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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 .
21 Feb 2026, 11:05
Analyst: You Are Not Bullish Enough on XRP. Next Month Looks Promising
The crypto market often rewards patience, and XRP now stands at a moment that could define its next major move. While short-term traders focus on daily fluctuations, long-term technical structures quietly shape the bigger narrative. XRP’s weekly chart now reflects a setup that many analysts believe the market continues to underestimate. XRP Captain recently shared a TradingView chart highlighting a descending channel that has controlled XRP’s price action since late 2024. He argues that investors are “not bullish enough” as the asset approaches a critical resistance level near $1.43. According to his outlook, March 2026 could mark a decisive turning point if price breaks above the upper boundary of this long-standing structure. A Year-Long Descending Channel Nears Resolution Since late 2024, XRP has traded within a clearly defined descending channel on the weekly timeframe. The pattern formed through a sequence of lower highs and lower lows, reflecting sustained selling pressure after earlier rallies. However, price now presses firmly against the channel’s upper resistance line. #XRP descending channel breakout to happen next month looks promising but you are not bullish enough on #XRP pic.twitter.com/1gUio4dAbp — XRP CAPTAIN (@UniverseTwenty) February 20, 2026 Repeated tests of resistance typically weaken the supply. If bulls secure a strong weekly close above the descending trendline, the breakout would invalidate the bearish structure that has governed XRP for over a year. Technical theory suggests that prolonged compression often precedes sharp expansion , especially when price coils within narrowing boundaries. XRP has demonstrated this behavior in previous cycles. Extended consolidation phases have historically preceded aggressive upside movements once structural resistance broke decisively. Strengthened Fundamentals Support the Setup Technical patterns rarely operate in isolation. XRP’s broader environment has improved significantly over the past year. The resolution of Ripple’s lawsuit removed a major regulatory overhang and restored institutional clarity around XRP’s status. We are on X, follow us to connect with us :- @TimesTabloid1 — TimesTabloid (@TimesTabloid1) June 15, 2025 Ripple also launched RLUSD in December 2024 , expanding ecosystem utility and reinforcing XRP Ledger development. If the technicals turn bullish, these developments make a strong case for investors to start pouring money back into the asset. At the same time, broader crypto liquidity has gradually stabilized following periods of volatility. Large-cap digital assets have begun to attract renewed attention, positioning XRP for potential participation in a wider market recovery. Why March 2026 Could Be Pivotal XRP Captain’s projection centers on timing as much as structure. The descending channel has reached maturity, volatility has contracted, and the price is currently testing resistance levels directly. March 2026 aligns with the natural culmination of this technical formation. If XRP confirms a breakout with strong volume and weekly conviction, traders could witness accelerated upside driven by sidelined buyers and short covering. While no setup guarantees outcome, the current structure places XRP at a critical crossroads. If resistance breaks decisively, the market may soon discover that it was never bullish enough on XRP. 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 Analyst: You Are Not Bullish Enough on XRP. Next Month Looks Promising appeared first on Times Tabloid .
21 Feb 2026, 11:00
Polygon holds KEY support after 100M POL burn: What’s next?
Polygon reaches a major deflationary milestone burning 100 million POL tokens
21 Feb 2026, 10:58
Bitcoin Is Dead Searches Hit Post-FTX High as $70M in Liquidations Rock BTC
Google Trends data recorded a sharp rise in searches for “Bitcoin is dead” on Friday, reaching the highest level seen since the FTX collapse. The move occurred while Bitcoin price traded near the upper end of its current cycle range, keeping the asset in focus even as online interest shifted toward a more negative framing. The spike in search activity circulated widely among traders and indicates how quickly sentiment is changing during periods of market tension. Also, renewed attention appeared alongside active discussion across social platforms, where participants monitored whether pessimism was growing despite Bitcoin holding near key levels. Changpeng Zhao, co-founder of Binance, reacted publicly to the trend data after it was shared on social media. He reposted commentary about the spike in “Bitcoin is dead” searches and asked whether it should be interpreted as a negative or positive signal. Online discussion also showed some market participants looking beyond Bitcoin as the main driver of near-term interest, with attention spreading to other large-cap tokens and higher-volatility segments. The broader conversation remained active even as Bitcoin price action stayed close to established support. BTC Whale Transfers and Derivatives Activity On-chain monitoring accounts reported notable activity from large holders. According to the tracking data, a wallet transferred 11,318 BTC to Binance, about 60% of its Bitcoin holdings. The same coverage said the whale later moved out USDT via multiple new addresses, while leaving a remaining Bitcoin balance on the exchange. Derivatives indicators also pointed to elevated positioning. Coinglass data showed more than $70 million in Bitcoin liquidations over the prior 24 hours, suggesting pressure tied to leveraged trading rather than broad spot selling. At the time of reporting, Bitcoin (BTC) traded at $68,175 , down 2.01% in the last seven days, while retail sentiment readings remained bearish. Technical Levels Tighten as ETFs and Leverage Stay in View Separate market analysis noted Bitcoin’s rebound since but warned that support levels were clustered closely beneath the current price. The chart structures on an 8-hour timeframe point to a supply zone based on UTXO realized price distribution data, with a large concentration above $66,800 and another cluster near $65,636. UTXO Realized Price Distribution | Source: Glassnode Moreover, the analysis noted that open interest rose during the bounce, rising from about $19.54 billion to roughly $20.71 billion, while funding rates turned positive. Also, there have been five consecutive weeks of net outflows from spot Bitcoin ETFs , indicating that institutional demand has not returned during the recovery. Therefore, despite the ”Bitcoin is dead” narrative, analysts listed supports around $67,300, $66,500, and $65,300, with a deeper level near $60,800 in the event of further weakness.
