
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has officially attributed the recent $1.5 billion cyberattack on cryptocurrency exchange Bybit to North Korea’s state-sponsored Lazarus Group. The attack, which occurred on February 21, saw hackers infiltrate one of Bybit’s cold wallets and steal over 41,000 ETH. This breach added to a growing list of high-profile cryptocurrency heists orchestrated by North Korean hacking entities. US Authorities Sound Alarm on North Korea’s Crypto Heists In a joint Cybersecurity Advisory (CSA) issued by the FBI, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), and the US Treasury Department, authorities warned about the increasing cyber risks posed by North Korea-backed advanced persistent threat (APT) groups. The Lazarus Group, also known by aliases such as APT38, BlueNoroff, and Stardust Chollima, has been conducting cyber theft operations since at least 2020. The entity has been known for systematically targeting cryptocurrency exchanges, decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols, play-to-earn gaming platforms, as well as venture capital firms investing in digital assets. The advisory outlined the group’s tactics, which include social engineering, spearphishing campaigns, and the deployment of trojanized cryptocurrency applications to infiltrate networks and exfiltrate funds. According to US authorities, North Korean hackers use sophisticated malware strains, including the notorious AppleJeus malware, to compromise cryptocurrency platforms. These cyber actors frequently exploit vulnerabilities in financial technology firms and blockchain infrastructure to launder stolen digital assets, ultimately funneling funds back to the North Korean regime. “TraderTraitor” The Bybit hack follows a familiar pattern, with attackers using deceptive recruitment tactics to lure employees into downloading compromised trading applications, referred to as “TraderTraitor.” These applications are designed with cross-platform JavaScript and Node.js to make them appear legitimate but contain hidden malware that allows attackers to gain unauthorized access to private keys and initiate fraudulent blockchain transactions. With North Korea’s cyber theft operations continuing to escalate, the US government has reiterated its commitment to combating illicit activities in the cryptocurrency sector. The FBI urges cryptocurrency firms to strengthen cybersecurity measures, monitor for indicators of compromise (IOCs), and implement robust security protocols to mitigate risks associated with North Korean-backed cyber threats. The post FBI Links $1.5 Billion Bybit Hack to North Korea’s Lazarus Group appeared first on CryptoPotato .
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Crypto News: Bitwise’s Aptos ETF Filing Sparks 12% Surge in APT Token Price

The post Crypto News: Bitwise’s Aptos ETF Filing Sparks 12% Surge in APT Token Price appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News Bitwise Asset Management has taken a major step towards launching an Aptos-focused exchange-traded fund (ETF) by registering an Aptos ETF entity in Delaware. The filing, submitted on February 25 to the Delaware Division of Corporations, signals the company’s intention to introduce a spot ETF centered on the layer-1 cryptocurrency Aptos. While this move does not guarantee immediate approval, it is an important part of the regulatory process. A Blockchain Researcher wrote on X, “According to official documents, the BITWISE APTOS ETF has been registered in Delaware, USA! Earlier, several APTOS ETPs were launched in Europe, including Bitwise Aptos Staking ETP and 21Shares Aptos Staking ETP.” The next crucial phase involves submitting a formal application to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). This application will include a comprehensive prospectus detailing the ETF’s structure, investment strategy, and how it plans to track the performance of the Aptos blockchain. This filing comes at a time when regulatory sentiment toward cryptocurrency is shifting, especially under new leadership. The news of the filing has had an impressive effect on the price of Aptos (APT), which surged by 12% following the announcement. APT hit a high of $6.31 in the last 24 hours before hitting a reverse. The token, along with Bitcoin and other coins, is currently experiencing a bearish dip. Bitwise has already made waves in the crypto ETF market, having filed for several crypto-related ETFs in the past, including a push for the XRP ETF. If successful, the Aptos ETF could pave the way for further altcoin ETFs, offering investors new ways to diversify their portfolios with digital assets. Crypto Potato

Stunning $6.88B Unrealized Bitcoin Gains for Strategy: A Masterclass in Corporate Crypto Investment
Hold onto your hats, crypto enthusiasts! The corporate world of Bitcoin is buzzing, and at the center of it all is Strategy, formerly known as MicroStrategy. They’re not just dipping their toes into the Bitcoin ocean; they’ve plunged in headfirst and are currently riding a massive wave of Bitcoin gains . Imagine holding a treasure chest overflowing with digital gold – that’s essentially what Strategy’s Bitcoin portfolio looks like right now. Let’s dive into the details of their impressive crypto journey and uncover what’s driving these staggering unrealized gains . Decoding Strategy’s Massive Unrealized Bitcoin Gains Strategy’s bold bet on Bitcoin has undeniably paid off – at least on paper. According to MSTR Tracker, a dedicated platform monitoring MicroStrategy’s (now Strategy) Bitcoin holdings, the company is sitting on a staggering $6.88 billion in unrealized gains . But what does ‘unrealized’ actually mean, and why is this such a big deal? Unrealized Gains Explained: Think of it like this: you buy a house for $100,000, and its market value jumps to $200,000. You haven’t sold the house, so you haven’t ‘realized’ the profit in cash yet. Similarly, Strategy’s Bitcoin holdings have appreciated significantly in value since their purchase, but they haven’t sold them to convert those gains into actual dollars. Hence, ‘unrealized.’ The Scale is Astounding: $6.88 billion is not pocket change. To put it in perspective, that’s more than the GDP of some small countries! This massive figure underscores the sheer scale of Strategy’s Bitcoin investment and the potential impact of cryptocurrency on corporate balance sheets. Average Purchase Price vs. Current Value: Strategy’s average purchase price for their Bitcoin is around $66,357 per BTC. With Bitcoin’s price fluctuating but generally trending upwards over time since their major accumulation phase, the difference between their purchase price and the current market value is what fuels these substantial Bitcoin gains . Delving into Strategy’s Corporate Bitcoin Holdings Strategy’s commitment to Bitcoin is nothing short of remarkable. They aren’t just dabbling; they’ve made Bitcoin a core part of their treasury reserve strategy. Let’s break down their corporate Bitcoin holdings : Quantity Matters: Strategy currently holds a whopping 499,096 BTC. To get a sense of this magnitude, consider that the total supply of Bitcoin is capped at 21 million. Owning nearly half a million Bitcoin positions Strategy as a major player in the Bitcoin ecosystem. Strategic Accumulation: Strategy hasn’t acquired all this Bitcoin at once. They’ve employed a strategy of continuous accumulation, often buying more Bitcoin during market dips. This dollar-cost averaging approach can be beneficial in volatile markets like cryptocurrency. Long-Term Vision: Michael Saylor, the former CEO and current Chairman of Strategy, has been a vocal Bitcoin bull. The company’s investment isn’t a short-term gamble; it reflects a long-term belief in Bitcoin as a store of value and a hedge against inflation. This long-term vision is central to their corporate Bitcoin holdings strategy. The MSTR Tracker: Your Window into Strategy’s Bitcoin Journey Want to keep a close eye on Strategy’s Bitcoin performance? That’s where the MSTR Tracker comes in handy. This invaluable tool provides real-time data and insights into their Bitcoin holdings. Here’s why the MSTR Tracker is essential for anyone following this corporate Bitcoin saga: Real-Time Data: The MSTR Tracker provides up-to-the-minute information on Strategy’s Bitcoin holdings, including the total amount of BTC held, the average purchase price, and the current value of their portfolio. This real-time data is crucial in the fast-paced world of crypto. Performance Monitoring: It allows you to track the performance of Strategy’s Bitcoin investment over time. You can see how their unrealized gains fluctuate with Bitcoin’s price movements, providing a clear picture of their investment’s success. Transparency and Insights: The MSTR Tracker promotes transparency in Strategy’s Bitcoin strategy. By making this data publicly accessible, it allows analysts, investors, and the crypto community to understand and analyze their Bitcoin investment strategy . Unpacking Strategy’s Bitcoin Investment Strategy: What Can We Learn? Strategy’s foray into Bitcoin isn’t just a random act; it’s a deliberate and well-articulated Bitcoin investment strategy . What are the key takeaways from their approach, and what can other companies (or even individual investors) learn from it? Embracing Volatility: Strategy’s strategy acknowledges Bitcoin’s inherent volatility but views it as an opportunity rather than a deterrent. They’ve shown a willingness to buy during dips, demonstrating a long-term perspective that can weather short-term price fluctuations. Treasury Diversification: For Strategy, Bitcoin serves as a diversification tool for their treasury reserves, moving away from traditional assets like cash. This highlights Bitcoin’s potential role in corporate finance beyond just a speculative asset. Public Advocacy: Michael Saylor’s public advocacy for Bitcoin has played a significant role in shaping the narrative around corporate Bitcoin adoption. His unwavering conviction has likely encouraged other companies to explore Bitcoin as a treasury asset. Risk Management Considerations: While the Bitcoin gains are impressive, it’s crucial to remember that investing in Bitcoin also carries risks. Strategy’s large holdings mean their balance sheet is significantly influenced by Bitcoin’s price. Risk management, therefore, is paramount in such a strategy. The Future of Corporate Bitcoin Holdings: Is Strategy Leading the Charge? Strategy’s bold move into Bitcoin has undoubtedly sparked conversations about the role of cryptocurrency in corporate finance. Are we on the cusp of a wave of corporate Bitcoin holdings ? While it’s still early days, Strategy’s example provides a compelling case study. Increased Corporate Interest: Strategy’s success story, highlighted by the MSTR Tracker and their substantial unrealized gains , is likely to pique the interest of other corporations seeking alternative treasury strategies. Regulatory Landscape: The regulatory environment surrounding cryptocurrency is still evolving. Clarity and favorable regulations could further encourage corporate adoption of Bitcoin. Market Volatility as a Factor: Bitcoin’s volatility remains a key consideration for corporations. Companies considering following Strategy’s path will need to carefully assess their risk tolerance and develop robust risk management strategies. Conclusion: Strategy’s Bitcoin Bet – A Corporate Finance Revolution? Strategy’s $6.88 billion in unrealized Bitcoin gains is more than just a number; it’s a testament to their pioneering Bitcoin investment strategy and a potential glimpse into the future of corporate finance. By making Bitcoin a core part of their treasury, Strategy has not only potentially boosted their own financial position but has also paved the way for other companies to consider the transformative power of cryptocurrency. Whether this marks the beginning of a widespread corporate Bitcoin revolution remains to be seen, but Strategy’s journey, meticulously tracked by the MSTR Tracker , is undoubtedly a fascinating chapter in the ongoing crypto narrative. The sheer scale of their corporate Bitcoin holdings and the resulting Bitcoin gains are hard to ignore, making Strategy a company to watch closely in the evolving world of digital finance. To learn more about the latest crypto market trends, explore our article on key developments shaping Bitcoin price action. Crypto Potato