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Trust Wallet users suffered losses exceeding $7 million following a recent update to the wallet’s Chrome browser extension, prompting swift action from the company and Binance co-founder Changpeng Zhao. Zhao confirmed that all affected users will be fully reimbursed, reassuring the community after reports of unauthorized fund transfers surfaced shortly after the update was released. What Happened to Trust Wallet Users? The security incident was first flagged on December 25 by on-chain investigator ZachXBT, who warned that multiple Trust Wallet users reported their funds being drained within hours. According to his alert, the timing coincided with the rollout of a new Chrome extension update, raising immediate concerns about a potential vulnerability introduced in the release. Trust Wallet later confirmed the breach and began investigating the root cause. Affected Versions and Immediate Action The Trust Wallet team clarified that the issue specifically impacts version 2.68 of the Chrome extension. Users were urged not to open or use this version and to upgrade immediately to version 2.69, which contains a fix. Importantly, Trust Wallet emphasized that: Mobile app users are not affected Other browser extension versions remain safe Binance Confirms Reimbursement Changpeng Zhao, co-founder of Binance — which owns Trust Wallet — publicly stated that all stolen funds will be reimbursed, aiming to restore user confidence following the breach. This commitment comes amid heightened scrutiny of crypto wallet security, as browser-based wallets remain a frequent target for attackers. Rising Crypto Wallet Attacks in 2025 The incident highlights a broader trend. According to a recent Chainalysis report, crypto-related theft reached $6.75 billion in 2025. Personal wallet compromises surged to 158,000 cases, up sharply from 64,000 the previous year. While individual wallet breaches accounted for a smaller share of total stolen funds compared to 2024, the sharp increase in incidents underscores growing risks tied to private key security and browser-based extensions. Key Takeaways for Users Avoid using Trust Wallet Chrome extension version 2.68 Upgrade immediately to version 2.69 Monitor wallet activity closely Use hardware wallets or additional security layers where possible Trust Wallet’s rapid response and reimbursement pledge may help limit long-term fallout, but the breach serves as another reminder of the evolving security challenges facing crypto users.

Trust Wallet Chrome Extension Hack: $7 Million Lost, Users to Be Reimbursed

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Bitcoin marked a historic year in 2025, reaching new price records while attracting unprecedented attention from governments, financial institutions, and corporate treasuries. Despite heightened volatility and internal debates over changes to the network’s code, Bitcoin’s influence expanded from Wall Street trading floors to the halls of Washington.Although Bitcoin is heading into the new year on a softer footing price-wise, its rally throughout 2025 coincided with growing institutional support, government involvement, and the continued rise of Bitcoin-focused investment vehicles. A Volatile Year That Strengthened Bitcoin’s Market DominanceBitcoin reached an all-time high of $126,000 in October 2025, a remarkable rise from around $94,000 at the start of the year. The journey was far from smooth. In April, prices plunged to nearly $76,000 amid escalating global trade tensions driven by U.S. President Donald Trump’s aggressive tariff policies.Paradoxically, this volatility helped solidify Bitcoin’s dominance within the broader crypto market. By mid-December, Bitcoin accounted for 57.6% of the total $3 trillion crypto market, up sharply from 48% at the beginning of the year, according to CoinGecko.As Bitcoin matured, familiar narratives such as “altcoin season” and rigid four-year market cycles became harder to apply. Even Bitcoin’s long-held reputation as “digital gold” was tested as physical gold staged a strong comeback in 2025. The U.S. Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Becomes RealityOne of the most significant developments came from Washington. Less than 100 days into his presidency, Donald Trump signed an executive order directing the U.S. government to establish a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve.White House AI and Crypto Czar David Sacks revealed that the U.S. already held approximately 200,000 BTC, valued at over $18 billion at the time. Unlike previous years, when seized Bitcoin was routinely sold at auction, the administration signaled a long-term holding strategy — likened to a modern digital version of Fort Knox.While early messaging caused confusion — including talk of a broader digital asset stockpile containing altcoins — the White House clarified that only Bitcoin would be treated as a strategic reserve asset. Importantly, officials stressed that any increase in holdings would rely on budget-neutral methods, not taxpayer-funded purchases.Several U.S. states explored similar initiatives, but only a handful — including Texas, Arizona, and New Hampshire — approved comparable measures.Senator Cynthia Lummis further fueled the debate by proposing legislation that would authorize the U.S. government to acquire more than $100 billion worth of Bitcoin, framing seized BTC from criminal cases as an opportunity to strengthen national reserves. Corporate Bitcoin Treasuries Flood Wall StreetBeyond governments, 2025 saw an explosion of Bitcoin-buying public companies. Firms from diverse industries — ranging from healthcare to cannabis — rushed to emulate Strategy’s treasury model.By early December, 71 publicly traded U.S. companies held Bitcoin on their balance sheets, collectively owning more than 961,000 BTC, nearly three times the amount held by governments worldwide.Many of these companies used equity issuance and debt financing to accumulate Bitcoin, mirroring Strategy’s playbook. However, the trend proved risky. While some stocks surged initially, several collapsed just as quickly once investor enthusiasm faded.A notable example was Kindly MD (ticker: NAKA), whose share price fell nearly 99% from its peak, putting the company at risk of delisting.As enthusiasm cooled, analysts warned that weaker firms could be forced to liquidate their Bitcoin holdings or become acquisition targets during market downturns. Strategy Adapts as Market Conditions ShiftEven Strategy, the largest corporate holder of Bitcoin, faced headwinds in 2025. As the premium on its shares diminished, the company adjusted its funding approach, introducing multiple classes of preferred shares with dividend payments.Toward the end of the year, Strategy also created a fiat reserve to ensure dividend stability and introduced conditions under which it might selectively reduce its Bitcoin exposure — a notable shift from its previously uncompromising accumulation stance. Privacy, Code, and the Future of Bitcoin DevelopmentBitcoin’s growing prominence brought renewed scrutiny to its legal and technical foundations.The prosecution of Samourai Wallet co-founders in New York sparked intense debate over developer liability and financial privacy. Advocacy groups argued the case could have chilling effects on open-source innovation, while governments continued to clamp down on coin-mixing technologies.At the same time, internal controversy erupted within the Bitcoin community following the release of Bitcoin Core v30. The update increased limits on OP_RETURN data, allowing transactions to carry significantly more non-financial data, including images.Critics, including Bitcoin Knots maintainer Luke Dashjr, warned the change could enable spam or even illicit content. Others, such as Blockstream CEO Adam Back, countered that filtering transactions could undermine Bitcoin’s censorship resistance.By mid-December, Bitcoin Core still powered roughly 78% of network nodes, while Bitcoin Knots accounted for about 21%, highlighting a rare but meaningful division within the ecosystem. Bitcoin’s 2025 Legacy: Maturity Amid TensionIn 2025, Bitcoin evolved beyond a speculative asset into a strategic instrument for governments, corporations, and institutional investors. Yet this growth came with trade-offs: legal challenges, governance debates, and increasing scrutiny over privacy and network use.While price volatility and internal disagreements persist, Bitcoin’s expanding role in global finance suggests a maturing asset class — one that is no longer defined solely by price cycles, but by its integration into economic and political systems worldwide.

Bitcoin in 2025: Record Highs as Governments and Wall Street Embrace the Asset

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Bitcoin closed the fourth quarter of 2025 under pressure, with December delivering sharp price swings and heightened volatility. Despite a nearly 9% monthly decline and the highest volatility levels since April, VanEck believes early signs of stabilization are forming beneath the surface. According to the firm’s mid-December ChainCheck report, improving liquidity conditions and a reduction in speculative leverage are creating a more constructive environment for long-term Bitcoin investors. Liquidity Improves as Speculative Excess Cools VanEck’s digital asset research team describes a market in transition. While on-chain activity remains subdued, liquidity metrics are strengthening, suggesting that recent volatility may be part of a broader market reset rather than a structural breakdown. Speculative leverage, which surged earlier in the year, appears to be unwinding — a development VanEck views as healthy. Historically, periods of declining leverage have reduced downside risk and laid the groundwork for more sustainable price action. Corporate Accumulation Accelerates While Retail Pulls Back A notable trend highlighted in the report is the growing divergence between corporate buyers and retail investors. Digital Asset Treasuries (DATs) aggressively accumulated Bitcoin during the December pullback, adding approximately 42,000 BTC — their largest monthly increase since July. This brings total DAT holdings to more than one million bitcoin, reinforcing the shift toward balance-sheet-driven accumulation. In contrast, Bitcoin exchange-traded product (ETP) investors reduced exposure, signaling waning short-term speculation. VanEck interprets this as a rotation away from retail momentum trades toward longer-term, institutionally driven strategies. Some DATs are also exploring alternative financing models, such as issuing preferred shares instead of common equity, to fund ongoing Bitcoin purchases — a move that reflects increased financial sophistication and longer investment horizons. Long-Term Holders Remain Convicted On-chain data further reveals a split between different holder cohorts. Bitcoin held for one to five years has shown increased movement, indicating profit-taking or portfolio rebalancing among mid-term investors. Meanwhile, coins held for more than five years remain largely dormant. VanEck sees this as a strong signal that long-term holders continue to believe in Bitcoin’s long-term value proposition, even amid heightened short-term uncertainty. Falling Hashrate May Be a Contrarian Bullish Signal Bitcoin miners faced mounting pressure in December. Network hashrate declined by roughly 4%, marking the steepest drop since April 2024. VanEck attributes much of this decline to regulatory challenges and output reductions from large mining operations in regions such as Xinjiang. At the same time, breakeven electricity costs for major mining rigs have fallen, highlighting tighter margins across the sector. Historically, however, VanEck notes that periods of declining hashrate often precede positive price performance over the following 90 to 180 days, making miner capitulation a potential contrarian bullish indicator. Structural Health Viewed Through the GEO Framework VanEck frames its analysis using its GEO model — Global Liquidity, Ecosystem Leverage, and On-chain Activity — which aims to assess Bitcoin’s long-term structural health beyond daily price movements. While on-chain metrics such as new address growth and transaction fees remain soft, rising liquidity and sustained accumulation by corporate entities help offset these weaknesses, pointing to a broader market recalibration rather than systemic decline. Macro Forces and Market Evolution Add Complexity Macro conditions continue to shape Bitcoin’s outlook. A weakening U.S. dollar has supported precious metals, yet Bitcoin and other digital assets have struggled to benefit from the same tailwinds so far. At the same time, changes in market infrastructure could support Bitcoin’s long-term liquidity and adoption. VanEck points to the emergence of so-called “everything exchanges” — platforms that combine stocks, crypto, derivatives, and prediction markets under a single umbrella, often enhanced by AI-driven trading tools. Coinbase’s recent expansion into stock trading, futures, and prediction markets exemplifies this trend, which could gradually increase Bitcoin’s utility and integration within broader financial markets. Volatility Persists, but Cycles May Be Maturing Although Bitcoin has doubled over the past two years and nearly tripled over three, the absence of extreme boom-and-bust cycles suggests that market behavior may be evolving. VanEck expects future price cycles to be more measured, with smaller peaks and shallower drawdowns compared to previous eras dominated by retail speculation. Outlook: Consolidation Before the Next Move? VanEck characterizes the current environment as a market correction rather than a breakdown. Short- and medium-term speculation is retreating, long-term holders remain steady, institutional accumulation is increasing, and miners are under stress — a combination that often marks transitional phases. As 2025 comes to an end, Bitcoin appears to be consolidating within a more mature market structure. According to VanEck, this recalibration phase could set the stage for stronger upside momentum in the first quarter of next year.

Bitcoin Volatility in December 2025 Masks Emerging Bullish Signals, Says VanEck

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Galaxy Digital believes that while Bitcoin’s long-term outlook remains bullish, 2026 could prove to be one of the most unpredictable years yet for the cryptocurrency. According to Alex Thorn, Head of Firmwide Research at Galaxy Digital, a unique mix of macroeconomic pressures, political uncertainty, and evolving market structure makes short-term forecasting unusually difficult.Despite this uncertainty, Galaxy continues to project strong upside over the longer horizon, estimating that Bitcoin could climb as high as $250,000 by the end of 2027. Why Bitcoin’s 2026 Outlook Is So UncertainIn a December 21 post on X, Thorn described the upcoming year as “too chaotic to predict.” His comments were based on Galaxy Research’s December 18 report titled “26 Crypto, Bitcoin, DeFi, and AI Predictions for 2026.”According to Thorn, Bitcoin is currently struggling to regain sustained bullish momentum. Unless prices decisively move above the $100,000–$105,000 range, downside risks remain elevated. The broader crypto market, he added, already shows signs of being deep into a bearish phase. What Bitcoin Options Markets Are Telling UsOne of the clearest signals of uncertainty comes from derivatives markets. Bitcoin options pricing suggests that traders are preparing for dramatically different price outcomes, rather than a clear trend.Galaxy notes that options markets are assigning nearly equal probabilities to Bitcoin trading:Around $70,000 or $130,000 by mid-2026Around $50,000 or $250,000 by the end of 2026Because institutional investors often rely on options to hedge risk, such wide pricing ranges indicate expectations of significant volatility rather than directional confidence. Bitcoin Is Starting to Behave Like a Macro AssetWhile short-term price action remains unclear, Galaxy sees important structural changes underway. Thorn highlighted that long-term Bitcoin volatility has been declining, signaling a maturing market.This shift is partly driven by institutional strategies such as:Options overwritingYield-generation programsThese approaches tend to reduce extreme price swings. Another key indicator is Bitcoin’s volatility smile, where downside protection is now priced higher than upside exposure — a pattern more typical of mature assets like equities and commodities rather than high-growth speculative markets. Why a “Boring” Year Could Be Bullish Long TermThorn argues that even a range-bound or relatively quiet year for Bitcoin would not weaken its long-term investment thesis. Prices could even revisit major technical levels, such as the 200-week moving average, without derailing broader adoption trends.Galaxy’s confidence is rooted less in short-term price movements and more in deepening institutional integration. Institutional Adoption Could Reshape Bitcoin’s FutureAccording to Galaxy’s December report, a major asset-allocation platform could soon include Bitcoin in standard model portfolios. If that happens, Bitcoin would become part of default investment strategies rather than an optional, speculative allocation.Such a shift could lead to:Consistent capital inflowsReduced reliance on market cyclesGreater price stability over timeThis structural adoption, Galaxy believes, will be far more influential than short-term volatility.Bitcoin, Gold, and the $250,000 PredictionLooking beyond 2026, Thorn expects Bitcoin to increasingly resemble gold’s role as a hedge against monetary debasement. Factors supporting this view include: Expanding institutional accessPotential easing of global monetary conditionsGrowing demand for alternatives to fiat currenciesTaken together, these trends underpin Galaxy Digital’s forecast that Bitcoin could reach $250,000 by the end of 2027. Final ThoughtsWhile 2026 may challenge even seasoned analysts, Galaxy Digital sees the uncertainty as a sign of Bitcoin’s evolution — not weakness. As volatility declines and institutional participation rises, Bitcoin appears to be transitioning from a high-growth trade into a mature macro asset, with its long-term trajectory still firmly pointing upward.

Bitcoin Outlook 2026: Why Galaxy Digital Says the Market Is Harder Than Ever to Predict

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Accepting Bitcoin as a payment method is no longer experimental. From small cafés to established service providers, local businesses around the world are integrating Bitcoin to reduce costs, attract new customers, and protect long-term value. This guide explains why Bitcoin payments make sense for local businesses, how to implement them step by step, and what to consider for smooth and compliant adoption. Why Bitcoin Matters for Local BusinessesBitcoin is widely known as a long-term store of value, but its function as a payment network is equally powerful. With fast settlement, low fees, and global reach, Bitcoin allows businesses to transact without relying on banks or traditional card networks. As digital payments evolve, understanding how Bitcoin works is quickly becoming a competitive advantage rather than a niche curiosity. Key Benefits of Accepting Bitcoin PaymentsLocal businesses adopt Bitcoin for three core reasons: 1. Attract New and Loyal CustomersBitcoin users actively seek out merchants that accept Bitcoin. Many are highly engaged, tech-savvy, and willing to travel specifically to support Bitcoin-friendly businesses. Tips and repeat visits are common within this community. 2. Lower Payment Processing FeesBitcoin payments—especially via second-layer solutions like the Lightning Network—dramatically reduce costs. Unlike credit cards that charge 2–3% per transaction, Lightning fees are minimal and typically paid by the customer. 3. Protect Value Against InflationWith a fixed supply of 21 million coins, Bitcoin offers long-term protection against currency debasement. While short-term price volatility exists, Bitcoin’s long-term trend has historically favored appreciation rather than erosion. Additional AdvantagesNo banks required: Bitcoin enables direct, peer-to-peer payments worldwideInstant settlement: Payments are final—no chargebacks or reversalsFlexible invoicing: Invoice in local currency and receive Bitcoin or fiatResilience: Operates independently of traditional financial systemsEnvironmental progress: Increasing use of renewable energy in mining How to Integrate Bitcoin Into Your BusinessEvery business has different operational needs. A small café may only require a mobile wallet, while larger merchants benefit from professional point-of-sale (POS) systems. The goal is simple: receive Bitcoin securely, quickly, and with minimal friction. Step 1: Learn the Basics of BitcoinBitcoin is not just another payment option—it is a decentralized monetary network. It operates without intermediaries, censorship, or inflationary issuance. Key properties:Most secure financial network globallyFixed supply and divisible unitsBearer asset: you own it directly, not via a bank IOUUnderstanding these fundamentals helps businesses make informed decisions about custody and risk. Step 2: Understand Bitcoin Transaction LayersLayer 1 – Bitcoin Base LayerSettlement every ~10 minutesExtremely secure and immutableIdeal for high-value or treasury transactionsLayer 2 – Lightning NetworkNear-instant paymentsExtremely low feesPerfect for retail, cafés, and daily transactionsLightning transactions settle off-chain but remain secured by the Bitcoin network. Step 3: Choose the Right Bitcoin WalletSecurity is critical. Businesses should prioritize self-custody, meaning control over private keys. Wallet Types:Hardware wallets: Best for long-term storage (Layer 1 only)Multisig wallets: Require multiple approvals for added securityLightning wallets: Designed for daily paymentsBest practice: keep only short-term funds in hot or Lightning wallets and move excess funds to cold storage. Step 4: Bitcoin Point-of-Sale (POS) SolutionsOption 1: Basic Lightning WalletsSuitable for small volumes and early experimentation. Easy to set up but limited in accounting and security features. Option 2: Dedicated Bitcoin POS AppsRecommended for most local businesses. These apps offer:Invoice labelingAutomatic exchange rate conversionImproved privacy (no address reuse)Transaction exports for accountingPopular solutions include Breez, Zaprite, Coinos, Opago, Flash, and others. Option 3: Enterprise POS SystemsFor larger operations or multi-location businesses:BTCPay ServerIBEX PayOpenNodeThese solutions provide deeper customization, reporting, and optional fiat conversion. Step 5: Processing Bitcoin Payments In-StoreThe checkout flow is simple:Enter the amount in local currencyGenerate a Bitcoin invoiceDisplay QR code or NFC promptCustomer scans or tapsPayment settles within secondsLightning ensures fast and reliable confirmation without chargeback risk. Step 6: Invoicing and Online PaymentsBitcoin-friendly invoicing platforms allow merchants to:Invoice in fiatAccept Bitcoin or bank transfersReceive Bitcoin without customers even noticingE-commerce platforms like Shopify support Bitcoin via integrations such as BTCPay Server and OpenNode. Step 7: Educate Staff and StakeholdersTraining staff ensures smooth transactions and builds customer confidence. Educated stakeholders are less likely to make poor decisions regarding custody or volatility.Some businesses also choose to pay staff partially in Bitcoin, reinforcing alignment and modern company culture. Step 8: Accounting and Tax ConsiderationsBitcoin is typically taxed upon sale, not receipt, but rules vary by jurisdiction.Best practices:Keep transaction recordsConsult Bitcoin-literate accountantsConsider partial fiat conversion for cash flow needs In the U.S., fair value accounting for Bitcoin is permitted from 2024 onward.Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax advice. Step 9: Promote That You Accept BitcoinVisibility matters:Display “Bitcoin Accepted Here” signageAdd your business to BTC Map and SatmapEngage local Bitcoin communitiesOffer incentives for Bitcoin payments Businesses that build Bitcoin reserves may benefit from long-term appreciation.Challenges and ConsiderationsVolatility: Can be mitigated via instant conversionRegulation: Stay informed and compliantSecurity: Follow best practices for key managementAdoption curve: Bitcoin is still early, but early adopters benefit mostJust as websites were optional in the 1990s, Bitcoin payments are becoming a forward-looking standard today. Final ThoughtsAccepting Bitcoin allows local businesses to reduce fees, attract loyal customers, and future-proof their operations. With modern tools and proper education, Bitcoin payments are no longer complex—they’re practical.Early adoption doesn’t replace traditional payments; it strengthens your business by adding a resilient, global alternative.

How Local Businesses Can Accept Bitcoin Payments and Grow Revenue

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North Korean Hackers Drain Over $300 Million in Crypto Through Elaborate Fake Video Call ScamsDecember 21, 2025Cybercriminals linked to North Korea Lazarus Group have reportedly stolen more than $300 million in cryptocurrency by posing as legitimate business contacts during fraudulent Zoom and Microsoft Teams calls. Security experts highlight this tactic as a highly effective social engineering attack, primarily aimed at cryptocurrency executives and professionals. The alert stems from detailed observations shared by Taylor Monahan, a security researcher at MetaMask (known online as Tayvano), who described the scheme as a patient "long-con" operation. Unlike recent trends involving AI-generated deepfakes, these attacks rely on simpler but convincing methods: compromised Telegram accounts and pre-recorded video clips from genuine sources, such as podcasts or previous interviews. How the Scam Unfolds The process often begins with hackers gaining access to a trusted individual's Telegram account—typically a venture capitalist, investor, or someone the target has interacted with at industry events. Using the account's existing conversation history for credibility, the attackers reach out and propose a video meeting, directing the victim to a fake scheduling link (often mimicking Calendly) that leads to a Zoom or Teams session. During the call, the victim views a seemingly live video of the contact (and sometimes colleagues), which is actually looped footage. To escalate the deception, the attackers simulate a "technical glitch"—claiming issues with audio or video quality. They then instruct the victim to download a "fix," such as a software patch, updated SDK, or troubleshooting script. This file harbors malware, frequently a Remote Access Trojan (RAT), which provides full system access upon installation. Once compromised, attackers quietly extract cryptocurrency from wallets, steal passwords, capture sensitive company data, and hijack Telegram sessions to propagate the attack to the victim's contacts. Monahan emphasized that these hackers exploit the norms of professional interactions, pressuring victims into quick decisions during what feels like an urgent business discussion. #### Expert Warnings and Broader Context Monahan has urged the crypto community to view any in-call request to install or download software as an immediate red flag signaling an ongoing attack. The Cybersecurity nonprofit Security Alliance (SEAL) has also noted multiple daily attempts using similar "fake meeting" tactics. This method contributes to North Korea's larger cyber campaign, with estimates suggesting DPRK-linked groups stole around $2 billion from the crypto sector in 2025 alone, including major incidents like the Bybit exchange breach. Industry participants are advised to verify meeting invites independently, avoid downloading files during calls, and immediately isolate potentially compromised devices by disconnecting from networks and using secondary devices to secure assets. As these attacks continue to evolve, heightened vigilance and multi-layered security practices remain critical for protecting digital assets in the cryptocurrency space.

North Korean Hackers Drain Over $300 Million in Crypto Through Elaborate Fake Video Call Scams

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Trust Wallet Chrome Extension Hack: $7 Million Lost, User...

Bitcoin in 2025: Record Highs as Governments and Wall Str...

Bitcoin Volatility in December 2025 Masks Emerging Bullis...

Bitcoin Outlook 2026: Why Galaxy Digital Says the Market ...

How Local Businesses Can Accept Bitcoin Payments and Grow...

North Korean Hackers Drain Over $300 Million in Crypto Th...