22 May 2025, 09:05

Microsoft Takes Legal Action Against Lumma Stealer Malware, Blocks Thousands of Sites

Key Takeaways: Microsoft blocked nearly 2,300 websites linked to Lumma Stealer and helped dismantle its network. Lumma has infected over 394,000 Windows devices and was used to steal passwords and crypto credentials. The action comes amid rising crypto-related cybercrime, with $51 billion stolen globally in 2024 alone. Microsoft has taken legal and technical action to disrupt Lumma Stealer, a notorious malware operation responsible for widespread information theft, including from crypto wallets. In a May 21 blog post , the company revealed that a federal court in Georgia authorized its Digital Crimes Unit to seize or block nearly 2,300 websites linked to Lumma’s infrastructure. Working alongside the U.S. Department of Justice, Europol’s European Cybercrime Center, and Japan’s Cybercrime Control Center, Microsoft said it helped dismantle the malware’s command-and-control network and marketplaces where the software was sold to cybercriminals. Lumma Used to Harvest Passwords, Credentials Launched in 2022 and continually upgraded, Lumma has been distributed through underground forums and used to harvest passwords, credit card numbers, bank credentials, and digital asset data. Between March 16 and May 16, Microsoft said it identified more than 394,000 Windows devices infected with Lumma Stealer. The company coordinated with law enforcement and cybersecurity firms to sever communication between the malware and infected machines. The action comes amid a broader surge in malware and crypto-focused cybercrime. Earlier this week, printer manufacturer Procolored was found to be distributing Bitcoin-draining malware bundled with official device drivers, leading to nearly $1 million in stolen crypto. The official driver provided by this printer carries a backdoor program. It will hijack the wallet address in the user's clipboard and replace it with the attacker's address: 1BQZKqdp2CV3QV5nUEsqSg1ygegLmqRygj According to @MistTrack_io , the attacker has stolen 9.3086… https://t.co/DHCkEpHhuH pic.twitter.com/W1AnUpswLU — MistTrack (@MistTrack_io) May 19, 2025 Chainalysis reported in February that $51 billion in crypto was stolen in 2024 alone, with fraud cartels, state-backed hackers, and AI-assisted scams leading the surge. The FBI noted $9.3 billion in crypto scam losses in the U.S. last year, with older adults hit hardest. Crypto Drainers Offered as SaaS Tools Crypto drainers, malicious tools used to empty digital wallets, have become common on phishing sites, fake airdrops, and browser extensions. According to AMLBot, these drainers are now offered as SaaS tools , available to low-level criminals for as little as $100. Aspiring scammers can join online communities where experienced criminals offer tutorials, transforming phishing novices into crypto drainers with ease. Some DaaS groups have become so confident in their operations that they reportedly advertise openly — even setting up booths at industry events. AMLBot’s investigators uncovered listings for malware targeting platforms like Hedera (HBAR), demonstrating how technical talent is actively sourced in niche online spaces. The rise of drainers has led to significant financial losses. In 2024 alone, Scam Sniffer reported $494 million stolen through such schemes — a 67% increase from the previous year. Cybersecurity firm Kaspersky also noted a sharp rise in darknet forums dedicated to drainer tools, growing from 55 in 2022 to 129 by 2024. While Telegram once served as a haven for cybercriminals due to its strict privacy policies, concerns emerged after reports that the platform began sharing data with authorities. This has driven many bad actors back to the Tor network, where anonymity is easier to maintain. The post Microsoft Takes Legal Action Against Lumma Stealer Malware, Blocks Thousands of Sites appeared first on Cryptonews .

22 May 2025, 09:02

New Document Reveals Trump Administration Has Paved the Way for XRP Price to Grow

A recently uncovered legal document has boosted XRP community optimism, suggesting recent geopolitical and regulatory shifts under the Trump administration could fuel XRP’s ongoing price growth. Shared by crypto analyst and XRP advocate Amelie via her X account, the material comes from a 2025 volume of the legal journal Securing the Rights of Cryptocreditors and offers compelling insight into XRP’s rising status, technological edge, and evolving relationship with U.S. regulators. WOW! A NEW DOCUMENT REVEALS THAT THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION HAS PAVED THE WAY FOR XRP TO CONTINUE TO INCREASE IN VALUE! #XRP IS TOO BIG TO FAIL! https://t.co/zJUvGQlmii pic.twitter.com/P2IOV7QxRh — 𝓐𝓶𝓮𝓵𝓲𝓮 (@_Crypto_Barbie) May 21, 2025 XRP’s Unmatched Utility and Technological Superiority XRP, the native token of the Ripple network, has long distinguished itself in the crowded cryptocurrency landscape. As of report time, XRP is valued at $2.43 , with a total market capitalization of approximately $142.6 billion. XRP consistently ranks among the top ten cryptocurrencies globally by market cap, underscoring its strong investor confidence and ecosystem utility. Unlike Bitcoin or Ethereum, XRP is not mined in the traditional sense; it was pre-mined, allowing for significantly faster transaction times and lower energy usage. XRP’s functionality extends beyond speculative trading. The Ripple network was designed with the intent of serving as a seamless bridge between fiat currencies and cryptocurrencies , making cross-border transactions not only faster but also far cheaper. Transactions on the XRP Ledger typically finalize in under five seconds—an achievement that sets it apart from most blockchain technologies. Moreover, XRP transactions require only a fraction of a penny in fees, making it especially attractive for high-volume, international financial applications. Regulatory Climate and Legal Hurdles The ongoing legal battle between Ripple and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has loomed large over XRP’s trajectory for more than four years. The SEC’s lawsuit, originally filed in December 2020, alleged that XRP constituted an unregistered security. While the court’s partial ruling in 2023 determined that XRP is not a security when sold on exchanges, the case has dragged on, contributing to periods of price stagnation and market uncertainty. However, a recent excerpt from the Securing the Rights of Cryptocreditors journal has pointed to a shift in political winds as a key reason for XRP’s resurgence. Specifically, the document states that “the change in the U.S. administration has paved the way for XRP to continue to increase in value,” referring to a more crypto-friendly stance following regulatory recalibration under the Trump administration. This shift has helped ease some of the regulatory constraints that previously stifled XRP’s price action and investor sentiment. Impact of Leadership and SEC Dynamics One of the most significant revelations in the document is the legal community’s acknowledgement that changes in SEC leadership could catalyze a resolution to the Ripple case. The document highlights the replacement of former SEC Chairman Gary Gensler as a positive sign for XRP. “Replacing [SEC Chairman Gary] Gensler is a big deal because a lawsuit between Ripple, the company behind the XRP token, and the SEC continues to drag on after more than four years,” the journal asserts. We are on twitter, follow us to connect with us :- @TimesTabloid1 — TimesTabloid (@TimesTabloid1) July 15, 2023 With the SEC increasingly under scrutiny for its opaque and often adversarial approach to crypto regulation, a leadership transition could open the door for more constructive engagement with blockchain innovators like Ripple. A resolution would not only clear the legal cloud hanging over XRP but could also unleash a wave of institutional adoption, as financial firms would no longer have to navigate regulatory ambiguity. Market Implications and Investor Sentiment Amelie’s disclosure has invigorated a community of XRP holders who have long viewed the token as a cornerstone of the future financial system. Her post emphasizes that XRP is now “too big to fail,” a sentiment echoed by the token’s strong market fundamentals and increasing global adoption. With several central banks and financial institutions piloting or exploring integrations with Ripple’s technology, XRP’s value proposition is being re-evaluated by both investors and policymakers. Moreover, as the broader cryptocurrency market continues to mature, XRP’s unique positioning as a fast, efficient, and scalable token for cross-border payments may finally begin to receive the regulatory clarity and public validation it deserves. The emergence of this new legal document underscores a pivotal moment for XRP. Backed by political shifts, legal momentum, and undeniable technological strengths, XRP is well-positioned for future growth. The Trump administration’s role in fostering a more conducive regulatory environment is proving instrumental in reshaping XRP’s narrative, from a token embattled by legal uncertainty to one embraced as a critical component of the evolving global financial infrastructure. As Amelie aptly pointed out, XRP is not just resilient—it is on a trajectory to become a cornerstone of the new digital economy. 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 urged to do in-depth 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 Twitter , Facebook , Telegram , and Google News The post New Document Reveals Trump Administration Has Paved the Way for XRP Price to Grow appeared first on Times Tabloid .

22 May 2025, 09:01

‘Crypto Czar’ Sacks: Stablecoin Rules Could Unlock Trillions for U.S. Treasuries “Overnight”

The post ‘Crypto Czar’ Sacks: Stablecoin Rules Could Unlock Trillions for U.S. Treasuries “Overnight” appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News Could the U.S. unlock trillions overnight – all thanks to stablecoins? Well, there’s a headline you didn’t expect this week. But that’s the claim from David Sacks, the White House’s top advisor on crypto and AI under the Trump administration. And if he’s right, America’s debt market might be on the verge of a huge shift. Speaking to CNBC, Sacks said that regulatory clarity for stablecoins could trigger “trillions of dollars of demand for our Treasuries practically overnight, very quickly.” Here’s why you need to pay attention. His statement is a bold forecast backed by the Trump administration’s renewed push for crypto legislation. Let’s unpack further. Why Is the GENIUS Act Important? At the heart of all this is the GENIUS Act – short for Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for U.S. Stablecoins. If passed, it would finally give stablecoin issuers a proper federal framework and bring dollar-backed stablecoins under U.S. oversight. And momentum is clearly building. The bill just cleared a key hurdle in the Senate with a 66-32 vote, including support from 15 Democrats. Finally, some good news! According to Sacks, “There’s every expectation that the bill is going to pass.” Stablecoins: Unexpected Lifeline for U.S. Treasuries? Is this just regulation for the sake of control? Sacks framed the bill as a massive economic opportunity – a chance to modernize U.S. payment rails while also attracting enormous liquidity into Treasuries. Stablecoins, he said, offer “a new, more efficient, cheaper, smoother payment system.” That’s the sell, and it’s landing well – wouldn’t you agree? There’s already over $200 billion in stablecoins circulating, and without clear rules. With regulation, that capital could flow into U.S. Treasuries, potentially changing the outlook of government debt financing. But Wait – Here Come the Conflicts Not everyone’s buying the stablecoin-as-savior narrative. Critics are raising eyebrows over Trump’s ties to the crypto sector. His family is backing World Liberty Financial, which recently launched USD1, a stablecoin backed by U.S. Treasuries. It also pulled in a $2 billion investment from Abu Dhabi’s MGX fund – channeled through Binance, the same exchange that just admitted to violating U.S. anti-money laundering laws in a $4.3 billion plea deal. Yikes. Last-Minute Drama Could Slow Things Down Just as things were heating up, Sen. Josh Hawley dropped a last-minute amendment capping credit card late fees – something that could ruffle feathers in the banking world and slow things down. Still, the broader outlook is hard to ignore. If the GENIUS Act passes, this won’t just be a win for stablecoins. It could become a turning point in how the U.S. approaches digital dollars, debt markets, and its global economic leverage. It’s not often crypto gets framed as a lever of national strategy – but here we are. And if Sacks is right, this is just the beginning.

22 May 2025, 09:00

XRP Lawsuit: Legal Expert Outlines Next Steps for Ripple and SEC following Judge’s Rejection of Settlement

Prominent attorney and cryptocurrency personality Bill Morgan has outlined the next possible steps for crypto giant Ripple and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission after District Court Judge Analisa Torres rejected the proposal between both parties. On May 16, 2025, Judge Torres denied the joint request from Ripple and the SEC because it was a procedure she considered improper. Torres added that the request was also not within her jurisdiction because the case is still under appeal. However, if it was, the Judge asserted that the motion would still be denied, as it did not address Rule 60, which oversees the justification of relief requests from final judgments. While the court’s denial focused solely on the procedure and did not hint at any disapproval of the settlement, the procedural situation has now prolonged the case. However, attorney Bill Morgan maintains that the settlement agreement has not been rendered useless; it remains whole. Possible case scenarios for Ripple and the U.S. SEC The attorney added that should an indicative ruling be obtained from the Judge, both parties could file a motion to the Court of Appeals for a limited remand to seek relief agreed between Ripple and the SEC from Judge Analisa Torres. If the limited remand is granted, both parties could file a motion with the Judge seeking the relief they initially agreed upon. Bill Morgan further explained that with the dissolution of the injunction and the payment of the $125 million civil fine, now reduced to $50 million, both parties could file a motion with the Second Circuit Court to dismiss the Appeal and cross-appeal. At this stage, Bill Morgan explained that another joint motion by both parties, which is considered “procedurally correct”, could be filed. Notably, the attorney conclusively acknowledged the recent remarks made by Stuart Alderoty, the Chief Legal Officer at Ripple, who is convinced that both Ripple and the U.S. regulator will work together in court while addressing the issues raised by the Judge. Nothing in today’s order changes Ripple’s wins (i.e. XRP is not a security, etc). This is about procedural concerns with the dismissal of Ripple’s cross-appeal. Ripple and the SEC are fully in agreement to resolve this case and will revisit this issue with the Court, together. https://t.co/vBQdBD3FNe — Stuart Alderoty (@s_alderoty) May 15, 2025

22 May 2025, 08:58

David Sacks: Stablecoin Regulation Could Unlock Trillions for U.S. Debt

White House’s Crypto Expert Predicts Trillions in Treasury Demand from Stablecoin Clarity The Biden White House is no more, but stablecoins are here to stay. US debt markets could receive a multitrillion-dollar windfall — all thanks to transparent stablecoin regulation, according to David Sacks, the Trump campaign’s top crypto and AI adviser. GENIUS Act Advances in Senate The legislation at the heart of this opportunity is the GENIUS Act — an acronym for Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for U.S. Stablecoins Act. This act would impose a federal regulatory framework on stablecoin issuers and subject them to the oversight of the U.S. The bill cleared a key hurdle this week when 66 senators voted to send it forward, 15 of them Democrats, crossing the filibuster threshold. In an interview with CNBC, Sacks said the administration feels the act will pass. “There are over $200 billion of stablecoins that are unregulated,” Sacks said. “Regulatory clarity could unlock trillions of dollars of demand for our Treasuries virtually overnight.” Trump Ties Raise Eyebrows The enthusiasm isn’t without controversy. Critics point to Trump’s financial ties to the sector. His family is backing World Liberty Financial, the firm behind USD1, a stablecoin backed by U.S. Treasuries and dollar deposits. USD1 recently secured $2 billion from Abu Dhabi’s MGX fund and is listed on Binance — the crypto exchange that pleaded guilty in a $4.3 billion anti-money laundering case. Sacks declined to comment on potential conflict of interest among the Trump family’s crypto venture. Stablecoins as Financial Infrastructure As criticized, Sacks highlighted the GENIUS Act as a path to enhance the financial system. “Stablecoins are a cheaper, smoother, more efficient payment system — a new set of rails for the U.S. economy,” he stated. Final Hurdles Remain Passage of the GENIUS Act is uncertain at the moment. The recent eleventh-hour amendment by Sen. Josh Hawley limiting credit card late fees has infuriated banking groups, causing final passage to be delayed. Still, with bipartisan good faith and Trumpworld backing, stablecoin regulation is closer than ever — and the impact on U.S. debt markets potentially historic.

22 May 2025, 08:51

Bitcoin (BTC) Surges to Record High of $111,800

The run-away train that is Bitcoin has broken through the previous all-time high. Bulls have propelled the price to $111,800 so far on Thursday. Bitcoin is soaring into price discovery - how far can this rocketship go? $BTC surges from $74,500 to take out the all-time high It was back in February that the last all-time high of $109,300 was made. Following that high the $BTC price proceeded to slide sideways and downward, and eventually ended up getting all the way back down to $74,500. What many probably didn’t realise, was that this was the bottom of another bull flag that was forming. From this bottom in early April the price rose relatively quickly to take out the all-time high only a matter of five weeks or so later. It now remains to be seen just how much further into price discovery the $BTC price can go. Market sentiment is very much with the leading crypto asset, but there are likely to be some major bumps in the road ahead. USDT.Dominance breaks down Source: TradingView Two charts lend themselves to a continuation of Bitcoin’s ascent. The first is USDT dominance. When this is falling it generally means that money is coming out of the USDT stablecoin and into Bitcoin. The weekly chart is showing that USDT dominance is about to lose the 4.54% support level. If this does occur, dominance could continue decreasing down to the 3.8% support level as more stablecoins are sold into Bitcoin to fuel its rise. $BTC soars against gold Source: TradingView The BTC/GOLD chart makes for interesting viewing. We all know that gold has been on an absolute tear since the latter part of 2023, and that this went into overdrive in April. The rise in gold is probably not over yet by a long chalk, but what we are seeing now is that $BTC is beginning to catch up strongly. The weekly chart above shows that roughly 25 ounces of gold to one BTC was the bottom. Since that swing low $BTC has soared higher, currently at 33.3 ounces, and heading for the 34.6 ounces resistance. What does need to be borne in mind is that the 41 ounce all-time high will need to be surpassed by this current rally in order to maintain the series of higher lows and higher highs, and thereby keep $BTC in the ascendency against gold. Faltering price momentum and thin volume? Source: TradingView Back to $BTC itself, the short-term chart displays the breakout of the rising channel, and the surge up to the new all-time high. It also shows that it may not be just straight up from here. The shorter term Stochastic RSIs are at the top or nearing it. This means that upside price momentum could be about to falter. Another factor to take into account is that volume is quite thin. Volume was much, much higher in previous big breakouts, for example, the breakout of the previous 8-month bull flag. As it stands, volume has been decreasing since November 2024, so it can be imagined that this will need to change. Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. It is not offered or intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.