Issue 13: What the FUD? A week of hacks & set-backs
In this Issue:
? News of the Week ??
? What the FUD happened this week? ???? ?? ??
? New of the Week ??
?? What the FUD happened this week? ??
'Tis the season to be careful. After reaching a 20-month high, Bitcoin bullishness has crept back into every corner of Crypto Twitter, but has yet to make much of a dent when it comes to penetrating its bubble. You can see below that Google Searches haven't really moved the needle. This begs the following questions:
So where's retail?
Will the BTC ETF go through, or is this another EOTY attempt to generate hype then sell before January, rug-pulling all new users who recently jumped in around the local top?
What happened to Ledger and all those hacked NFTs?
Isn't it strange that FUD comes in waves? It's almost like it's intentional. ??
So where's retail? ??
The reasons why retail investors might be hesitant to return to the cryptocurrency market, even amidst significant gains in Bitcoin's value, can be multifaceted. Here are some potential factors:
1. Market Volatility: Cryptocurrency markets are known for their high volatility. Even though there have been substantial gains in Bitcoin recently, the history of sharp drops and market instability can make retail investors cautious. They may be wary of entering a market that has experienced significant fluctuations in the past.
2. Economic Climate: The broader economic environment plays a crucial role in investment decisions. In times of economic uncertainty or downturns, investors, particularly retail ones, might prefer to hold onto cash or invest in less risky assets. With the global economy facing various challenges, such as inflation, interest rate hikes, and geopolitical tensions, it's possible that retail investors are more risk-averse at this time.
3. Past Experiences: Investors who have previously suffered losses in the crypto market might be hesitant to re-enter, especially if they were affected by significant downturns or crashes. Negative experiences can lead to a more cautious approach to investing in the same asset class.
4. Regulatory Concerns: The evolving regulatory landscape for cryptocurrencies might also be a factor. Regulations around cryptocurrencies are still developing in many jurisdictions, and potential legal changes can be a source of uncertainty for investors. Concerns about regulatory crackdowns or stricter rules may deter retail participation.
5. Education and Awareness: Cryptocurrency investments require a certain level of understanding and knowledge. Retail investors who are not fully informed or comfortable with how these assets work might be reluctant to invest. The complexity of the technology and the market can be barriers to entry.
6. Market Sentiment: The general sentiment around cryptocurrencies can influence retail investment. If the media narrative is cautious or negative, or if there's a lack of positive sentiment in investment communities, retail investors might be less inclined to invest.
7. Institutional Dominance: As institutional investors become more prominent in the crypto space, retail investors might feel overshadowed or wary of competing with these large entities, whose actions can significantly impact market dynamics.
8. Alternative Investment Options: With the rise of other investment opportunities, such as stocks, ETFs, and real estate, which might be perceived as more stable, retail investors have a variety of options to choose from. They might prefer these alternatives over the more unpredictable crypto market.
It's important to note that investor behavior is complex and influenced by a variety of factors, including individual risk tolerance, investment goals, and market conditions. The points mentioned are general considerations and may not apply to all retail investors.
What about the Bitcoin ETF?
As of December 2023, the situation surrounding the approval of Bitcoin Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) in the United States remains a topic of keen interest and speculation within the financial and cryptocurrency communities. Here's a comprehensive update on the current status:
The SEC Sit-Downs
The big news? The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is deep in convo with asset managers over Bitcoin ETFs. We're talking intense, detailed discussions. It's like the crypto version of a chess game - strategic, intricate, and full of anticipation. But here's the twist: SEC's big boss, Gary Gensler, known for his cautious play, hasn't dropped a hint on approval yet. The SEC is nudging issuers for updates more often, signaling they're not just kicking the tires but maybe, just maybe, gearing up for a decision【16?source】.
Grayscale's Legal Tug-of-War
Remember the time Grayscale's Bitcoin ETF application got the red light? Well, plot twist: the courts are making the SEC revisit that decision. This could be a pivotal moment, potentially reshaping the SEC's earlier rejections. It's like a second chance in the crypto love story
The Contenders Line Up
Who's in the ring? Think big - BlackRock, Fidelity, and more, all with their Bitcoin ETF applications in hand. If the SEC gives the nod, it's more than just a win for these players; it's a green signal for institutional giants to join the Bitcoin bash
Backstory of Bitcoin ETF Bids
It's not the first rodeo for Bitcoin ETFs. Previous attempts by Ark Invest, Invesco, WisdomTree, and others hit a wall, mainly due to missing pieces like the Surveillance-Sharing Agreement (SSA). But this round feels different. With industry titans like BlackRock throwing their hats in the ring and including those crucial SSAs, the odds might just be in their favor
Circle This date: Jan 1st, 2024
The crypto community has its eyes locked on some key dates in January. These aren't just regular days on the calendar; they're potential milestones on the Bitcoin ETF journey. Imagine the buzz when these dates roll around, marking crucial moments in the Bitcoin ETF saga.
The Bigger Picture
Let's zoom out a bit. Why are Bitcoin ETFs such a big deal? Well, they're like a bridge between the wild world of crypto and the traditional finance sphere. Approval means mainstream recognition, easier access for everyday investors, and a big thumbs up for Bitcoin's legitimacy. It's a game-changer, opening doors for more people to get in on the Bitcoin action without diving deep into the complex world of crypto wallets and exchanges.
What's at Stake:
But wait, there's more at play here. Bitcoin ETFs aren't just about buying and selling Bitcoin. They're about bringing Bitcoin into the broader investment landscape, where it can rub shoulders with stocks, bonds, and gold. Imagine your retirement fund or your favorite investment app offering Bitcoin alongside your usual picks. That's the future Bitcoin ETFs could unlock.
The Caution Tape:
However, let's not forget the other side of the coin. Gensler's SEC is known for being meticulous and cautious, especially with anything crypto. They're walking a tightrope, balancing innovation with investor protection. The crypto world is notorious for its rollercoaster rides, and the SEC is all about seatbelts and safety checks.
Global Ripple Effects:
And it's not just the U.S. watching closely. The global financial community is keeping an eagle eye on this. Approval in the U.S. could set off a domino effect, with other countries following suit. It's like the U.S. saying "Yes" could be the starting pistol for a global Bitcoin ETF race.
So, there you have it! The Bitcoin ETF story is more than just a financial saga; it's a blend of legal drama, strategic moves, and potential market revolution. While there's a wave of optimism, the final word from the SEC is yet to come. With the legal landscape shifting and more hands-on engagement, the next few months could be pivotal.
Stay tuned, folks! This is one story you don't want to miss. ????
WTF happened to Ledger? ????
In December 2023, Ledger, a prominent company in the cryptocurrency hardware and software wallet market, experienced a significant security breach. This incident involved the exploitation of their widely used blockchain software, Connect Kit, resulting in a substantial financial loss and raising concerns about the security of decentralized applications (dApps).
Here's a detailed overview of the event:
领英推荐
1. The Exploit and Its Impact: On December 14th, hackers managed to insert malicious code into Ledger's Connect Kit. This affected the front-end of various decentralized applications (dApps), such as SushiSwap, Phantom, and Revoke.cash. The exploit led to the theft of at least $484,000 in digital assets. The malicious code was designed to trick users into connecting their wallets to this compromised version of the software, enabling hackers to drain the crypto assets within.
2. Response and Action by Ledger: Ledger responded quickly to the incident, posting an update within three hours of the initial reports. They deployed a fix within 40 minutes of becoming aware of the breach. The malicious file, however, was live for around five hours, with the window of fund drainage limited to less than two hours. The company also coordinated with WalletConnect to disable the rogue project, effectively stopping the attack. Ledger is actively communicating with affected customers to offer assistance
3. Community Reaction and Criticism: The community response was mixed, with some members advising the use of other wallet platforms and criticizing Ledger for its operational security practices. This incident is particularly notable as it follows a previous breach in 2020, where Ledger's customer database was exposed. These repeated security issues have led to increased scrutiny and distrust in the company's ability to safeguard user data and assets
4. Broader Implications for DeFi and Web3: This incident highlights the vulnerabilities within the decentralized finance (DeFi) and Web3 ecosystems. As Ledger's Connect Kit is used by numerous dApps for connecting with crypto hardware wallets, the breach had far-reaching consequences. This has led to calls for increased transparency and open-source practices within the industry to bolster security and regain user trust.
In summary, the Ledger exploit of December 2023 serves as a crucial reminder of the cybersecurity risks inherent in the cryptocurrency and DeFi sectors. It underscores the need for robust security measures, transparency, and community involvement to protect digital assets and maintain user trust in these emerging technologies.
What the Hack happened to NFTs ? ????
This week the NFT community was shaken by its biggest heist yet, where a hacker snatched a treasure trove of digital assets, including highly sought-after pieces from the Bored Ape Yacht Club (BAYC) and Mutant Ape Yacht Club (MAYC) collections. This sophisticated cyber thief targeted users of NFT Trader, a popular platform for swapping NFTs, and is now demanding ransoms for the safe return of these digital treasures.
Unlike typical NFT buzz around record sales, this incident spotlights a significant security breach. The hacker's strategy involved zeroing in on high-profile NFT Trader users, who suddenly found their prized digital assets, some worth hundreds of thousands, gone in a blink.
Now, picture this: you wake up to find your digital collection, which you perhaps thought was secure, has been compromised. Initially, it seemed the hacker was merely scavenging for forgotten or less significant digital items. However, the reality was much more alarming, with top-tier NFTs becoming the prime target.
In response, NFT Trader immediately urged its community to revoke any permissions linked to suspicious wallet addresses, a crucial step to halt further unauthorized access. They also suggested using the Revoke.cash Exploit Checker, a tool essential for safeguarding digital assets against such threats.
Adding to the intrigue, the hacker started returning some stolen NFTs, including a World of Women (WOW) NFT, without any demand for payment. This unexpected twist led to speculation about their motives and ethics.
Amid this chaos, Garga, the founder of BAYC, stepped in with an offer to pay a 10% Ethereum bounty for the safe return of the stolen apes. While intended to help the victims recover their lost assets, this move raised concerns within the community about potentially encouraging future digital thefts by setting a precedent for rewarding cybercriminals.
This incident is a wake-up call to the NFT community, highlighting the unpredictable nature and inherent risks in the market. It’s a stark reminder of the need for rigorous security measures and a thoughtful approach to managing and protecting our digital assets. As we navigate these complex waters, balancing ethical decisions, security, and trust in the Web3 world is more crucial than ever.
Stay vigilant and secure and stay up to date with the updates below.
Isn't strange that FUD comes in waves? It's almost like it was intention ?? ?? ??
Here's a quick scoop on why the crypto world seems like a rollercoaster ride with all its ups and downs in sentiment.
Ever noticed how fear, uncertainty, and doubt (FUD) in the crypto market come and go like waves? It's not just you! There's a mix of reasons why this happens:
1. The News Cycle: Just like fashion, financial markets have trends too. When the news is gloomy, it can trigger a wave of worry across the market. And guess what? Media loves drama. So, when a negative story catches fire, it spreads like wildfire, adding to the panic.
2. Follow the Leader: We humans have a thing for following the crowd (herd mentality, anyone?). So, when a few investors start panicking, it can cause a domino effect. Everyone starts reacting similarly, making that wave of FUD even bigger.
3. Market Tricks: Sometimes, there's a sneaky side to these waves. Some players might spread scary rumors to drop prices, then swoop in to buy cheap. Yep, that's market manipulation!
4. Big World Events: What happens in the world affects our markets too. Political drama, economic ups and downs, or major regulations can make investors nervous.
5. Psychology Plays a Part: Investing isn't just about numbers; it's about feelings too. Our reactions to risk and the unknown can make us jump on the fear bandwagon.
6. Everything's Connected: In today's global village, a sneeze in one market can cause a cold in another. This interconnectedness means FUD can spread from one area to the entire market.
In short, the crypto market's mood swings are a cocktail of media, psychology, global events, and yes, sometimes, market manipulation. Learn keep your cool, do your own research, and don't get swayed by the waves of sentiment. Stay savvy! Sometimes the best thing to do during events like this is to do NOTHING. ????
????
?? Hot Take??
Hear me out. What if there's no new money coming into the space for a while? If retail still seems to be licking their wounds from the previous cycle's events, I can't help but wonder if we're just moving money around like a ball under a cup in a shell game at a carnival, in search of the next meta, alpha, and liquidity. Until we see some clarity among regulators, we may still be simply chasing the ball around, hoping the game isn't rigged against us.?
More WEB3edu Resources ??
?? Web3 Careers
Join the Revolution Today: Advancing WEB 3.0 EDU
PRE-ORDER STARTING JAN 1ST
Welcome to WEB 3.0 EDU Ebook for Educators, the ultimate resource for joining the revolution of Web3 technologies! With this eBook, you’ll learn how Web3 technologies, such as blockchain, smart contracts, and decentralized applications (dApps), can revolutionize education and give more power to students and educators. Get informed about how Web3 can increase transparency and security in educational systems as well as reduce reliance on centralized entities. We also discuss ways to make education more equitable with Web3 technologies and create a better future for everyone in education. Get ready to learn all there is to know about this revolutionary technology and join us today in blazing the trail towards decentralization!
Thanks for reading ???
See you next time!
– Nick ∞