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21 Feb 2026, 17:13

Wall Street turns on cybersecurity stocks as Anthropic's Claude exposes bugs missed by experts

Anthropic has launched a limited research preview of Claude Code Security, a new tool that scans software for vulnerabilities and recommends fixes, marking a significant step in the use of artificial intelligence for cyber defense and sending shockwaves through the cybersecurity industry. The tool, built into Anthropic’s Claude Code platform, is now available to Enterprise and Team customers, with free accelerated access offered to open-source project maintainers. It comes as the San Francisco-based AI company says it expects AI to scan a significant share of the world’s code in the near future. The existing security tools only work through the common problem patterns, like exposed passwords or outdated encryption. Claude Code Security is supposed to go further than pattern-matching. It works through a full codebas e th e wa y a human researcher would, following the path data takes across a system and catching problems that standard scanners overlook. Results go through several rounds of checks before a developer ever sees them, cutting down on dead ends. Each issue is also ranked by how serious it is, so teams know where to start. It runs on Claude Opus 4.6, Anthropic’s newest model , which the company’s own Frontier Red Team has been putting through its paces. That testing turned up more than 500 vulnerabilities sitting in live open-source codebases — some of them had been there for decades without anyone catching them, even after years of expert review. Anthropic says it is now going through the process of notifying the people responsible for those projects. The company has also been running Claude across its own internal code and says the results have been strong. Analysts push back, but markets aren’t convinced The news shook cybersecurity investors. CrowdStrike shares dropped 6.8% on Friday and Okta fell 9.2%, as markets began questioning whether AI tools could eat into the business of established security companies. Cloudflare lost 6.7%, SailPoint shed 9.1%, and Palo Alto Networks slid 1.5%. Zscaler was down 5.47%. The Global X Cybersecurity ETF, which follows security firms around the world, closed the day nearly 5% in the red. Not everybody saw the reaction as warranted. Barclays analysts called it “incongruent,” saying a tool built for code security does not really go up against what companies like CrowdStrike or Palo Alto Networks actually do. But the gap between what spooked markets and what analysts are brushing off sits uneasily alongside one hard fact: Anthropic’s AI turned up more than 500 vulnerabilities in live codebases that had been sitting there for years, in some cases decades, without any human expert catching them. Whatever the competitive boundaries analysts draw, the tool did something the security industry had not managed to do on its own. AI cyberattack warning adds to the pressure The timing of the launch carries its own uncomfortable irony. Claude Opus 4.6, the exact model now being positioned as a security defender, was blamed just days earlier for a $1.78 million loss at DeFi lending protocol Moonwell. The bar for causing serious damage with AI-written code has dropped so low that it no longer requires an attacker at all. Security experts have been warning about this shift for months. Anthropic acknowledged the same trend in its own release, warning that “less experienced and resourced groups can now potentially perform large-scale attacks of this nature.” “Attackers will use AI to find exploitable weaknesses faster than ever,” the company said . “But defenders who move quickly can find those same weaknesses, patch them, and reduce the risk of an attack.” Its internal research, published in December 2025, went further, showing that an earlier version of the model, Claude Opus 4.5, could independently identify and exploit smart contract vulnerabilities worth up to $4.6 million in a controlled setting, with minimal human involvement. The company was aware its models could cut both ways. Claude Code Security is its answer to that problem. Take the same capability and put it in the hands of defenders before attackers get there first. Anthropic’s rival OpenAI debuted its own automated security tool, called Aardvark, in October of last year, signaling that AI-driven security is becoming a competitive battleground. Want your project in front of crypto’s top minds? Feature it in our next industry report, where data meets impact.

21 Feb 2026, 15:40

OpenAI ChatGPT Shooter: The Alarming Internal Debate That Preceded Canadian Tragedy

BitcoinWorld OpenAI ChatGPT Shooter: The Alarming Internal Debate That Preceded Canadian Tragedy In February 2026, a devastating mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge, Canada, claimed eight lives and revealed a disturbing digital trail that led directly to OpenAI’s ChatGPT. The 18-year-old suspect, Jesse Van Rootselaar, had engaged in conversations with the AI that raised internal alarms months before the tragedy, sparking intense debate within OpenAI about whether to contact law enforcement. This case represents a critical test for AI safety protocols and corporate responsibility in the age of advanced language models. OpenAI ChatGPT Shooter Case Timeline and Digital Evidence The Wall Street Journal’s investigation revealed a detailed timeline of concerning activities. In June 2025, OpenAI’s monitoring systems flagged and banned Jesse Van Rootselaar’s ChatGPT conversations about gun violence. Company staff immediately recognized the severity of these interactions and initiated internal discussions about potential law enforcement notification. Meanwhile, Van Rootselaar’s digital footprint extended beyond ChatGPT to include a Roblox game simulating mall shootings and concerning Reddit posts about firearms. Local authorities in British Columbia had previous contact with Van Rootselaar after a drug-related fire incident at her family home. This existing police awareness created a complex context for OpenAI’s decision-making process. The company ultimately determined the ChatGPT conversations didn’t meet their threshold for law enforcement reporting, a decision they would revisit after the February 2026 shooting. AI Safety Protocols and Reporting Thresholds OpenAI’s internal debate highlights the evolving challenges of content moderation for advanced AI systems. The company employs multiple layers of monitoring, including automated flagging systems and human review teams. These systems specifically scan for conversations involving violence, self-harm, or illegal activities. However, determining when digital conversations warrant real-world intervention remains a significant ethical and legal challenge for AI companies. Current industry standards vary considerably between major AI providers. The table below illustrates key differences in reporting protocols: Company Violence Reporting Threshold Law Enforcement Coordination Transparency Level OpenAI Imminent threat with identifiable details Case-by-case evaluation Moderate transparency Anthropic Specific planning with timeline Mandatory for credible threats High transparency Google DeepMind Direct threats to identifiable persons Legal requirement focus Limited transparency An OpenAI spokesperson explained their criteria require specific, credible threats with identifiable targets before initiating law enforcement contact. The company maintains that Van Rootselaar’s conversations, while concerning, didn’t meet this threshold during initial review. This position reflects broader industry struggles to balance user privacy, free expression, and public safety responsibilities. Legal and Ethical Implications for AI Companies The Tumbler Ridge case raises fundamental questions about AI company responsibilities. Currently, no universal legal framework exists mandating AI companies to report concerning conversations to authorities. However, several jurisdictions are developing legislation that could change this landscape significantly. Canada’s proposed AI Safety Act, for instance, includes provisions for mandatory reporting of potential criminal activities detected through AI systems. Multiple lawsuits have already been filed against AI companies citing chat transcripts that allegedly encouraged self-harm or provided suicide assistance. These legal challenges are establishing important precedents for corporate liability. Furthermore, mental health professionals have documented cases where intensive AI interactions contributed to psychological deterioration in vulnerable users, creating additional ethical considerations for platform operators. Broader Industry Context and Safety Developments The AI industry has accelerated safety research following several high-profile incidents. Major developments include enhanced content filtering systems, improved user age verification, and advanced pattern recognition for detecting concerning behavior. Additionally, industry collaborations like the Frontier Model Forum have established best practices for handling sensitive situations. Key safety improvements implemented since 2024 include: Multi-layered monitoring systems combining automated detection with human review Enhanced user behavior analysis tracking conversation patterns across sessions Improved crisis resource integration providing mental health support contacts Cross-platform threat assessment coordinating with other digital services Transparent reporting mechanisms for users to flag concerning interactions These developments reflect growing recognition that AI systems require robust safety frameworks. The Canadian tragedy has particularly influenced policy discussions in multiple countries, with lawmakers examining how to better regulate AI interactions while preserving innovation and privacy protections. Conclusion The OpenAI ChatGPT shooter case represents a watershed moment for AI safety and corporate responsibility. The internal debate at OpenAI about contacting Canadian authorities highlights the complex ethical landscape facing AI companies today. As language models become more sophisticated and integrated into daily life, establishing clear protocols for handling concerning interactions becomes increasingly urgent. This tragedy underscores the need for balanced approaches that protect public safety while respecting privacy and free expression. The industry’s response to this case will likely shape AI safety standards for years to come, influencing everything from technical design to legal frameworks and international cooperation. FAQs Q1: What specific ChatGPT conversations concerned OpenAI staff? OpenAI’s monitoring systems flagged conversations where Jesse Van Rootselaar discussed gun violence in concerning detail. The company’s automated tools detected patterns matching known risk indicators for violent behavior, triggering human review and account suspension in June 2025. Q2: Why didn’t OpenAI contact police immediately after flagging the chats? OpenAI determined the conversations didn’t meet their established threshold for law enforcement reporting, which requires specific, credible threats with identifiable targets. The company maintains internal protocols balancing user privacy with public safety responsibilities. Q3: What other digital evidence existed beyond ChatGPT? Investigators discovered a Roblox game simulating mall shootings, concerning Reddit posts about firearms, and previous police contact for a drug-related fire incident. This broader digital footprint provided additional context about Van Rootselaar’s activities. Q4: How are AI companies improving safety protocols? Major improvements include enhanced content filtering, better user behavior analysis, crisis resource integration, cross-platform threat assessment coordination, and more transparent reporting mechanisms for users and authorities. Q5: What legal changes might result from this case? Several jurisdictions are considering legislation requiring AI companies to report potential criminal activities. Canada’s proposed AI Safety Act includes such provisions, and similar measures are being discussed in the European Union and United States. This post OpenAI ChatGPT Shooter: The Alarming Internal Debate That Preceded Canadian Tragedy first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

21 Feb 2026, 14:00

Bitcoin Options Update: Market Panic Fades But Traders Remain Defensive – Details

Bearish sentiments continue to dominate the Bitcoin market as the premier cryptocurrency looks to record a fifth consecutive monthly loss. Presently, prices are consolidating beneath the $70,000 mark, as market bulls struggle to force a decisive breakout above the resistance zone. Amid this choppy price action, data from the Bitcoin options market shows that traders are beginning to expect less volatility but still acknowledge the fragile nature of the market. Related Reading: Why Bitcoin Could Be Headed For Another Drop: Research Firm Cites Three Key Risks Bitcoin Volatility Expectations Drop, Market Panic Fades In an X post on February 20, Glassnode shared its weekly Bitcoin options market update, analyzing the traders’ behavior and sentiment in relation to present market conditions. The market analytics firm reports a notable change in volatility expectations that helps to subside the presently heightened bearish sentiments. According to Glassnode analysts, At-the-money (ATM) implied volatility across maturities has significantly dropped to around 48%, down significantly from recent highs. Because ATM IV reflects the market’s expected move, the decline suggests traders are no longer betting on an immediate price crash. Notably, this shift is reinforced by moves in DVOL, an indicator for measuring aggregate implied volatility expectations. Following initial spikes during the market liquidation in late January/early February, DVOL has fallen by roughly 10 volatility points over the past two weeks, signaling that extreme hedging demand is easing out. In addition, the short-term volatility risk premium (VRP) has turned positive. Earlier this month, one-week VRP plunged to deeply negative levels at -45, as realized volatility far exceeded implied. Since then, implied volatility has repriced higher while realized volatility has stabilized, restoring a premium in short-dated options. Together, these metrics suggest that panic pricing is being reset, and expectations for outsized, volatile moves have declined. Related Reading: XRP Ledger Gets x402 Facilitator For AI Agent Payments: Why This Is Bullish Bitcoin Traders Remain Alert To Downside Despite the cooling in volatility expectations, other metrics show that traders are maintaining a defensive market position. For example, the Put skew, which measures the relative demand for downside protection versus upside exposure, remains quite heightened despite moving off the extreme hedge. After bottoming near the 7 volatility points, the one-week 25-delta skew has rebounded toward 14 vol. The recovery indicates that while extreme fear has subsided, demand for downside insurance remains firm. The taker flow data also tells a similar story. Puts represented two-thirds of last week’s options activity, with outright put buying representing about 34% of total flow. The dominance of protective positioning suggests that market participants are not fully convinced the correction has run its course. In conclusion, the options market is signaling a more measured outlook, where expectations for immediate turmoil have faded, but traders are hedging to hedge against the risk of another downside. At press time, Bitcoin trades at $67,628 following a 0.92% gain in the last 24 hours. More data from Glassnode also shows that Dealers are broadly short gamma across a wide price range between $70,000 and $58,000, a positioning structure that could amplify selling pressure if Bitcoin extends losses. Conversely, a large gamma concentration around $75,000 suggests positioning for a potential rebound. Featured image from Flickr, chart from Tradingview

21 Feb 2026, 13:30

Paul Barron to XRP Holders: Our Research Reveals Something Big Is Brewing

Crypto technologist and investor Paul Barron has indicated that a potentially significant development involving Ripple, XRP, and RLUSD may soon come to light. In a recent post, Barron stated that research conducted by his team points to what he described as “something big” emerging in connection with the forthcoming Clarity Act. According to Barron, the development is “hidden in plain sight” and could represent one of the most consequential revelations associated with Ripple’s ecosystem to date. Barron’s message suggests that the anticipated shift is linked to regulatory progress expected from the Clarity Act and its possible implications for digital assets tied to Ripple’s infrastructure. He specifically referenced XRP and RLUSD , Ripple’s U.S. dollar-backed stablecoin, indicating that both assets may play a central role in what he characterized as a “bombshell.” He added that further details would be shared next week and concluded his message with a direct call to “Lock In $XRP,” signaling confidence in the asset’s outlook. Recent research from our team reveals something big is brewing off the soon-to-be heels of the Clarity Act with Ripple and $XRP $RLUSD – hidden in plain sight. This could be the Ripple team's biggest bombshell yet. Will air more on this next week. Lock In $XRP — PaulBarron (@paulbarron) February 20, 2026 Focus on Clarity Act and Stablecoin Implications Although Barron did not provide technical specifics, his wording implies that the Clarity Act could create new regulatory certainty for digital assets and stablecoins operating within established financial systems. By connecting the legislation to Ripple’s ecosystem, he portrays the anticipated development as one that may directly benefit XRP and RLUSD. RLUSD, already launched as Ripple’s U.S. dollar-backed stablecoin, has been positioned as part of the company’s broader strategy to integrate blockchain-based payments with traditional financial institutions. Barron’s reference to both XRP and RLUSD suggests a scenario in which regulatory clarity could enhance institutional adoption or expand the functional role of these assets within banking and settlement systems. His characterization of the information as “hidden in plain sight” indicates that the underlying elements may already be publicly accessible but not widely recognized for their broader implications. The lack of immediate detail has heightened anticipation among market participants awaiting further clarification. We are on X, follow us to connect with us :- @TimesTabloid1 — TimesTabloid (@TimesTabloid1) June 15, 2025 Community Reaction and Market Expectations Responses to Barron’s post reflect elevated expectations within segments of the digital asset community. One commenter, identified as Bats, speculated that a combination of the Clarity Act and RLUSD could significantly shift the competitive landscape in favor of Ripple’s ecosystem. The comment suggested that regulatory approval for stablecoins could enable banks to increase participation, potentially channeling substantial liquidity through XRP-based systems. The commenter further argued that such a development could diminish the dominance narrative often associated with Bitcoin, contrasting utility-driven adoption with store-of-value positioning. While these claims remain speculative, they illustrate the degree of optimism surrounding Barron’s forthcoming announcement. At present, Barron has not disclosed specific data points or policy interpretations supporting his assertion. However, his statement underscores growing attention on regulatory developments and their potential to reshape the digital asset sector. 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 Paul Barron to XRP Holders: Our Research Reveals Something Big Is Brewing appeared first on Times Tabloid .

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, 10:30

Bitcoin’s Fair Value Faces 20% Quantum Discount—And It’s Only Rising: Research

New research shows Bitcoin is facing a discount of about 20% due to the Quantum Computing threat, and it could rise further without an upgrade. Bitcoin Quantum Discount Could Hit 60% By 2028 Capriole Investments founder Charles Edwards has published a new research piece on how the Quantum Computing risk could discount the fair value of Bitcoin. Quantum Computing is an upcoming technology that could, in theory, be used to break into certain old BTC wallets . “A quantum hack would compromise the core tenets of Bitcoin,” noted Edwards. The analyst further added: “Trust the code” and “hard money” value propositions would be crippled overnight as up to 30% of all Bitcoin supply (the coins with exposed public keys) are stolen and liquidated. Currently, it’s yet unknown when Quantum Computing will advance enough to be able to compromise BTC’s cryptography (an event known as the “Q-Day”), but there has been an increasing amount of discourse surrounding the topic. Edwards, who has been a vocal voice about the issue in the Bitcoin community, has argued that, given the Quantum threat, logical market participants must now discount the asset’s fair value by a “Quantum Discount Factor.” The research article describes this metric as the number of years to upgrade BTC against the threat subtracted from the cumulative probability of Q-Day occurring by year. To find the probability of Q-Day taking place, Edwards has referred to estimates from various experts. Below is the compiled data of these predictions. As is visible in the chart, there is a 60% chance that Q-Day could occur by 2030 and about 80% that it could happen by 2031. All of the predictions put it as happening sometime in the next nine years (2035 and before). As for how long it could take to upgrade Bitcoin, the article puts a realistic estimate at approximately two years. “In an extremely optimistic and aggressive scenario this might be feasible in 1 year, but is more likely to be closer to 3 years, as the below diagram elicits,” said Edwards. Putting both the estimations together, the analyst has mapped out the Quantum Discount Factor for the digital asset. From the graph, it’s apparent that the 2026 Quantum Discount Factor sits at 20% for Bitcoin. This means that the fair value of the asset should be 20% lower today due to the Quantum risk. In the scenario that no action is taken for proofing the network against the threat, the discount will increase to nearly 40% by 2027. The figure will rise further to about 60% in 2028 and 75% in 2029. BTC Price At the time of writing, Bitcoin is floating around $67,700, down 2% in the last seven days.