cryptocurrencies

International ransomware gangs are evolving their techniques. The next generation of hackers will target weaknesses in cryptocurrencies

International ransomware gangs are evolving their techniques. The next generation of hackers will target weaknesses in cryptocurrencies: Shutterstock/JLStock In May 2023, the Dallas City Government was hugely disrupted by a ransomware attack. Ransomware attacks are so-called because the hackers behind them encrypt vital data and demand a ransom in order to get the information decrypted. …

How a digital pound could work alongside cryptocurrencies

How a digital pound could work alongside cryptocurrencies: The Bank of England has new plans for a digital pound. Alexander Supertramp/Shutterstock Like many other countries, the UK has developed a plan for a central bank digital currency (CBDC). A digital pound would essentially act like an online form of cash suitable for everyday payments. It …

Cryptocurrencies: why Binance’s failed FTX rescue deal could mean ‘crypto winter’ is coming

Cryptocurrencies: why Binance’s failed FTX rescue deal could mean ‘crypto winter’ is coming: Life in the cryptocurrency industry is rarely quiet for long, and after a tumultuous summer, it seems the market is now entering a “crypto winter”. Over the past week, the founders of two of the largest cryptocurrency exchanges – Binance and FTX …

Cryptocurrencies are gaining ground across Africa. That’s both good news and bad

Cryptocurrencies are gaining ground across Africa. That’s both good news and bad: Some of the of 19,000 private cryptos in use by end of June 2022. Users have increased sharply in Africa after the COVID-19 outbreak. Silas Stein/Picture Alliance via Getty Images Cryptocurrencies have become popular in African and other developing countries. That’s according to …

Cryptocurrencies: why they’ve crashed and what it could mean for their future

Cryptocurrencies: why they’ve crashed and what it could mean for their future: Shutterstock/WHYFRAME If you had invested £100 (US£122) in the cryptocurrency Luna a month ago, you might have been quietly confident you’d made a sensible bet. But Luna’s value has since fallen drastically – at the time of writing, that £100 is worth around …

Stablecoins: these cryptocurrencies threaten the financial system, but no one is getting to grips with them

Stablecoins: these cryptocurrencies threaten the financial system, but no one is getting to grips with them: Safe as houses? iQoncept Cryptocurrencies have had an exceptional year, reaching a combined value of more than US$ 3 trillion (£2.2 trillion) for the first time in November. The market seems to have benefited from the public having time …

Bitcoin alternatives could provide a green solution to energy-guzzling cryptocurrencies

Bitcoin alternatives could provide a green solution to energy-guzzling cryptocurrencies: 24K-Production/Shutterstock The cryptocurrency bitcoin now uses up more electricity a year than the whole of Argentina, according to recent estimates from the University of Cambridge. That’s because the creation of a bitcoin, in a process called mining, is achieved by powerful computers that work night …

Bitmart – The best way to get graphics cards for mining Ethereum and cryptocurrencies

South Africa in the news: Bitmart – The best way to get graphics cards for mining Ethereum and cryptocurrencies: Bitmart has secured an avenue to supply its customers with dedicated HX mining cards – used exclusively for mining cryptocurrency.: “South Africa” – BingNews Yanga SC or PSL? Exploring Kahata’s options after Simba SC exit: Goal …

What is DeFi and why is it the hottest ticket in cryptocurrencies?

What is DeFi and why is it the hottest ticket in cryptocurrencies?: There has been massive growth in decentralised finance in the past three years. ESB Professional One area in cryptocurrencies attracting huge attention is DeFi or decentralised finance. This refers to financial services using smart contracts, which are automated enforceable agreements that don’t need …

Cryptocurrencies are finally going mainstream – the battle is on to bring them under global control

Cryptocurrencies are finally going mainstream – the battle is on to bring them under global control: The high seas are getting lower. dianemeise The 21st-century revolutionaries who have dominated cryptocurrencies are having to move over. Mainstream financial institutions are adopting these assets and the blockchain technology that enables them, in what is perhaps the most …

Here are 8 of the most bizarre cryptocurrencies on the market

Here are 8 of the most bizarre cryptocurrencies on the market: Digital currencies, such as Bitcoin, are powered by distributed ledger technology and are not controlled by a centralized authority. Cryptocurrencies have been around for almost a decade but the rapid appreciation of bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies this year has peaked the interest of Wall …