A Chinese trader recently lost $1 million to a hacking scam involving a Google Chrome plugin named Aggr.

This promotional plugin steals cookies from users, allowing hackers to bypass passwords and two-factor authentication (2FA) to access the victim’s Binance account.

The trader, known as CryptoNakamao on X, shared their ordeal of losing their life savings to the scam.

On May 24, they noticed that their Binance account was trading randomly, discovering this when they checked the Bitcoin price on the Binance app.

By the time they sought help from Binance, all their funds had been withdrawn by the hacker.

The hacker stole cookie data through the Aggr plugin, which was installed by the trader to access prominent trader data.

The malicious software was designed to steal web browsing data and cookies.

Using the collected cookies, the hacker hijacked active user sessions without needing a password or authentication, performing multiple leveraged trades to manipulate the prices of low liquidity pairs for profit.

The trader noted that, although the hacker couldn’t withdraw funds directly due to 2FA, they exploited the cookies and active login sessions to make profits through cross-trading.

The hacker purchased several tokens in the Tether trading pair with abundant liquidity and placed limit sell orders at prices higher than the market rate in Bitcoin, USD Coin, and other pairs with scarce liquidity.

READ MORE: OpenAI Expands ChatGPT Services to Universities and Nonprofits with New Educational and Discount Programs

Subsequently, the hacker opened leveraged positions, bought large amounts, and completed the cross-trading.

Cross-trading involves offsetting buy and sell orders for the same asset without recording the trade on the exchange.

The trader blamed Binance for not implementing essential security measures despite the unusually high trading activity.

They added that even after receiving timely complaints, the exchange failed to stop the fraudulent activity.

During their investigation, the trader discovered that Binance had been aware of the fraudulent plugin for some time and was conducting an internal investigation.

Despite knowing the hacker’s address and the nature of the plugin scam, the trader claimed Binance failed to inform traders or take preventative actions. They wrote:

“Binance did nothing even though it knew of the theft and frequent cross-trading.

“Hackers manipulated accounts for over an hour, causing extremely abnormal transactions in multiple currency pairs without any risk control; Binance failed to freeze the funds of the obvious hacker’s single account on the platform on time.”

Cointelegraph reached out to Binance for comment but did not receive a response by publication time.

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In 2024, Lisk has taken significant strides in the blockchain industry, marking a series of groundbreaking developments that have reshaped its trajectory. Starting with a strategic pivot at the end of the previous year, Lisk transitioned from a Layer 1 (L1) blockchain to a Layer 2 (L2), joining the Optimism Superchain. This unprecedented move made Lisk the first-ever L1 to successfully transition to L2, setting a new precedent within the blockchain community and catching the attention of industry watchers and participants alike.

Building on this momentum, Lisk launched its Testnet in February, followed by the Developer Mainnet in May, enabling developers to deploy applications with real financial mechanics on the Lisk L2. This development is crucial as it allows for the creation of applications that generate revenue from their inception, featuring real transactions and economic mechanics.

In addition to these technological advances, Lisk has migrated its native LSK token to an ERC20 standard, enhancing interoperability within the Ethereum ecosystem. This migration not only broadens the scope for integration and growth but also aligns with broader industry standards, facilitating easier exchange and interaction with other blockchain entities.

Simultaneously, Lisk has redefined its governance structure by introducing a Decentralized Autonomous Organization (DAO). This new setup empowers LSK token holders with voting rights through token staking, enabling them to participate in critical decision-making processes. The DAO supports two types of proposals: funding proposals that allocate funds from the DAO’s treasury and general proposals that influence the project’s direction and protocol parameters. The treasury started with 45 million newly minted LSK tokens, with the potential for additional funding based on community decisions.

Further exemplifying its commitment to fostering innovation, Lisk hosted its largest hackathon to date, attracting over 510 participants. The hackathon featured collaboration with major industry players such as Optimism, Gelato, Ledger, dAppRadar, Coinbase, and Amazon, underscoring Lisk’s growing influence and connectivity within the blockchain space.

Moreover, Lisk has strategically focused on Real World Assets (RWA), positioning itself as a key gateway to the Optimism Superchain in emerging markets. This focus is designed to harness the transformative power of blockchain technology in regions where it can have the most substantial impact, particularly in emerging economies.

Lisk’s efforts and strategic realignments have garnered substantial industry support, reflected in partnerships with several top blockchain entities and support from all major cryptocurrency exchanges like Binance, Kraken, and KuCoin, among others. Partners committed to deploying within the Lisk ecosystem include Rarible, Velodrome, Across Protocol, Secret Network, Oku Trade, and Obligate, highlighting a diverse and robust backing that spans various facets of the blockchain industry.

As 2024 progresses, Lisk’s initiatives and developments indicate a strong, forward-moving trajectory in the blockchain revolution, proving that the platform is not merely keeping pace but setting it.

Just hours before President Joe Biden‘s decision to veto the repeal of Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB) 121 on May 31, the American Bankers Association (ABA), a leading lobbying group for the U.S. banking sector, attempted to influence his decision by sending a letter.

The ABA argued against the repeal, stating, “Precluding regulated banking organizations from effectively providing digital asset safeguarding services at scale harms investors, customers, and ultimately the financial system.”

This statement was made in a last-minute plea to the President, coinciding with his announcement to maintain the SEC’s guidelines.

Despite bipartisan support in Congress, with both the House of Representatives and the Senate voting to overturn the SAB 121 guidance, Biden exercised his veto power to uphold the regulations.

This move blocked the congressional attempt to alter how digital assets are managed by financial institutions.

The ABA expressed concerns that SAB 121 marks a drastic shift from traditional practices concerning custodial assets, potentially complicating the safeguarding of digital assets for customers.

READ MORE: 21Shares Updates Ethereum ETF Application and Ends Partnership with ARK Invest

“The SAB 121 represents a significant departure from longstanding accounting treatment for custodial assets and threatens the industry’s ability to provide its customers with safe and sound custody of digital assets,” the ABA elaborated.

They added that restricting banks from offering these services “leaves customers with few well-regulated, trusted options for safeguarding their digital asset portfolios and ultimately exposes them to increased risk.”

This pro-crypto stance from the ABA might come as a surprise to some, especially given the organization’s involvement last year with Senator Elizabeth Warren in drafting legislation perceived as anti-crypto.

Cointelegraph highlighted an incident in December 2023 where Roger Marshall revealed on X (formerly Twitter), “The first thing that we did is that we went to the American Bankers Association and said ‘help us craft this,’” referring to the Digital Asset Anti-Money Laundering Act.

The ABA’s recent actions and statements underscore a complex relationship with digital assets, navigating between regulatory advocacy and supporting broader access to crypto services, reflecting the evolving landscape of digital finance and its regulation.

To submit a crypto press release (PR), send an email to sales@cryptointelligence.co.uk.

OpenAI has introduced two significant initiatives aimed at broadening the accessibility of its ChatGPT services to educational and nonprofit sectors.

The first initiative, “ChatGPT Edu,” targets universities and is tailored specifically for use by students, faculty, researchers, and for operational purposes on campuses.

This specialized version promises enterprise-level security and controls, and is designed to be economically feasible for educational institutions.

Numerous universities, including prestigious ones like Oxford, Wharton, the University of Texas at Austin, Arizona State University, and Columbia University, are already utilizing ChatGPT in various capacities.

For instance, researchers at Columbia are leveraging the AI to create strategies that could prevent drug overdoses.

Similarly, at Arizona State University, an assistant professor has crafted a “GPT Buddy” that aids students in practicing German through conversational interactions at their convenience.

Kyle Bowen, Deputy CIO at Arizona State University, expressed strong support for the ChatGPT Edu initiative, stating, “Integrating OpenAI’s technology into our educational and operational frameworks accelerates transformation at ASU.

“We’re collaborating across our community to harness these tools, extending our learnings as a scalable model for other institutions.”

READ MORE: Binance Founder Changpeng Zhao Begins Prison Sentence, Plans Return to Crypto Post-Release

The second initiative from OpenAI focuses on supporting nonprofit organizations by providing additional tools and reducing costs for ChatGPT usage.

Nonprofits can now register for the “ChatGPT Team” service at a discounted rate of $20 per user per month, with further discounts up to 50% available for larger nonprofits poised for substantial deployment.

Both the ChatGPT Edu and ChatGPT for Nonprofits programs offer access to OpenAI’s latest models, including GPT-4o, and include features such as image generation, collaborative workspaces, and the ability to create custom GPTs.

In related developments, OpenAI has recently made its GPT-4o model accessible to non-paying users.

This free tier allows users to utilize search features, load custom GPTs, generate images, upload files, and integrate web responses.

However, creating personal custom GPTs and unlimited use of the GPT-4o model still require a subscription to a paid service level.

To submit a crypto press release (PR), send an email to sales@cryptointelligence.co.uk.

Ethereum‘s native token, Ether, has seen a significant increase of approximately 67% in 2024 and might continue to surge in June according to various on-chain, fundamental, and technical indicators.

As of June 1, Ether was observed in the breakout stage of a falling wedge pattern, a bullish reversal setup known for its two converging descending trendlines.

The typical resolution of this pattern occurs when the price surpasses the upper trendline, potentially increasing by the height of the wedge.

On May 20, the price of ETH surged above the upper line of the wedge, accompanied by higher trading volumes, indicating a potential target of about $4,255 by the end of June—an increase of 12.65% from its current price.

Additionally, Ether seems to be forming a bull flag pattern, featuring parallel downward-sloping lines. This pattern suggests a price breakout above the upper trendline, possibly reaching $6,000 by the end of June or early July.

The possibility of Ether reaching $4,000 is further supported by increased holdings among its largest investors.

On-chain data from Santiment shows a 0.5% increase in Ether holdings by accounts possessing between 10 million and 100 million ETH since May 20.

This period coincides with speculation about the SEC reevaluating its stance on Ether ETFs.

READ MORE: Franklin Templeton Fires First Shot in Ether ETF Fee War with 0.19% Sponsor Fee Disclosure

Following the SEC’s approval of spot Ether ETFs on May 23, the ETH/USD price experienced a 19.25% surge.

In contrast, holders of 1 million to 10 million ETH decreased their positions, indicating profit-taking.

Moreover, the overall Ether reserves on crypto exchanges have also diminished, signifying a strong hodling sentiment among investors, which could drive prices further up in June.

Analyst views on Ether are optimistic, particularly after BlackRock updated its SEC filing for the iShares Ethereum Trust (ETHA).

Bloomberg ETF analyst Eric Balchunas commented on May 29, “This is a good sign.

“We’ll probably see the rest roll in soon.”

Balchunas had earlier suggested that Ether ETFs might capture 10-15% of the initial inflows seen by Bitcoin ETFs, which have attracted $13.85 billion since their inception in January.

The successful introduction of Ether ETFs and the expected capital inflows indicate a rising demand for ETH, potentially pushing its price beyond $4,000 in the coming month.

To submit a crypto press release (PR), send an email to sales@cryptointelligence.co.uk.

The recently introduced Telegram-linked cryptocurrency, Notcoin (NOT), has been making waves in the crypto market due to its notable price surge.

On May 30, 2024, a significant milestone was announced via X (formerly known as Twitter), stating that Notcoin’s onchain holder count has surpassed that of other popular meme tokens like Shiba Inu, Bonk, and Pepe.

The announcement detailed that Notcoin now boasts 1.6 million onchain holders, surpassing Shiba Inu’s 1.4 million, Bonk’s 731,000, and Pepe’s 235,000.

This substantial increase is a testament to the growing investor interest and confidence in Notcoin.

The rise in Notcoin’s onchain holders coincides with a sharp increase in its price.

Over the past 24 hours, the price of NOT has soared by 28%, currently trading near $0.0116.

This surge is part of a broader trend observed over the past week, with NOT experiencing a 130% increase, despite a 20% decline over the past month.

The positive price movement of Notcoin is partly attributed to a recent promotional staking offer, which has since concluded, signaling strong market demand.

READ MORE: Franklin Templeton Fires First Shot in Ether ETF Fee War with 0.19% Sponsor Fee Disclosure

Technical analysis suggests that NOT is on a bullish trajectory, evidenced by a significant breakout and the closing of its first daily candle in positive territory.

The optimism surrounding Notcoin is further bolstered by external factors such as the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) approval of a spot Ethereum ETF.

Given that NOT is built on the Ethereum blockchain, this development could have indirect positive implications for its value.

In contrast, other major meme coins are struggling to maintain momentum.

Dogecoin (DOGE), Shiba Inu (SHIB), Pepe (PEPE), dogwifhat (WIF), and Bonk (BONK) have seen declines of 3.54%, 2.5%, 4.5%, 7.5%, and 10% respectively over the same period.

This comparative performance emphasizes Notcoin’s recent success not only in expanding its onchain holder base but also in achieving substantial price gains, distinguishing it from its peers in the volatile meme coin market.

To submit a crypto press release (PR), send an email to sales@cryptointelligence.co.uk.

Ripple remains steadfast in its commitment to blockchain technology despite regulatory hurdles, exemplified by its $25 million investment in Fairshake.

This move aligns perfectly with their goal of driving global crypto adoption.

In a recent interview at Consensus 2024, Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse highlighted the urgent need for improved U.S. policies and regulatory frameworks for cryptocurrencies.

Garlinghouse stressed the importance of clarity in regulation, criticizing the SEC’s inconsistent approach to the crypto industry:

“For the U.S. to remain competitive, it is crucial to establish clear and consistent crypto regulations. The SEC’s contradictory lawsuits create confusion.”

He argued that updated policies are essential to keep up with the rapidly evolving financial landscape, especially in the realm of cryptocurrencies.

The discussion at the conference also touched on the potential for cryptocurrencies like XRP, Solana [SOL], and Cardano [ADA] to be included in ETFs.

Garlinghouse expressed confidence in the inevitability of such financial products:

“The introduction of ETFs for XRP, Solana, and Cardano is just a matter of time. Such advancements are favorable for the market.”

This viewpoint is supported by other industry experts. Brian Kelly from CNBC’s ‘Fast Money’ speculated that a Solana spot ETF might soon be approved in the U.S.

Cathie Wood, CEO of ARK Invest, also noted the significance of Ethereum ETFs’ approval, signaling wider acceptance of cryptocurrency investments.

READ MORE: 21Shares Updates Ethereum ETF Application and Ends Partnership with ARK Invest

Garlinghouse also commented on the increasing role of cryptocurrencies in political discussions, especially as elections approach.

He criticized the SEC’s approach under Gary Gensler, which he believes complicates participation for both institutional and retail investors:

“It’s not surprising to see crypto becoming a focal point in presidential debates. The lack of clear regulations hinders market growth.”

He concluded by calling for the U.S. to formulate sensible and transparent regulations to match the pace of global economic leaders in the cryptocurrency space.

In summary, Ripple’s proactive approach towards regulatory clarity and substantial investments in blockchain technology highlight its ongoing commitment to the crypto industry.

The ongoing discussions about crypto-ETFs and regulatory frameworks underscore the intersection of U.S. politics and cryptocurrencies, emphasizing the need for modernized regulations to foster innovation and market expansion.

Clearer and more comprehensive guidelines will be crucial for the continued development of the digital asset market.

To submit a crypto press release (PR), send an email to sales@cryptointelligence.co.uk.

American multinational investment firm Franklin Templeton has filed an amended S-1 application for its proposed spot Ether exchange-traded fund (ETF) product, becoming the first among the applicants to disclose fees to investors.

“The fees of the Sponsor accrues daily at an annualized rate equal to 0.19% of the net asset value of the Fund,” Franklin Templeton stated in a filing with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission on May 31.

Bloomberg ETF analyst Eric Balchunas highlighted the significance of this move, stating that “the opening shot in the ETH ETF fee war has been fired from Franklin” in an X post on the same day.

He dismissed the notion that the fee might be temporary, asserting that it “looks permanent” as it matches Franklin’s spot Bitcoin ETF product.

Sponsor fees, which compensate the fund manager for administration expenses, are a crucial factor for ETF products as investors generally prefer funds with lower fees.

On the same day, VanEck, Invesco, and Galaxy also submitted amended S-1 applications, but none disclosed their sponsor fees.

This has led to speculation and anticipation in the market regarding their potential fee structures.

READ MORE: U.S. Treasury Releases First-Ever Risk Assessment on NFTs, Highlighting Potential Illicit Uses and Investor Risks

Balchunas noted, “Also no fees in any of the new S-1s. Fee war on hold for now,” indicating that the competitive fee adjustments seen with Bitcoin ETFs might not yet be replicated with Ether ETFs.

Prior to the launch of spot Bitcoin ETFs in January, the industry experienced frequent S-1 filing amendments for fee adjustments, a phenomenon Balchunas referred to as the “fee wars.”

Some issuers even waived fees to enhance competitiveness; for instance, Bitwise waived all fees on its spot Bitcoin ETF for the first six months and the first $1 billion in assets.

Grayscale Investments and BlackRock submitted amendments on May 30 and May 29, respectively. Balchunas commented at the time that it was a “Good sign. Probably see rest roll in soon.”

He suggested there might be another round of amendments to “fine-tune” SEC comments, but expressed optimism that spot Ether ETFs could launch by the end of June, calling it a “legit possibility.”

To submit a crypto press release (PR), send an email to sales@cryptointelligence.co.uk.