hodler

5 Mar 2026, 08:11

New Critical iPhone Exploit, Morgan Stanley Taps Coinbase, a16z to Raise $2 Billion: The Last 24 Hours in Crypto

A lot happened in the world of cryptocurrencies over the last 24 hours. We have handpicked a few of the more important titles you may have missed, so let’s have a quick look. Google Warns of New iPhone Exploit Targeting Crypto Users Google researchers have flagged a relatively powerful exploit kit that they call “Coruna.” It is capable of infecting iPhone devices and potentially jeopardizing sensitive information, including seed phrases of cryptocurrency wallets. The toolkit contains a total of 23 vulnerabilities across five exploit chains that target devices running older versions of iOS, ranging from iOS 13 to 17.2.1. Multiple security analysts say that attackers have managed to deploy the exploit through compromised websites and fake crypto-oriented platforms. Once a vulnerable device visits the website, malware can scan messages and apps like MetaMask to locate wallet credentials or financial information. The exploit has originally been linked to espionage campaigns before spreading to cybercriminal groups with financial motives. This highlights how advanced surveillance tools can leak into the broader criminal ecosystem, as well as the critical importance of maintaining technological hygiene, updating your phone’s software, and following mandatory security tips when interacting with crypto platforms. Morgan Stanley Taps Coinbase and BNY Mellon for Bitcoin Infrastructure Morgan Stanley is preparing to deepen its involvement in crypto infrastructure. The banking behemoth is supposedly considering launching a Bitcoin investment product. The bank intends to rely on Coinbase for cryptocurrency custody services, as well as on BNY Mellon for additional asset custody related to the proposed Morgan Stanley Bitcoin Trust. The ETF itself will hold Bitcoin directly, and the custody structure will primarily rely on offline cold storage to reduce hacking risks, according to the filing . The move signals growing institutional demand for regulated access to crypto products. Major financial institutions have undoubtedly increased their involvement and partnered with well-known crypto firms rather than building their own infrastructure in a bid to accelerate Wall Street’s venture into the digital asset industry. Zerohash Applies for U.S. National Trust Bank Charter Popular crypto infrastructure firm Zerohash has formally applied for a National Trust Bank Charter with the U.S. Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC). This step could enable the company to operate as a federally regulated trust bank. If the application is approved and the charter granted, this would allow Zerohash to further expand its services to niches such as digital asset custody, stablecoin management, and tokenized asset infrastructure under a unified federal regulatory framework. The company is already powering crypto integrations for institutions, which include Morgan Stanley, Stripe, and Interactive Brokers. The move comes a day after Kraken became the first crypto company to obtain a Fed Master Account. Venture Giant a16z Targets $2 Billion for a New Crypto Fund Silicon Valley venture capital powerhouse Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) is raising around $2 billion for a fund focused on investing in the cryptocurrency industry. According to the reports, the round can close as early as the first half of this year. Historically, a16z has been one of the most prominent VCs in the Web3 ecosystem, backing major projects and startups across blockchain infrastructure, crypto apps, DeFi, and related areas. Despite the ongoing crypto winter, a new fund of this size suggests that venture investors still see long-term opportunity, highlighting that periods of pressure can also be times of opportunity. Recall that Dragonfly – another crypto-oriented VC – recently launched their fourth fund worth $650 million. Tether Makes $1.5 Billion Bet on AI Sleep Tracking Last but not least, we have the stablecoin giant Tether making a strategic investment in the AI-powered mattress and sleep-oriented technology company Eight Sleep at a $1.5 billion valuation. The investment seems to be part of the firm’s broader strategy to diversify and expand well beyond crypto and stablecoins into emerging sectors such as health technology and artificial intelligence. The post New Critical iPhone Exploit, Morgan Stanley Taps Coinbase, a16z to Raise $2 Billion: The Last 24 Hours in Crypto appeared first on CryptoPotato .

5 Mar 2026, 02:10

Silver Price Forecast: XAG/USD Holds Steady Above $84.00 but Faces Critical Vulnerability

BitcoinWorld Silver Price Forecast: XAG/USD Holds Steady Above $84.00 but Faces Critical Vulnerability Global markets on March 21, 2025, observed the silver price (XAG/USD) maintaining a delicate position above the $84.00 per ounce threshold, yet technical charts reveal underlying vulnerabilities that could signal significant movement in the coming sessions. This analysis examines the complex interplay of macroeconomic forces, technical indicators, and historical patterns shaping the precious metal’s trajectory. Silver Price Forecast: Technical Chart Analysis Reveals Key Levels Technical analysts currently scrutinize the XAG/USD chart structure with particular attention. The $84.00 level has transformed into a crucial psychological and technical support zone. Furthermore, the 50-day and 200-day moving averages converge nearby, creating a potential inflection point. Market participants note that silver has tested this support region three times in the past month, demonstrating its significance. Each test has resulted in a bounce, but the diminishing volume during these recoveries suggests weakening bullish conviction. Consequently, a decisive break below $84.00 could trigger accelerated selling pressure toward the next major support near $81.50, a level established during the January 2025 consolidation phase. Conversely, resistance remains formidable around the $86.80 mark, which aligns with the early March 2025 high. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) currently hovers near 45, indicating neither overbought nor oversold conditions but leaning toward bearish momentum. Additionally, the Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) histogram shows fading bullish momentum, with the signal line threatening a crossover into negative territory. These chart-based observations provide critical context for the current “steady but vulnerable” market description. Macroeconomic Drivers Influencing Precious Metals Beyond the charts, fundamental factors exert substantial pressure on silver prices. The U.S. dollar index (DXY) has shown renewed strength following the latest Federal Reserve policy statements, creating headwinds for dollar-denominated commodities like silver. Central bank policies globally continue to prioritize inflation control, keeping real interest rates elevated—a traditional negative for non-yielding assets. However, industrial demand presents a countervailing force. Silver’s essential role in photovoltaic solar panels, electric vehicles, and 5G infrastructure provides a structural demand floor. The International Silver Institute reported a 4% year-over-year increase in industrial consumption for 2024, a trend expected to continue through 2025. Geopolitical tensions also contribute to silver’s safe-haven appeal, though typically less pronounced than gold’s. Recent supply chain concerns regarding primary silver mining output from key regions like Mexico and Peru have introduced volatility. The London Bullion Market Association (LBMA) reported silver holdings in exchange-traded products remain near multi-year highs, indicating sustained institutional interest despite price vulnerability. Expert Analysis and Market Sentiment Indicators Market strategists offer nuanced perspectives on the current setup. “The $84 level represents more than just a number on a chart,” notes commodities analyst Dr. Anya Sharma of the Global Resources Institute. “It encapsulates the equilibrium between industrial demand growth and financial market headwinds. A sustained break either direction will likely establish the trend for Q2 2025.” Sharma references historical data showing that silver volatility typically expands following prolonged consolidation near major moving averages. Sentiment indicators from the Commitments of Traders (COT) reports reveal that managed money positions have reduced net-long exposure over the past two weeks. Meanwhile, commercial hedgers have increased short positions slightly, often interpreted as professional hedging against potential downside. This positioning data aligns with the technical vulnerability narrative. Seasonality patterns also come into play, as the period following the March quarter-end often sees repositioning across commodity portfolios. Comparative Performance: Silver Versus Other Assets Understanding silver’s position requires comparison with related markets. The gold-to-silver ratio, a closely watched metric, currently sits near 78:1, slightly above its five-year average of 75:1. This suggests silver may be modestly undervalued relative to gold, potentially limiting severe downside if the ratio reverts toward its mean. Compared to industrial metals like copper, silver has underperformed year-to-date, reflecting its dual nature as both monetary and industrial metal. Silver (XAG/USD) Key Technical Levels and Indicators Level Type Price Significance Immediate Support $84.00 Psychological & 50-day MA confluence Secondary Support $81.50 January 2025 consolidation low Immediate Resistance $86.80 March 2025 swing high Primary Resistance $88.50 2024 yearly high Current RSI 45 Neutral with bearish bias The following factors currently define the trading environment for XAG/USD: Dollar Strength: A resilient U.S. dollar creates valuation pressure. Real Yields: Higher real interest rates reduce appeal. Industrial Demand: Green technology adoption provides support. ETF Flows: Physical-backed product holdings remain stable. Volatility Expectations: Options markets price increased movement. Historical Context and Forward-Looking Scenarios Examining silver’s price action during similar technical setups in the past decade provides valuable insight. In 2019, silver consolidated around its 200-day moving average for several weeks before breaking higher amid monetary policy shifts. Conversely, in 2021, a similar pattern resolved with a downward break following taper talk announcements. The current environment shares characteristics with both periods, making the upcoming economic data releases particularly consequential. The U.S. Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) report, due next week, could serve as the catalyst that resolves the current indecision. Forward-looking scenarios depend heavily on the $84.00 handle. A bullish scenario requires a daily close above $86.80 with expanding volume, potentially targeting the $90.00 psychological zone. The bearish scenario involves a sustained break below $84.00, confirmed by a weekly close, opening the path toward $81.50 and possibly $79.00. The probability-weighted analysis from several trading desks suggests a slightly higher likelihood for the bearish resolution in the near term, given the macroeconomic backdrop. Conclusion The silver price forecast remains finely balanced as XAG/USD demonstrates resilience above $84.00 while exhibiting technical vulnerability. This analysis confirms that the precious metal sits at a critical juncture, influenced by competing macroeconomic forces, technical patterns, and shifting market sentiment. Traders and investors should monitor the $84.00 support level with heightened attention, as its integrity will likely determine the short-to-medium-term directional bias. The coming sessions will test whether industrial demand and safe-haven flows can outweigh the pressures from dollar strength and monetary policy, ultimately defining the next chapter in silver’s volatile market narrative. FAQs Q1: What does XAG/USD holding above $84.00 technically signify? The $84.00 level represents a major confluence of technical support, including the 50-day moving average and a key psychological round number. Holding above it suggests underlying demand, but repeated tests without strong rallies indicate vulnerability. Q2: What are the main factors making silver prices vulnerable in 2025? Primary factors include a strengthening U.S. dollar, elevated real interest rates reducing the appeal of non-yielding assets, and technical chart patterns showing weakening momentum despite holding support levels. Q3: How does industrial demand affect silver’s price compared to gold? Industrial applications, particularly in green technology like solar panels and EVs, provide silver with a fundamental demand floor that gold lacks. This can limit downside during economic slowdowns but also ties silver more closely to manufacturing cycles. Q4: What key price level should traders watch if $84.00 breaks? A confirmed break below $84.00 with sustained selling volume would likely target the next significant support zone around $81.50, which was established during the January 2025 consolidation period. Q5: How are institutional investors currently positioned in silver markets? According to recent Commitments of Traders reports, managed money (speculative) positions have reduced net-long exposure, while commercial entities have increased hedging activity. This positioning often precedes increased volatility. This post Silver Price Forecast: XAG/USD Holds Steady Above $84.00 but Faces Critical Vulnerability first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

4 Mar 2026, 16:38

Apple iPhone Hacking Kit Used By Spies, Crypto Scams Could Have US Intelligence Origins

Researchers said a sophisticated exploit kit with 23 iOS vulnerabilities is being used by espionage and cybercrime campaigns.

4 Mar 2026, 02:25

Crypto Wallet Hack: South Korean Police Nab Phishing Gang in $602K Tether Heist

BitcoinWorld Crypto Wallet Hack: South Korean Police Nab Phishing Gang in $602K Tether Heist In a significant crackdown on digital asset crime, South Korean authorities have apprehended a sophisticated phishing gang responsible for a major cryptocurrency wallet hack. The Seoul Gangbuk Police Station confirmed the arrest of seven individuals on March 21, 2025, for allegedly stealing 800 million won (approximately $602,000) in Tether (USDT). This case highlights the evolving tactics of cybercriminals and the determined response from Asian law enforcement agencies. Crypto Wallet Hack Details and Police Action According to reports from Newsis, the investigation centered on a theft that occurred around April of last year. Consequently, police moved decisively to identify and capture the suspects. The organized group, led by a 41-year-old individual identified only as ‘A’, allegedly executed a targeted phishing scheme. Furthermore, authorities detained six of the seven arrested members, indicating the perceived severity of the charges. The Seoul Gangbuk Police Station formally announced the arrests, citing violations of two key statutes: The Information and Communications Network Act : This law governs illegal access and disruption of information systems. The Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Economic Crimes : This statute applies to large-scale fraud and financial theft. This legal framework provides South Korean prosecutors with robust tools to pursue stringent penalties for such financial cybercrimes. The Rising Threat of Phishing in Cryptocurrency This incident represents a new type of phishing threat targeting crypto holders. Traditionally, phishing involves deceptive emails or websites. However, modern schemes have become more advanced. For instance, criminals now use sophisticated social engineering and fake wallet interfaces. Therefore, the arrest of this gang underscores a critical trend in cybercrime. Globally, cryptocurrency phishing attacks have surged. According to data from blockchain security firms, losses exceeded $300 million in 2024 alone. South Korea, as a leading hub for crypto adoption, faces particular scrutiny. The nation’s proactive regulatory stance makes such police actions increasingly common. Recent Major Crypto Phishing Arrests in Asia (2024-2025) Country Date Amount Stolen Asset South Korea Mar 2025 $602,000 Tether (USDT) Japan Jan 2025 $1.2M Bitcoin (BTC) Singapore Nov 2024 $850,000 Ethereum (ETH) Expert Analysis on Tether and Stablecoin Security The choice of Tether (USDT) as the target asset is noteworthy. As the world’s largest stablecoin, USDT maintains a 1:1 peg with the US dollar. Consequently, it offers criminals immediate liquidity and relative price stability compared to volatile cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. Security experts point out that stablecoins have become prime targets for theft. Blockchain analysts explain that tracing stolen USDT is possible but challenging. While transactions are public on the blockchain, criminals use mixers and decentralized exchanges to obscure fund trails. Nevertheless, coordinated efforts between exchanges and law enforcement can freeze addresses. The arrest in Seoul demonstrates successful cross-agency collaboration. South Korea’s Evolving Crypto Crime Enforcement South Korea has significantly strengthened its crypto regulatory environment since 2021. The Financial Services Commission (FSC) now requires all exchanges to obtain real-name banking partnerships. Additionally, the Special Financial Transactions Information Act mandates strict KYC/AML procedures. These measures aim to prevent money laundering and fraud. The police action follows a series of high-profile enforcements. In 2023, authorities broke up a $4.5 million crypto fraud ring. Similarly, in late 2024, they investigated several fake exchange scams. This consistent enforcement signals a zero-tolerance policy toward financial cybercrime. The government prioritizes investor protection in its digital asset framework. Key elements of South Korea’s strategy include: Digital Forensics Units: Specialized police teams trained in blockchain analysis. International Cooperation: Working with Interpol and foreign agencies to track cross-border flows. Public Awareness Campaigns: Educating citizens on secure wallet management and phishing red flags. Implications for Global Crypto Security This arrest carries important implications for cryptocurrency users worldwide. First, it highlights the persistent risk of phishing attacks despite improved wallet security. Second, it shows that law enforcement capabilities are catching up with crypto criminals. Users must remain vigilant and adopt best practices. Recommended security measures for individuals include: Using hardware wallets for significant holdings. Enabling multi-factor authentication (2FA) on all exchange accounts. Verifying website URLs and never clicking unsolicited links. Keeping software and wallet applications updated. For the industry, the case underscores the need for continued investment in security infrastructure. Exchanges and wallet providers must enhance detection systems for suspicious transactions. Moreover, sharing threat intelligence can help prevent similar attacks across platforms. Conclusion The successful arrest of a phishing gang for a $602K crypto wallet hack marks a victory for South Korean law enforcement. This operation demonstrates the serious consequences for targeting digital assets. As cryptocurrency adoption grows, robust legal frameworks and international cooperation become essential. This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of security in the digital finance era. Ultimately, protecting investors requires constant vigilance from both users and authorities. FAQs Q1: What was stolen in the South Korean crypto wallet hack? The phishing gang stole 800 million South Korean won, equivalent to approximately $602,000, entirely in the Tether (USDT) stablecoin. Q2: How many people were arrested for the cryptocurrency theft? South Korean police arrested seven individuals. Authorities detained six of them, including the 41-year-old leader identified as ‘A’. Q3: What laws did the gang violate? Police charged the group with violations of South Korea’s Information and Communications Network Act and the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Economic Crimes. Q4: Why is Tether (USDT) a common target for thieves? As a stablecoin pegged to the US dollar, Tether offers criminals immediate liquidity and stable value, unlike more volatile cryptocurrencies which can fluctuate rapidly in price. Q5: What does this arrest mean for crypto security in Asia? This arrest signals that South Korean and other Asian authorities are intensifying efforts to combat crypto cybercrime, using specialized digital forensics and strict regulations to protect investors and pursue criminals. This post Crypto Wallet Hack: South Korean Police Nab Phishing Gang in $602K Tether Heist first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

3 Mar 2026, 15:27

Neutron pauses services after white hat flags security vulnerability

Neutron, which identifies itself as a public PoS blockchain that allows BTC holders to earn yields on a suite of BTCFi products and services, has announced a temporary service disruption until at least March 9 after a security update in which it said “a white hat flagged a vulnerability” in its code. Neutron quickly moved to calm fears about fund safety in its announcement, noting that all funds are safe and that users did not have to take any further action at this time. However, until at least March 9 when it promised that fixes are due to go live, it said its orderbook and Supervault deposits, withdrawals and offline swaps will remain offline. Neutron’s NTRN token is currently trading at $0.0114, oscillating within a tight range between $0.0118 and $0.0112 in the short-term, with a sustained downward trend over 30 days and longer time frames. Neutron’s NTRN token 30-day price chart. Source: CoinMarketCap Which bug did white hats find in Neutron’s code? Neutron did not share details of the vulnerability that white hats found in its code, as is the practice in these kinds of cases, to avoid exploits before they can definitively plug the holes in their system. In its public disclosure of the discovery, the project did commit to pushing a fix within days, at which point, it could also release a post-mortem detailing the defect that the white hats detected, and how it managed the fix. All of these disclosures suggest Neutron has engaged in productive correspondence with the white hats, which is the best-case scenario. Other cases haven’t been handled with similar discretion. In January 2026, Cryptoplitan reported that SlowMist analysts raised a public alarm after they failed to reach HitBTC in at least three attempts in a matter of weeks. Just one month before that, analysts from the same security firm issued similar notices after failing to initiate private contact with Seychelles-registered Azbit and Turkish exchange ICRYPEX Global. Neutron’s bug bounty program formally launched on July 2, 2024, teasing rewards packages ranging from $1,000 to a maximum of $100,000, depending on the nature and severity of the vulnerability reported. Bitcoin DeFi sinks under wave of product halts The latest service disruption at Neutron adds to a recent wave of negative news to hit the fledgling $4.4 billion Bitcoin DeFi (BTCFi) sector, which remains a small fraction of the almost $53 billion parked in markets across Ethereum. Comparison of BTC and ETH DeFi TVLs. Source: Defillama On February 20, Structured, a project with plans to “build a sustainable BTC yield product that was liquid, scalable, and capable of unlocking new use cases like BTC yield looping,” announced that it is closing shop merely months after its October 2025 launch. The project peaked at an 84-BTC TVL before it was shut down. On the same day, Neutron also announced that it would sunset its Bitcoin Summer program at the end of its Phase 3 campaign on March 16, naming Structure’s decision as part of why the wind-down became inevitable. According to Neutron, the campaign peaked at over $50 million in BTC total value locked (TVL). A third project, Amber, was also pushed over the edge, sharing that it will halt deposits and carefully unwind exposure through March 23. Drop, a project meant to “make staked assets productive across the Interchain and expand access to liquidity for Cosmos assets,” also announced wind-down plans for dAssets, including Neutron’s NTRN token, because of the “current direction” of the Cosmos ecosystem and broader market conditions. The projects blamed unfavorable market conditions for their decisions, similar to Zerolend, which announced plans to shut down its lending market last month. Even thriving projects like Aave have also had to make some strategic cuts in response to market conditions, pushing forward despite recent drama among ecosystem developers over project direction. Claim your free seat in an exclusive crypto trading community - limited to 1,000 members.

3 Mar 2026, 05:00

South Korea To Review Seized Crypto Custody Practices After Recovery Phase Leak Incident

South Korean financial authorities have pledged to revise their crypto custody practices following public scrutiny over multiple incidents that led to the loss of nearly $30 million in seized digital assets over the past few months. Authorities Move To Enhance Crypto Custody Practices South Korea’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Koo Yun-cheol, affirmed that authorities will review their management practices of seized crypto assets by government and public authorities, and develop measures to prevent the theft and loss of these assets. “In response to the recent digital asset information leak incident at the National Tax Service (NTS), the government will promptly review the status and management practices of digital assets held and managed by government and public institutions—such as those seized from delinquent taxpayers—in collaboration with relevant agencies, including the Financial Services Commission (FSC) and the Financial Supervisory Service (FSS),” the finance minister wrote in a Sunday X post. “We will also swiftly develop and implement measures to prevent recurrence, including strengthening digital asset security management,” he continued, noting that the South Korean government only holds crypto assets acquired through legal enforcement actions, such as seizure. The upcoming review and Koo’s statement follow a wave of criticism over the authorities’ practices and management of crypto assets after the tax agency exposed the recovery seed phrase of a seized wallet, leading to unauthorized access and theft of the tokens inside it. As reported by Bitcoinist, South Korea’s National Tax Service recently published an official press release to highlight its crackdown on tax nonpayers, but accidentally shared a full wallet seed phrase in the process. The Thursday press release was reportedly part of a broader NTS enforcement campaign targeted at people who owed taxes, showing seized crypto assets as evidence of the agency’s efforts. Nonetheless, it included an image of two Ledger cold wallets alongside a handwritten sheet of paper that exposed the wallets’ complete mnemonic recovery phrases. Soon after, one of the confiscated wallets’ entire balance, 4 million Pre-Retogeum (PRTG) tokens worth around $4.8 million, was transferred to another address, blockchain researchers found, but noted that the cryptocurrency has extremely low liquidity. According to Professor Cho Jae-woo of Hansung University’s Blockchain Research Institute, the other wallets with seed phrases visible in the same image did not appear to carry significant risk, as the leaked tokens are also difficult to convert into cash. The expert criticized the incident, but shared his hope that it “serves as a turning point for the establishment of a robust virtual asset management system within Korea’s public sector.” South Korea’s Custody Mishaps Last week’s incident is the latest in a series of security breaches that have led to the loss of around $27 million in seized crypto assets under the government’s custody since the start of the year. In January, the Gwangju District Prosecutors’ Office faced backlash after discovering that 320 Bitcoin (BTC), worth around $21 million, had gone missing months ago. According to local reports, authorities only discovered the theft during a routine check of seized financial assets held as criminal evidence. Prosecutors found that the crypto assets, first seized in 2021, were lost to a scam in August while authorities were handling the assets. Notably, a malicious actor drained the wallets after investigators mistakenly accessed a phishing website. In an unexpected turn of events, the hacker returned the stolen Bitcoin in mid-February, the Gwangju District Prosecutors’ Office confirmed, vowing to continue to track down the malicious actors involved while conducting related investigations and inspections. The incident led to a nationwide review, which revealed another security breach at the Seoul Gangnam Police Station last month. The Gangnam station announced it had lost 22 BTC, worth around $1.4 million at the time, that were voluntarily submitted to authorities during an investigation in November 2021. Local news outlets reported that the leak had not been detected until recently, as the investigation into that case had been suspended. The inspection revealed that the cold wallet storing the Bitcoin was not stolen. However, the assets stored inside had vanished without a trace, deepening concerns about local authorities’ knowledge of cryptocurrencies and proper measures to handle and custody seized digital assets.