Tech giant Microsoft has discovered a new remote access trojan (RAT) that targets crypto held in 20 cryptocurrency wallet extensions for the Google Chrome browser. Microsoft’s Incident Response Team said in a March 17 blog post that it first discovered the malware StilachiRAT last November and found it can steal information such as credentials stored in the browser, digital wallet information and data stored in the clipboard. After deployment, the bad actors can use StilachiRAT to siphon crypto wallet data by scanning for the configuration information for 20 crypto wallet extensions, including Coinbase Wallet, Trust Wallet, MetaMask and OKX Wallet. The malware StilachiRAT can target crypto held in 20 different wallet extensions. Source: Microsoft “Analysis of the StilachiRAT’s WWStartupCtrl64.dll module that contains the RAT capabilities revealed the use of various methods to steal information from the target system,” Microsoft said. Among its other capabilities, the malware can extract credentials saved in the Google Chrome local state file and monitor clipboard activity for sensitive information like passwords and crypto keys . It can also use detection evasion and anti-forensics features, like the ability to clear event logs and check for signs it’s running in a sandbox to block analysis attempts, according to Microsoft. At the moment, the tech giant says it can’t pinpoint who is behind the malware but hopes that publicly sharing information will lower the number of people who might be snared. Related: New MassJacker malware targets piracy users, steals crypto “Based on Microsoft’s current visibility, the malware does not exhibit widespread distribution at this time,” Microsoft said. “However, due to its stealth capabilities and the rapid changes within the malware ecosystem, we are sharing these findings as part of our ongoing efforts to monitor, analyze, and report on the evolving threat landscape.” Microsoft suggests to avoid falling prey to malware; users should have antivirus software, cloud-based anti-phishing and anti-malware components on their devices. Losses to crypto scams, exploits and hacks totaled nearly $1.53 billion in February , with the $1.4 billion Bybit hack accounting for the lion’s share of losses, according to blockchain security firm CertiK. Blockchain analytics firm Chainalysis said in its 2025 Crypto Crime Report that crypto crime has entered a professionalized era dominated by AI-driven scams, stablecoin laundering, and efficient cyber syndicates, with the past year witnessing $51 billion in illicit transaction volume. Magazine: Ridiculous ‘Chinese Mint’ crypto scam, Japan dives into stablecoins: Asia Express
This massive whale has the biggest Bitcoin short in history
The SEC’s regulatory landscape is evolving as acting Chair Mark Uyeda re-evaluates stringent crypto proposals set forth by former chair Gary Gensler. The drastic shift in the SEC’s approach marks
The cryptocurrency world is once again witnessing a storm brewing, this time engulfing the LIBRA memecoin project. In a significant development, New York-based litigation powerhouse Burwick Law has officially filed a class action lawsuit. This legal action, lodged in the New York Supreme Court, targets key entities allegedly associated with the LIBRA memecoin. Is this a crucial turning point for memecoin projects and investor protection? Let’s dive into the details of this unfolding situation. What Sparked the LIBRA Memecoin Lawsuit? According to a report by Cointelegraph, which broke the news on X (formerly Twitter), Burwick Law’s complaint centers around the launch and subsequent handling of the LIBRA token. The lawsuit names several defendants, including Kelsier Ventures, KIP Protocol, and Meteora. The core allegation is that these entities orchestrated a token launch that was fundamentally unfair and misleading to purchasers, ultimately causing financial harm to retail investors . Here’s a breakdown of the key accusations: Unfair Token Launch: The lawsuit claims the token launch was structured in a way that disadvantaged ordinary investors, potentially favoring insiders or specific groups. Misleading Purchasers: Accusations of deceptive practices and misrepresentations made to investors to entice them to purchase LIBRA tokens. Harm to Retail Investors: The core of the complaint is the financial losses suffered by individual, non-institutional investors as a result of the alleged misconduct. The legal action underscores the growing scrutiny and potential liabilities surrounding memecoin projects, particularly concerning their launch mechanisms and investor communications. Who are the Key Players in this Class Action Lawsuit? Understanding the parties involved is crucial to grasping the lawsuit’s scope. Let’s examine the defendants named in the class action lawsuit : Burwick Law: The plaintiff firm, specializing in complex litigation and representing the class of affected investors. Their involvement signals a serious legal challenge. Kelsier Ventures: Described as a defendant, suggesting they played a role in the LIBRA project’s development or launch. Their exact involvement will be a point of investigation. KIP Protocol: Another named defendant, KIP Protocol’s connection to the LIBRA memecoin project and the alleged misconduct is yet to be fully detailed in public reports. Meteora: Completing the list of defendants, Meteora’s role and responsibilities concerning the token launch and investor relations are under scrutiny as part of this legal process. It’s important to note that these are allegations at this stage, and the defendants will have the opportunity to respond and defend themselves in court. The lawsuit is just the beginning of a potentially lengthy legal battle. Why is Investor Protection a Central Theme in Cryptocurrency? This cryptocurrency lawsuit highlights a persistent and critical issue within the digital asset space: investor protection. The volatile nature of cryptocurrencies, especially memecoins, combined with often opaque project structures, creates a risky environment for investors, particularly those new to the market. Here’s why investor protection is paramount: Aspect Importance for Investor Protection Market Volatility Cryptocurrency markets are highly volatile. Investors need clear information and fair practices to make informed decisions and manage risk. Information Asymmetry Project teams often possess significantly more information than retail investors. Fair disclosure and transparency are vital to level the playing field. Regulatory Uncertainty The regulatory landscape for cryptocurrencies is still evolving. This uncertainty can be exploited, making legal recourse like class action lawsuits crucial for accountability. Memecoin Risks Memecoins, often driven by hype and social media sentiment, carry even higher risks. Robust investor protection mechanisms are essential to prevent scams and unfair practices. The LIBRA memecoin lawsuit serves as a stark reminder of the need for greater accountability and safeguards within the crypto industry to protect retail investors from potentially harmful projects and practices. What are the Potential Implications of the LIBRA Memecoin Lawsuit? The outcome of this lawsuit could set significant precedents for the memecoin market and the broader cryptocurrency industry. Several potential implications are worth considering: Increased Scrutiny of Token Launches: The case could lead to heightened regulatory and legal scrutiny of how new cryptocurrency tokens are launched, especially memecoins. Precedent for Class Action Lawsuits: A successful outcome for the plaintiffs could empower other investors to pursue class action lawsuits against projects they believe have acted unfairly or deceptively. Impact on Memecoin Market Sentiment: The lawsuit and its media coverage could dampen enthusiasm for memecoins, at least temporarily, as investors become more cautious. Focus on Disclosure and Transparency: Projects might be compelled to adopt more transparent and comprehensive disclosure practices to mitigate legal risks and build investor trust. Regulatory Attention: The case could further fuel the ongoing debate about cryptocurrency regulation and potentially accelerate the development of clearer rules and guidelines. The legal proceedings will be closely watched by the crypto community, legal experts, and regulators alike, as they could shape the future landscape of digital asset investments. Staying Informed About the LIBRA Memecoin Lawsuit and Cryptocurrency Developments The Burwick Law LIBRA memecoin lawsuit is a developing story, and it’s crucial to stay informed about updates and legal proceedings. Here are some actionable insights for staying on top of this and other cryptocurrency news: Follow Reputable Crypto News Sources: Rely on established news outlets like Cointelegraph, and other reputable sources for accurate and timely updates. Monitor Legal News Outlets: Keep an eye on legal news websites and publications for analysis of the lawsuit and its potential legal ramifications. Engage in Crypto Communities Cautiously: While online crypto communities can offer insights, always verify information and be wary of biased opinions. Seek Professional Financial Advice: If you’re considering investing in cryptocurrencies, especially memecoins, consult with a qualified financial advisor to understand the risks involved. The LIBRA memecoin lawsuit is a stark reminder of the inherent risks and complexities within the cryptocurrency market. Staying informed and exercising caution are paramount for navigating this evolving landscape. Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call for the Memecoin Market? The class action lawsuit against the LIBRA memecoin project is more than just a legal dispute; it’s a potential watershed moment for the memecoin market and the broader cryptocurrency industry. It underscores the critical need for investor protection, transparent token launches, and responsible project management. As the legal proceedings unfold, the crypto world will be watching closely to see what precedents are set and what lessons are learned. This case serves as a powerful reminder that in the exciting but often volatile world of cryptocurrency, due diligence, informed decision-making, and a healthy dose of skepticism are essential for all participants. To learn more about the latest crypto market trends, explore our article on key developments shaping crypto market dynamics.
Burwick Law firm announced on March 18 that it has filed a class action complaint in the Supreme Court of New York on behalf of its client. The law firm alleged that Kelsier, KIP, Meteora, and related parties set up an unfair token launch of LIBRA. The law firm believes that the accused parties allegedly misled purchasers and harmed retail investors through their unfair LIBRA launch. The firm noted that this pattern was similar to many of the other tokens launched by the Defendants. The lawsuit noted that the Defendants gained at the cost of participants through misleading marketing tactics and a failure to disclose material facts that would have raised concerns about the project’s viability. Burwick Law files complaint against Kelsier, KIP, and Meteora Tonight, our firm filed a class action complaint in the Supreme Court of New York on behalf of our client. We allege that Kelsier, KIP, Meteora, and related parties orchestrated an unfair token launch ($LIBRA), allegedly misleading purchasers and harming retail investors. pic.twitter.com/H7dD2LaARK — Burwick Law (@BurwickLaw) March 18, 2025 Burwick Law firm filed a complaint in the Supreme Court of New York on behalf of its client. The firm acknowledged that the plaintiff’s information was based on their counsel’s investigation, which included reviewing and analysing press releases, news articles, websites, state corporate filings, and other publicly available information regarding the LIBRA token. The law firm alleged that Kelsier Ventures, Meteora, and KIP Protocol orchestrated a deceptive, manipulative, and fundamentally unfair launch of the LIBRA token. The firm believes that the Defendants promoted the digital asset as a meaningful economic initiative designed to boost economic growth in Argentina by funding small businesses and startups. LIBRA’s official website read in part “ In honor of Javier Milei’s libertarian ideas, we are launching $LIBRA Token, designed to strengthen the Argentine economy from the ground up by supporting entrepreneurship and innovation.” The token’s promotional efforts leveraged the endorsement of Argentina’s President, Javier Milei, which created the appearance of legitimacy and significant investment value for the token. The law firm noted that purchasers didn’t know the Defendants had implemented an unfair and manipulative token distribution strategy utilizing liquidity pools on the Meteora decentralized exchange platform. Defendants leverage a single-sided liquidity model Burwick Law firm alleged that the Defendants employed a single-sided liquidity model unlike typical decentralized finance structures, which rely on genuine two-sided liquidity. Two-sided liquidity often pairs tokens like LIBRA with stable assets such as USDC or SOL. The law firm highlighted that the single-sided liquidity model inflated the price of LIBRA and created an illusion of market stability and value where none truly existed. The complaint also indicated that the Defendants artificially controlled the token’s price and manipulated market dynamics by structuring the liquidity pools exclusively with LIBRA tokens. The firm acknowledged that the defendants strategically withheld roughly 85% of the token’s total supply at launch, which directly maintained exclusive control over the token’s valuation and liquidity. Burwick Law also alleged that the Defendants were able to discretely extract stable assets such as USDC and SOL from retail purchasers once trading commenced. The lawsuit noted that the Defendant’s insiders rapidly siphoned around $107 million from the liquidity pools within hours, which caused an immediate 94% collapse in the token’s market valuation. The law firm also accused the Defendants of failure to disclose critical material facts to purchasers about the LIBRA token. Defendants didn’t inform potential purchasers about the true liquidity structures, insider control of token supply, and deliberate mechanisms allowing insiders to monetise token holdings secretly. Burwick Law firm alleged that the Defendants instead created a misleading narrative that promoted LIBRA as a legitimate product intended to support economic growth in Argentina. The lawsuit highlighted that Meteora was involved in both the technology and market management aspects of the token’s launch. It directly enabled and supported the insider trading mechanism that caused significant harm to the retail investor class. The law firm said the Plaintiff and the Class suffered financial losses due to the Defendants’ deceptive and fraudulent conduct. Burwick Law firm noted that the plaintiff was seeking compensatory and punitive damages and disgorgement of the Defendants’ unjustly obtained profits. The plaintiff was also seeking injunctive relief to prevent further fraudulent token offerings and the appointment of a receiver to protect the public and secure remaining investor assets. Cryptopolitan Academy: Tired of market swings? Learn how DeFi can help you build steady passive income. Register Now
North Korea’s Lazarus Group now holds 13,562 BTC ($1.14B) after the Bybit hack, surpassing Bhutan and El Salvador in government Bitcoin holdings.
The post Hashdex ETF Expansion Could Shake Up the Crypto Market – Here’s Why appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News Bitcoin, the king of crypto, just couldn’t break past the $84,000 barrier early Tuesday, leaving traders on edge. Altcoins like Ethereum (ETH), Solana (SOL), Ripple (XRP), and Litecoin (LTC) followed suit, sinking into the red. With the Market Fear & Greed Index stuck at 25 (Fear), it’s clear that uncertainty is ruling the game right now! However, amid the downtrend, investors have high hopes for ETFs as they expect good investment in the near term helping the market rebound. Meanwhile, Hashdex, a well-known asset manager, has filed an amendment with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to expand its cryptocurrency index exchange-traded fund (ETF). The updated proposal aims to include seven altcoins—Solana (SOL), XRP, Cardano (ADA), Chainlink (LINK), Avalanche (AVAX), Litecoin (LTC), and Uniswap (UNI)—alongside Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH). This is the biggest amendment so far and gives hope to the shaking altcoin market. A Push for Diversified Crypto Exposure Launched in February 2024, the Hashdex Nasdaq Crypto Index US ETF currently tracks only Bitcoin and Ethereum. The latest filing signals a shift toward a broader investment strategy, aligning with the Nasdaq Crypto Index (NCI), which includes multiple digital assets rather than just the top two by market capitalization. This move is significant because previous filings hinted at expanding the ETF’s asset mix but never named specific altcoins until now. Hashdex has not given a timeline for the change, as it still needs approval from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Rising Interest in Multi-Asset Crypto ETFs Regulatory shifts may speed up ETF approvals. President Donald Trump recently directed federal regulators to take a more relaxed approach to digital assets. This could make it easier for Hashdex to secure approval for its expanded ETF. Industry experts see multi-asset ETFs as the next big step in making crypto more accessible to mainstream investors. Nate Geraci, president of ETF Store sees this as a potential game-changer, as it would allow firms to introduce multiple share classes within a single ETF, improving efficiency and expanding investment options. Other major players, like Grayscale, are also working on expanding their ETF offerings. Grayscale has proposed converting its Digital Large Cap Fund—comprising BTC, ETH, SOL, and XRP—into an ETF, which could bring another multi-asset investment vehicle to the market. Regulatory Uncertainty Remains The SEC has been flooded with crypto ETF proposals this year, including those featuring staking mechanisms and in-kind redemptions. However, the regulatory outlook remains uncertain as authorities continue evaluating potential risks. If approved, Hashdex’s revised ETF could give U.S. investors a regulated way to gain exposure to multiple cryptocurrencies in a single fund, reducing the reliance on single-asset ETFs and broadening investment opportunities in the digital asset space.
According to an X post by crypto analyst Mister Crypto, Ethereum (ETH) could be on the verge of a massive rally. The analyst highlighted similarities between the current ETH price action and that of 2020, following the COVID market crash. Ethereum On The Cusp Of Trend Reversal? Ethereum’s subdued price action may soon come to an end, as multiple analysts point toward a potential trend reversal for the second-largest cryptocurrency by reported market cap. Analyst Mister Crypto shared the following chart, outlining the similar chart patterns. In the chart, the analyst illustrates how ETH is currently forming a price pattern similar to what was observed during the COVID pandemic in 2020. At that time, ETH experienced a sharp trend reversal to the upside following the infamous March 2020 crash. Related Reading: Ethereum Gained 160% The Last Time This On-Chain Indicator Flashed – Will ETH Soar Again? Similarly, ETH may be preparing to resume bullish momentum after the recent Bybit exchange hack. For the uninitiated, the Bybit crypto exchange hack resulted in ETH worth $1.5 billion being stolen. Mister Crypto’s thoughts were echoed by fellow crypto analyst Merlijn The Trader. In a separate X post, the analyst stated that ETH is likely repeating its historical cycle, which typically sees capitulation before a massive run-up. In addition to the COVID crash, the analyst highlighted the Luna crash of 2022 as another instance when bearish sentiment surrounding ETH was at its peak. However, the digital asset quickly overcame the pessimism, going on to experience a massive 270% rally. Multiple Indicators Point Toward ETH Rally Beyond the bullish historical patterns, multiple indicators suggest a potential rally for ETH. In an X post, crypto analyst TraderPA remarked that Ethereum is currently oversold at its present price and that the weekly Stochastic Relative Strength Index (RSI) is signaling a potential rebound. To explain, the weekly Stochastic RSI is a momentum indicator that measures the relative position of an asset’s current price within its recent price range over a week. When the fast line (blue) crosses above the slow line (orange) in the oversold zone, it signals potential upward momentum, indicating a buying opportunity. Related Reading: Ethereum Weekly RSI Drops To Lowest Level Since May 2022 – More Selling Pressure Ahead? Furthermore, crypto analyst Decode highlighted the importance of Elliott Wave Theory in predicting ETH’s price momentum. The analyst explained: Sentiment on Ethereum is bearish beyond anything I have ever seen, so whilst lower targets are still available, it’s possible we’ve done enough at the 1.236 extension of C vs A to complete this wave 4. The eventual reversal will be the most hated rally ever seen in crypto. That said, rising ETH exchange reserves could delay any quick price recovery. At press time, ETH trades at $1,911, up 0.9% in the past 24 hours. Featured image from Unsplash, Charts from X and TradingView.com
Once a global financial leader, the UK's digital asset stance fuels uncertainty, driving businesses away, reducing competitiveness, and limiting investor choice.
The SEC, under Mark Uyeda, has moved away from Gary Gensler’s tough stance on crypto, revisiting key proposals.