The total value locked in cross-chain bridges exceeded $20 billion at its peak, creating substantial incentives for attackers. Security researchers continue developing novel protection mechanisms, including fraud proofs, optimistic verification, and decentralized watchtower networks. Conclusion The IoTeX bridge hack represents another critical incident in the ongoing challenge of securing cross-chain infrastructure. This $8 million theft through private key compromise highlights persistent vulnerabilities in bridge security architecture. Furthermore, the sophisticated laundering operation utilizing ThorChain demonstrates evolving techniques for moving stolen funds across blockchain networks. As the cryptocurrency industry continues expanding, robust security practices for bridges and cross-chain protocols remain essential for ecosystem stability and user protection. The incident underscores the urgent need for improved key management solutions, enhanced monitoring capabilities, and potentially regulatory frameworks addressing bridge security standards. FAQs Q1: What exactly is a blockchain bridge and why is it vulnerable? A blockchain bridge enables asset transfers between different blockchain networks. It creates vulnerability through complex smart contract logic, private key management requirements, and the substantial value typically locked in bridge contracts. These factors create attractive targets for attackers. Q2: How does ThorChain facilitate cross-chain transfers like those in the IoTeX hack? ThorChain operates as a decentralized liquidity protocol that enables direct asset swaps between different blockchains without centralized intermediaries. It uses a network of validators and liquidity pools to facilitate these cross-chain transactions, providing attackers with pathways to move funds between ecosystems. Q3: What are the typical steps taken after discovering a bridge exploit? Standard response protocols include immediate security investigation, notification of relevant exchanges and tracking services, implementation of emergency security measures, forensic analysis of fund movements, and coordination with law enforcement agencies when appropriate. Q4: How can users protect themselves when using cross-chain bridges? Users should research bridge security audits, prefer bridges with insurance coverage, utilize bridges with time-lock mechanisms for large withdrawals, monitor bridge reputation within the community, and consider spreading large transfers across multiple transactions or bridges. Q5: What long-term solutions are being developed for bridge security? The industry is developing several advanced solutions including zero-knowledge proof-based bridges, decentralized validator networks, improved multi-signature schemes, fraud proof systems, and insurance protocols specifically designed for cross-chain infrastructure. This post IoTeX Bridge Hack: Devastating $8M Crypto Theft Exposes Critical Bridge Vulnerabilities first appeared on BitcoinWorld .
21 Feb 2026, 11:25
IoTeX Security Alert: Upbit, Bithumb, Coinone Halt IOTX Transactions Amid Critical Investigation
BitcoinWorld IoTeX Security Alert: Upbit, Bithumb, Coinone Halt IOTX Transactions Amid Critical Investigation SEOUL, South Korea – March 2025: Three of South Korea’s largest cryptocurrency exchanges have simultaneously suspended all IoTeX (IOTX) deposit and withdrawal services. Upbit, Bithumb, and Coinone announced this precautionary measure following indications of a potential security incident within the IoTeX ecosystem. Consequently, traders cannot move IOTX tokens on or off these platforms until further notice. This coordinated action highlights the exchanges’ commitment to user asset protection above all else. IoTeX Transactions Halted Across Major Korean Exchanges The announcements from Upbit, Bithumb, and Coinone arrived within hours of each other. Each exchange cited nearly identical reasons for the suspension. They referenced a need to investigate potential vulnerabilities and ensure the complete stability of the IOTX network’s deposit and withdrawal functions. Market analysts immediately noted the unusual coordination between these typically competitive platforms. This suggests they received similar alerts from either the IoTeX Foundation or their internal security monitoring systems. Furthermore, the suspension affects only the movement of IOTX tokens. Spot trading of IOTX against Korean Won (KRW) and other cryptocurrencies continues normally on all three exchanges. This distinction is crucial. It indicates the exchanges are targeting a specific technical risk in the token’s transfer mechanism rather than a broader issue with the asset itself. The Financial Services Commission (FSC) of South Korea monitors such exchange actions closely, especially given the nation’s strict digital asset regulations. Understanding the IoTeX Project and Its Security Framework IoTeX is a decentralized platform aiming to power the Internet of Trusted Things. It combines blockchain technology with secure hardware to create a trusted environment for data and devices. The project’s native token, IOTX, facilitates network operations, governance, and payments. IoTeX employs a Roll-DPoS (Roll-Delegated Proof of Stake) consensus mechanism and has pioneered hardware like the “Pebble” tracker to bridge physical data to the blockchain. Core Technology: A layered architecture with a root chain managing consensus and multiple sub-chains for specific applications. Security Focus: The project emphasizes “trusted computing” via hardware enclaves to protect data integrity at the source. Exchange Integration: For an exchange to support IOTX deposits/withdrawals, it must run and maintain a secure node that interacts with the IoTeX mainnet. Therefore, a suspension typically points to a concern at the node or network protocol level. It could involve a suspected bug, a potential exploit vector in smart contracts, or anomalous on-chain activity. Historical precedent shows exchanges often take this step when unusual transaction patterns or smart contract vulnerabilities are reported by security firms like CertiK or SlowMist. Expert Analysis on Exchange Risk Mitigation Protocols Industry experts view this coordinated halt as a sign of matured risk management. “This is standard operating procedure for top-tier exchanges,” explains a blockchain security consultant who has worked with Asian exchanges. “When a potential threat is identified, the immediate priority is to prevent any possible loss of user funds. Isolating the asset’s transfer function is the most effective first response.” The consultant further notes that South Korean exchanges operate under particularly stringent guidelines from the Korea Internet & Security Agency (KISA). These protocols mandate rapid action upon receiving any credible threat intelligence. The exchanges will now conduct a technical audit. They will verify the integrity of the IoTeX network’s transaction finality and the security of their own node configurations. This process involves collaboration with the IoTeX development team to diagnose any issue. Only after confirming the network’s stability and patching any vulnerabilities will services resume. Past incidents with other tokens show this process can take from 24 hours to several days. Immediate Market Impact and Trader Response The market reaction to the news was measured but noticeable. The price of IOTX experienced a short-term decline of approximately 8-12% across global exchanges following the announcements. However, trading volume on the affected Korean exchanges remained active. This suggests traders were adjusting positions rather than engaging in panic selling. The continued availability of spot trading provided a crucial pressure valve, allowing price discovery to continue. Initial Market Reaction to IOTX Suspension Announcement Exchange Action Time to Announcement Spot Trading Status Upbit Suspended deposits/withdrawals ~1 hour after internal alert Active Bithumb Suspended deposits/withdrawals ~1.5 hours after internal alert Active Coinone Suspended deposits/withdrawals ~2 hours after internal alert Active Social media sentiment, particularly on Korean platforms like Naver Cafe and global forums like Reddit, showed concern but also understanding. Many users praised the exchanges for proactive communication and erring on the side of caution. The clear, factual announcements helped prevent the spread of misinformation. This event serves as a real-world case study in how transparent communication from exchanges can stabilize community sentiment during potential crises. Regulatory Context and the South Korean Crypto Landscape South Korea maintains one of the world’s most comprehensive regulatory frameworks for cryptocurrency exchanges. The Specific Financial Information Act requires strict know-your-customer (KYC) and anti-money laundering (AML) compliance. Exchanges must also partner with commercial banks for real-name verification accounts. Moreover, they must obtain Information Security Management System (ISMS) certification. This regulatory environment demands high operational standards, including robust incident response plans. The simultaneous action by Upbit, Bithumb, and Coinone likely reflects a shared commitment to these standards. It also demonstrates the effectiveness of industry information-sharing channels that have developed under regulatory oversight. While the exchanges compete for market share, they cooperate on security threats that could undermine public trust in the entire sector. This balance between competition and collaboration is a defining feature of South Korea’s mature crypto market. The Path to Service Restoration Restoring IOTX services requires a multi-step verification process. First, the IoTeX core development team must investigate the flagged incident. They will analyze blockchain data, smart contract interactions, and node logs. Next, they will issue a public report or direct communication to exchange partners confirming the issue’s resolution. Subsequently, each exchange’s engineering team will test the updated network or patches on their own staging environments. Finally, the exchanges will coordinate to re-enable services, often with a block height update or node software upgrade. They typically provide users with at least several hours’ notice before resuming deposits and withdrawals. This entire protocol prioritizes security over speed, ensuring no residual risk remains before users’ assets are put in motion again. Conclusion The temporary suspension of IoTeX deposits and withdrawals by Upbit, Bithumb, and Coinone represents a prudent security measure, not a condemnation of the project. It highlights the sophisticated risk management protocols now standard among leading exchanges, particularly in strictly regulated markets like South Korea. This incident underscores the critical importance of security in blockchain networks and the collaborative relationship between projects and trading platforms. The focus remains on protecting user assets, and services will resume only after a thorough confirmation of network stability. The market’s measured response demonstrates growing maturity among participants who understand these necessary safeguards. FAQs Q1: Can I still buy or sell IOTX on Upbit, Bithumb, or Coinone? A1: Yes. The suspension applies only to depositing IOTX into your exchange wallet from an external source or withdrawing it out to another wallet. Spot trading (buying and selling IOTX for KRW or other cryptocurrencies) continues normally on all three platforms. Q2: What triggered this suspension? A2: The exchanges cited a “potential security incident” related to the IoTeX project. While details are under investigation, this typically means their security teams detected anomalous network activity, a potential smart contract vulnerability, or received credible threat intelligence that warranted a precautionary halt. Q3: How long will the IOTX deposit/withdrawal services be suspended? A3: There is no official timeline. Services will remain suspended until the exchanges, in consultation with the IoTeX development team, can fully confirm the stability and security of the network’s transfer functions. This could take from a day to over a week, depending on the issue’s complexity. Q4: Is my IOTX safe on these exchanges during the suspension? A4: According to the exchanges’ announcements, all user assets remain secure in their custody. The suspension is a preventative measure to stop the movement of tokens while a potential external network issue is investigated. It does not indicate a breach of the exchanges’ own systems. Q5: Have other global exchanges suspended IOTX trading? A5: As of the initial announcements, the suspension appears specific to the three major South Korean exchanges (Upbit, Bithumb, Coinone). Other global exchanges have not announced similar halts, but they are likely monitoring the situation closely and conducting their own reviews. This post IoTeX Security Alert: Upbit, Bithumb, Coinone Halt IOTX Transactions Amid Critical Investigation first appeared on BitcoinWorld .
21 Feb 2026, 11:17
Ethereum (ETH) Forms a Bullish Flag, But There’s a Major Catch: Analyst
Ethereum continues to struggle to reclaim the coveted $2,000 psychological level, as each attempt to do so results in a subsequent rejection and correction. Popular analyst Ali Martinez weighed in on the asset’s recent performance and explained that it’s forming a bullish flag. However, there’s a major catch in his post, which could actually mean trouble ahead for ETH. Ethereum $ETH is forming a bullish flag! There’s just one twist… The chart is inverted. pic.twitter.com/Kb8eamJOMF — Ali Charts (@alicharts) February 20, 2026 The “inverted” bullish flag shows that ETH has actually been in a consistent downtrend for weeks, but it has managed to compress within a tighter range more recently. Martinez believes a bigger move is in the making, but it could push the asset to new local lows of under $1,400. Daan Crypto Trades also brought up ETH’s underwhelming performance as of late, indicating that the start of 2026 has been worse than how it moved in early 2025. The analyst outlined hopes that the largest altcoin could finally rebound in the following few months, since the March-to-May period is historically more beneficial for it. $ETH Has started the year of worse than last year so far. Historically, March through May are good months for ETH. But we know how the market is all over the place recently and that there’s been pretty much zero correlation with other risk assets. This makes for an awful… pic.twitter.com/CBAfLTduHx — Daan Crypto Trades (@DaanCrypto) February 21, 2026 Another unfavorable development within the Ethereum investor ecosystem is the net flows within the spot ETH ETFs. Last week was in the red once again, with roughly $113 million leaving the funds. On the opposite side, BitMine continues to accumulate. The Tom Lee-chaired company bought another 45,759 ETH last week, and now holds 4,371,497 tokens, valued at almost $8.7 billion. The company is down $8 billion on its Ethereum position, given its average entry cost of $3,820. The post Ethereum (ETH) Forms a Bullish Flag, But There’s a Major Catch: Analyst appeared first on CryptoPotato .
21 Feb 2026, 11:10
Is Bitcoin Dead? Here’s What ChatGPT, Claude, and Grok Says
Several crypto users are searching Google for information about Bitcoin’s survival. AI solutions unanimously agree that Bitcoin is as active as ever, despite recent struggles. Network activity and institutional interest support Bitcoin’s sustainability narrative. Search trends about Bitcoin’s demise skyrocketed this week, highlighting “Extreme Fear” among cryptocurrency users over the digital asset’s future. One such user posting on X noted that people have never been more convinced that “Bitcoin is going to Zero,” citing Google Trends search metrics over the topic. People have never been more convinced that "bitcoin going to zero" pic.twitter.com/5jkdWdac9v — quantdata21 (@bitcoindata21) February 18, 2026 According to Google Trends’ data, searches for ‘Bitcoin going to Zero’ reached a record high, compared with 2022 levels. As a result, w… Read The Full Article Is Bitcoin Dead? Here’s What ChatGPT, Claude, and Grok Says On Coin Edition .
