Hackers Target 400,000 Computers with Mining Malware

More than 400,000 personal computers have been attacked in a large-scale attempt to distribute cryptocurrency mining malware. The hackers used sophisticated trojans to infect PCs mostly in Russia, but also in Turkey, Ukraine, and other countries. The coordinated assault lasted more than 12 hours. Also read: New Monero Mining Malware Sends Proceeds to Kim Il … Read more

Domains Running Cryptocurrency Mining Scripts Surge 725 Percent

The number of domains with cryptocurrency mining scripts installed has skyrocketed 725 percent in four months, according to a security firm’s research. Approximately 2.7 million users were attacked by malicious crypto miners last year, with the most successful cybercriminals earning millions of dollars. Also read: Japan’s DMM Bitcoin Exchange Opens for Business With 7 Cryptocurrencies Domains … Read more

Venezuelan Government Opens School to Teach Citizens About Cryptocurrencies

The Venezuelan government has opened a school in the capital city to teach its citizens how to buy, sell, and mine cryptocurrencies, including courses on the nation’s oil-backed currency, the petro. Meanwhile, President Nicolas Maduro has approved resources for universities across the country to establish mining farms. Also read: Indians Look to Buy Bitcoin Overseas as … Read more

Bitcoin Hardware Manufacturer Bitmain Made a Profit of up to $4 Billion Last Year

The wealth of bitcoin mining titan Bitmain has long been assumed to be north of “huge”. Thanks to its near-monopolization of the ASIC manufacturing business, Bitmain has effectively had a license to print money. This week, Bernstein analysts released a report into Bitmain’s operations. It estimates the Chinese firm to have made $3-$4 billion last … Read more

Maduro Asks Venezuela’s Banks to Mine and Use Cryptocurrency – Unions Outraged

Venezuela’s president Nicolas Maduro has authorized all savings banks in the country to mine and use the recently launched national cryptocurrency, the petro. Union leaders are outraged by the suggestion, calling the petro a scam, accusing Maduro of abusing his power, and declaring the idea unconstitutional. Also read: Indians Look to Buy Bitcoin Overseas as Regulations … Read more

Companies Deny Having Bitcoin or Blockchain Services Amid China’s Clampdown

After Xunlei was questioned about Initial Miner Offerings (IMO), multiple public companies clarified that they did not and will not tap into the blockchain space. A Shenzhen-based bitcoin miner manufacturer issued a statement saying the business hasn’t generated much profit for the company. Also Read:China’s Regulatory Authority Warns About Risks of Initial Miner Offerings Produce … Read more

Venezuela Urges 10 Other Countries to Adopt Its Oil-Backed Cryptocurrency

Venezuela’s president Nicolas Maduro has called for 10 other countries to adopt his planned oil-backed cryptocurrency, the petro. This move follows the country’s parliament declaring the issuance of this new currency illegal. Also read: South Korea Urges 23 Countries, EU, and IMF to Collaborate on Curbing Crypto Trading Maduro’s Proposal Maduro held a meeting of the … Read more

Venezuela Will Pre-Mine the Petro and Launch in 6 Weeks

One day after Venezuela’s oil-backed cryptocurrency was declared illegal, the government of president Nicolas Maduro announced plans to pre-mine the petro. The new currency is expected to launch in six weeks. Also read: South Korea Urges 23 Countries, EU, and IMF to Collaborate on Curbing Crypto Trading Petro Mining Restricted to Government The Venezuelan Superintendent of … Read more

Russian Cryptocurrency Bill Is Ready – Regulators Share Details

The bill for the regulation of cryptocurrencies and initial coin offerings (ICOs) in Russia is ready. It was jointly developed by the country’s central bank and finance ministry. The regulators have shared some details of the bill including how mining activities are to be taxed. Also read: Russian Regulators Draft Law to Restrict Crypto Mining, Payments, … Read more

Two Weeks After Losing $60 Million in Bitcoin, Nicehash Are Back

In early December, mining pool Nicehash was forced to close after allegedly being hacked, losing almost 4,450 BTC in the process. At the time, those bitcoins were worth around $60 million and they have appreciated substantially since then. Miners who had their newly minted coins stolen feared they were gone for good. To their delight, … Read more