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Cardano-Bitcoin bridge may be first step to true Bitcoin DeFi

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Cardano, the third-largest blockchain by market capitalization, is making strides toward integrating Bitcoin (BTC) into its decentralized finance (DeFi) ecosystem with the launch of a new Bitcoin-Cardano bridge. The initiative, developed by the Cardano-focused company, IOG (Input Output Global), aims to allow users to move BTC seamlessly between Bitcoin’s blockchain and the Cardano network. This bridge is expected to open up new opportunities for Bitcoin holders to engage in DeFi activities on Cardano, such as yield farming, staking, and lending.

The Bitcoin-Cardano bridge utilizes wrapped Bitcoin (wBTC), a tokenized version of Bitcoin that can be used on non-Bitcoin blockchains. With the bridge in place, users will be able to lock their Bitcoin in a smart contract on the Bitcoin network and mint equivalent wBTC on Cardano, thereby unlocking the ability to participate in Cardano’s growing DeFi sector. IOG aims to make the process user-friendly, focusing on reducing the technical barriers to entry for Bitcoin holders who are interested in exploring the Cardano ecosystem.

The launch of the bridge represents a significant milestone in Cardano’s broader strategy to expand its DeFi capabilities and attract a wider range of users. While Cardano has traditionally been known for its focus on scalability, sustainability, and security, the addition of a Bitcoin bridge could help the network tap into the vast Bitcoin user base, potentially boosting adoption of Cardano’s smart contract platform. This move also positions Cardano as a competitor in the fast-growing DeFi sector, which has seen a surge in interest from both developers and investors.

Critics, however, have raised concerns about the challenges of bridging assets between two fundamentally different blockchain ecosystems, each with its own consensus mechanism and technical architecture. While the Bitcoin-Cardano bridge has been designed to be secure and efficient, it is yet to be seen how well it will perform under high demand or handle the complexities of cross-chain interactions. Despite these concerns, the integration marks a bold step for Cardano as it continues to build out its DeFi ecosystem and aim for greater interoperability with other blockchain networks.

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Ethereum has outperformed Bitcoin just 15% of the time since its launch

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Despite being the second-largest cryptocurrency by market cap, Ethereum (ETH) has outperformed Bitcoin (BTC) in just 15% of its trading history, according to recent market analysis.

Since Ethereum’s launch in 2015, it has occasionally outpaced Bitcoin during specific bullish phases—particularly during altcoin seasons or key upgrade periods like the DeFi summer of 2020 and the NFT boom in 2021. However, over the broader market timeline, Bitcoin has consistently maintained dominance in terms of performance, price stability, and institutional demand.

The data underscores Bitcoin’s resilience as the leading digital asset and highlights the challenges ETH has faced in closing the gap. Ethereum’s fluctuating gas fees, delayed network upgrades, and increasing competition from other smart contract platforms have contributed to its underperformance relative to BTC.

However, Ethereum remains central to Web3 infrastructure and continues to drive innovation in decentralized applications. Analysts note that while Bitcoin may lead in market dominance, Ethereum’s long-term value proposition lies in its ecosystem growth, particularly with Layer-2 expansion and the rise of real-world asset tokenization.

Still, for long-term investors comparing returns, Bitcoin has proven to be the more consistent performer—reinforcing its status as digital gold in the crypto economy.

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Hackers hide crypto address-swapping malware in Microsoft Office add-in bundles

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Cybersecurity researchers have uncovered a new malware campaign that disguises itself within Microsoft Office extension packages to steal cryptocurrency by silently replacing wallet addresses.

The attack involves malicious Office add-ins that, once installed, operate in the background by monitoring clipboard activity. When a user copies a crypto wallet address—for example, during a transaction—the malware instantly replaces it with a wallet address controlled by the attacker, rerouting funds without the user’s knowledge.

This tactic, known as clipboard hijacking, is not new, but its delivery method through Office extensions represents a concerning evolution. Users typically trust Office add-ins for productivity enhancements, making them an ideal vector for stealthy infections.

Researchers warn that the malware is difficult to detect due to its low-profile behavior and integration with legitimate software workflows. It doesn’t trigger conventional security alarms and can persist undetected for long periods, increasing the risk of financial loss.

Security experts are urging crypto users to double-check wallet addresses before confirming transactions and avoid downloading unofficial Office add-ins. Meanwhile, businesses and institutions are advised to strengthen endpoint security and restrict unauthorized plugin installations to mitigate exposure.

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BlackRock taps Anchorage Digital for digital asset custody

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BlackRock has teamed up with Anchorage Digital to provide secure custody solutions for its growing digital asset initiatives, further signaling the asset management giant’s deepening commitment to the crypto space.

The partnership will see Anchorage Digital serve as the custodian for BlackRock’s digital asset products, including its spot Bitcoin exchange-traded fund (ETF). Anchorage, a federally chartered crypto bank, is known for its institutional-grade infrastructure, which aligns with BlackRock’s standards for compliance and security.

This collaboration reflects BlackRock’s strategy to build a robust and compliant ecosystem for institutional investors entering the digital asset market. With regulatory scrutiny intensifying, the firm’s choice to work with a regulated custodian like Anchorage underscores the importance of trust and transparency in this evolving financial landscape.

The move follows BlackRock’s broader expansion into crypto, which includes launching its iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) and exploring tokenization of traditional financial assets. By partnering with Anchorage, BlackRock aims to offer clients a seamless and secure bridge between traditional finance and the digital economy.

Anchorage Digital’s CEO welcomed the partnership as a pivotal moment for institutional crypto adoption, highlighting the potential to further integrate blockchain-based assets into mainstream investment portfolios.

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