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Security researchers at Ctrl Alt Intel say a threat group believed to be linked to North Korea carried out coordinated attacks against crypto companies by exploiting the React2Shell flaw and stealing AWS credentials to access cloud systems. The hackers reportedly stole private keys, configuration data, source code, and Docker images tied to staking platforms and exchange providers such as ChainUp, using infrastructure traced to a South Korea-based server, though attribution remains moderate and the source of the compromised credentials is still unknown.

G7 nations are considering a coordinated release of up to 400 million barrels of oil from strategic reserves to ease soaring energy prices. The move could be coordinated by the International Energy Agency. So far, three Group of Seven countries, including the United States, have shown support for the plan. U.S. officials believe a joint release of 300–400 million barrels could help stabilize markets. G7 countries currently hold about 1.2 billion barrels in reserves. Following the news, oil prices slipped back below $108 per barrel.

Pi Network is drawing growing attention after a recent price surge pushed its market ranking up to around 34th place. The project has also been teasing major ecosystem upgrades, including plans for decentralized exchanges (DEXs) and new applications on its network. These developments could bring more activity and adoption to the platform. Pi Network continues to build its ecosystem as it aims to move beyond its early mining phase and grow into a broader crypto platform.

Spot Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs saw heavy withdrawals on March 5, with nearly $320 million leaving the funds in a single day. Data from SoSoValue shows Bitcoin spot ETFs recorded about $228 million in outflows, with BlackRock’s IBIT seeing the largest withdrawal among the funds. Ethereum spot ETFs also faced pressure, posting $90.94 million in net outflows. Despite the broader trend, BlackRock’s ETHA stood out by attracting $30.25 million in inflows, making it the only major Ethereum ETF to record gains during the day.

Vitalik Buterin says future crypto wallets will likely integrate AI, but he warns they should not directly control large transactions. Instead, AI could suggest a transaction plan while the wallet runs a simulation to preview the outcome. Users would then review the results and confirm manually. The goal is to ensure that what users intend matches what the system actually executes. This layered approach, using simulations, limits, and verification, could significantly reduce phishing attacks, mistakes, and other security risks.

OKB surged about 23% in the past 24 hours, becoming one of the day’s biggest crypto gainers. The rally followed news that Intercontinental Exchange (ICE), the parent company of the New York Stock Exchange, has invested in crypto exchange OKX at a $25 billion valuation and secured a board seat. The partnership plans to bring tokenized NYSE stocks and futures trading to OKX users by late 2026. Data from CoinGecko shows the move added roughly $640 million to OKB’s market value in one session, with analysts noting no signs of insider trading before the announcement.

BC.GAME has announced a $500,000 bounty for credible leads on an Ethereum wallet tied to a $4.37 million exploit of a third‑party game, prompting the crypto community to help trace the hacker. On‑chain tracking by EyeOnChain showed the attacker used about 1.7 million USDC from the stolen funds to open a $31 million short on ETH, which was liquidated with $1.53 million in losses after the price rose. BC.GAME publicly named the wallet and urged worldwide analysts and investigators to submit tips to identify the perpetrator or aid in asset recovery.

A TON blockchain whale accidentally sent 126,000 TON, worth about $220,000, to a scammer’s fake wallet created through a dusting attack, which uses tiny transactions to identify and target wallets. The scammer returned 116,000 TON (around $203,000) but kept 10,000 TON ($17,000) as a “fee,” even leaving a message apologizing for taking it. The incident highlights the rising risks of wallet impersonation on the TON network and underscores the importance of carefully verifying addresses before sending large amounts.

Google’s Threat Intelligence Group has uncovered a powerful new iPhone exploit toolkit called Coruna, which uses five exploit chains and 23 vulnerabilities to attack devices running iOS 13.0 through 17.2.1 and steal sensitive data, including crypto wallet seed phrases. Initially spotted in February 2025 and linked to state‑level surveillance campaigns, Coruna later appeared on fake cryptocurrency websites to harvest wallet details and financial info from unsuspecting visitors. Apple has since patched these flaws in newer iOS releases, and Google urges users to update to the latest software or enable Lockdown Mode for protection.

Andreessen Horowitz’s crypto‑focused venture arm, a16z Crypto, is raising its fifth fund with a target of about $2 billion, planning to close in the first half of 2026 amid a broader crypto downturn. The new fund is less than half the size of its previous $4.5 billion vehicle, reflecting a cautious shift as venture investors face tighter market conditions and faster-changing trends. Despite the pullback in overall crypto valuations and investment activity, a16z’s continued fundraising signals confidence in blockchain’s long‑term potential, even as some peers explore opportunities in areas like AI.

Bitcoin is trading around $72,000 after rebounding from levels near $67,000, showing strong movement on the daily chart. The broader crypto market is seeing increased activity, with Bitcoin maintaining a large share of the total market. Global tensions and uncertainty are also boosting demand for safe-haven assets like gold and silver, with gold moving toward the $2,300–$2,400 range. Despite geopolitical risks, Bitcoin continues to hold above $70,000, suggesting steady interest from investors.

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has submitted a proposal to federal regulators explaining how existing U.S. securities laws could apply to certain crypto assets and related transactions. The interpretation is currently under interagency review before a vote by SEC commissioners. The move shows the agency is willing to move ahead with digital asset oversight without waiting for Congress. While the CLARITY Act could offer a broader framework, the proposal is seen as another step toward the regulatory clarity many institutional investors are waiting for.

Morgan Stanley has updated its SEC filing for a Bitcoin Trust ETF, naming BNY Mellon as administrator and cash custodian and Coinbase Custody to safeguard the bitcoin holdings. The trust will hold physical bitcoin and track its value via the CoinDesk Bitcoin Benchmark, ensuring regulated and transparent pricing. If approved, shares would trade on NYSE Arca, allowing creation and redemption in cash or bitcoin. The move signals Wall Street’s increasing embrace of crypto spot products amid rising institutional demand.

Kraken’s banking arm, Kraken Financial, has become the first crypto company in the U.S. to secure access to the Federal Reserve’s core payment systems via a Fed master account, allowing direct use of Fedwire for dollar settlements without intermediary banks. This milestone marks a major step toward integrating digital assets with traditional finance and comes amid a more crypto‑friendly regulatory climate. While the account doesn’t include all bank privileges, it promises faster, more reliable transactions and boosts Kraken’s institutional credibility.

Tether Investments has made a strategic $1.5 billion investment in New York–based Eight Sleep to accelerate AI-driven health technology and personalized sleep optimization. Eight Sleep combines advanced AI with embedded sensors to monitor and enhance sleep quality. Through this partnership, Tether’s QVAC architecture will power adaptive, edge‑intelligence features in Eight Sleep products, transforming continuous health data into actionable insights. Tether views this technology as essential for improving longevity, performance, and overall wellness.

Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong highlighted the crypto market’s growing strength, citing faster settlements, institutional adoption, clearer regulations, ETF growth, and countries exploring Bitcoin reserves. His optimism came as Bitcoin surged over 6% in 24 hours, climbing past $71,000 after weekend fears from U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran. Spot Bitcoin ETFs saw over $1 billion in weekly inflows, while reactions on X ranged from bullish cheers to memes about empty wallets during volatile swings, reflecting renewed confidence in crypto infrastructure and market resilience.

The crypto market roared back to life as Bitcoin surged past $71,000 and Ethereum crossed $2,050, sparking a rapid market rally. Bitcoin jumped 5%, adding nearly $70 billion to its market cap, while Ethereum climbed 5.6%, gaining $14 billion. In just five hours, the total crypto market expanded by about $100 billion. The sharp move triggered a wave of liquidations, wiping out nearly $110 million in short positions as bullish momentum swept across the market.

President Donald Trump held a private meeting Tuesday with Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong just hours before publicly criticizing big banks for blocking progress on U.S. crypto market structure legislation. Trump accused banks of undermining the GENIUS Act and stalling the broader CLARITY Act by pushing to ban stablecoin yield programs, a point of contention between banks and crypto firms. He urged lawmakers to pass the bill “ASAP” to bring regulatory clarity and protect American crypto innovation.

Circle has minted $1 billion in USDC on Solana in just hours, bringing its total 2026 issuance on the network to $23.75 billion. Institutions and exchanges create USDC by depositing dollars, fueling liquidity for trading, DeFi protocols, and new token launches on Solana’s fast, low-fee blockchain. Analysts view the surge as significant “dry powder” ready for market deployment, boosting Solana’s role as a leading stablecoin hub alongside Ethereum and Tron.

South Korea’s top crypto exchange, Upbit, will list the EDGE token with trading pairs in KRW, BTC, and USDT, expanding access for its large user base. EDGE (Definitive) is an on-chain trading platform that works like a decentralized exchange aggregator, offering advanced order types, multichain liquidity routing, and CEX-style execution directly from users’ wallets. The token also provides fee benefits and premium features on the Definitive platform, making it appealing for active traders.