Attacker sends nearly 24,000 phishing emails derived from compromised CoinGecko third-party email platform
https://www.theblock.co/post/299099/attacker-sends-nearly-24000-phishing-emails-derived-from-compromised-coingecko-third-party-email-platform

In the ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats, it is crucial to exercise caution when dealing with emails. One effective strategy is to embrace the concept of email segmentation, utilizing multiple single-use addresses to minimize the potential impact of security breaches or data leaks.

For iOS users, Apple's "Hide My Email" feature offers a convenient solution, providing a layer of anonymity and protection.

Android users, on the other hand, can explore viable alternatives like SimpleLogin, which empowers them to create disposable email addresses, effectively reducing their exposure to malicious actors and potential data breaches.


Reminder tomorrow: "Blockstream LOCAL Liquid Workshop"
https://www.meetup.com/bitcoincuracao/events/300772502/

Here a similar video a colleague made:

Getting Started on the Liquid Network (Bitcoin/L-BTC, USDT)
https://youtu.be/IhRbIZQTPcs?feature=shared

LBTC address:
VJLH5bDA5C3JqUgs4F498NGzZNUrsh11nz9ricN35j8Zf6mfNRyPYv9bjojUtJaRZVSs1SsYFbZhL9Kk

nostr:npub1jg552aulj07skd6e7y2hu0vl5g8nl5jvfw8jhn6jpjk0vjd0waksvl6n8n


The Decentralized Future: Convergence of Bitcoin, AI, and 3D Printing

Imagine a world where the future of decentralization transcends the boundaries of Bitcoin alone, and instead, emerges from the convergence of a multitude of disruptive technologies. This convergence has the potential to shift power back into the hands of individuals, redefining our world in the next three decades.

At the heart of this revolution lies the synergy between Bitcoin, artificial intelligence (AI), and 3D printing. Bitcoin, with its decentralized and transparent nature, has already challenged traditional financial systems.

AI, with its ability to process vast amounts of data and make intelligent decisions, could revolutionize various industries, from healthcare to manufacturing. And 3D printing, with its potential for localized and on-demand production, could disrupt traditional supply chains and empower individuals to become self-sufficient.

Together, these technologies could create a decentralized ecosystem where individuals have greater control over their finances, data, and production capabilities. AI could optimize Bitcoin transactions and 3D printing processes, while Bitcoin could facilitate secure and transparent transactions for AI-powered services and 3D-printed products. Localized manufacturing through 3D printing could reduce reliance on centralized supply chains, empowering communities to become more self-sufficient.

This article explores the convergence of these technologies and its implications for our technological and economic future. It invites us to envision a world where centralized powers are disrupted, and individuals regain control over their lives, fostering a more equitable and sustainable society.

Link article:
DECENTRALIZATION AND LOCALIZED MANUFACTURING: BITCOIN, AI AND 3D PRINTING
A look at the similarities between AI, 3D printing, and Bitcoin in terms of their disruptive potential as decentralized technologies.
https://bitcoinmagazine.com/technical/decentralization-and-localized-manufacturing-bitcoin-ai-and-3d-printing


Why you need to run a Bitcoin Node
https://www.thebitcoinway.com/articles/why-you-need-to-run-a-bitcoin-node


Sooner or later you will be misidentified by your government with noble and good intentions.

'I was misidentified as shoplifter by facial recognition tech'
https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-69055945


Still using PayPal and Venmo?

PayPal Is Planning an Ad Business Using Data on Its Millions of Shoppers
Payments company hires Uber’s former head of advertising to run a new ad division
https://www.wsj.com/articles/paypal-is-planning-an-ad-business-using-data-on-its-millions-of-shoppers-cc5e0625


“Fedimint is a scalable self-custodial off-chain programmability layer on top of Bitcoin. It allows for use cases that are difficult, time-consuming, and unscalable for general users to do on-chain today. You might think I had a typo calling Fedimint a self-custodial network. Let me explain…” --Tony Giorgio

Embracing Nuance and Exploring Novel Solutions
In our pursuit of solutions, we often risk overlooking the nuances that could unlock a wealth of novel and highly valuable approaches to our problems. The goals we set for ourselves, such as those envisioned with Bitcoin, should not be viewed as final conclusions but rather as points along a never-ending spectrum of exploration and growth. Fedimint represents a profound shift in the realms of trust and privacy for Bitcoin users, breaking down enormous barriers to the provision of services. By embracing the nuances and remaining open to innovative solutions, we may discover paths that transcend our current limitations and unlock new horizons of possibility.

Evaluate how this approach measures up against Bitcoin's trust model and other currency networks. Compare it to Wrapped Bitcoin on the Ethereum blockchain, zero-knowledge roll-up technologies, state chains running on secure enclaves considered noncustodial, and other cryptocurrencies without questionable pricing schemes (insofar as they are legally permitted to operate as self-custodial networks).

This  article reframes both the problem and the solution to the many challenges of building in this new industry.

Fedimint (Federated Ecash) is Self-Custodial by Tony Giorgio
https://tonygiorgio.com/fedimint/


Hold the line

https://m.primal.net/ITGj.jpg


US Citizens are excluded


Our thought processes and perspectives are like to trails winding through a forest.

The ideas we frequently have become clear, but when we get distracted exploring new concepts or fixating on future goals, even our familiar mental paths can become overgrown and obscured by the noise of the world.

This is why it's beneficial to periodically revisit and refresh the core ideas and viewpoints that have guided us—to retrace those trails, allowing us to regain clarity on the perspectives that shaped our current understanding.

This is a  very important idea in grasping why Bitcoin works, and how it emerges from the individual enforcement of the Bitcoin rules, and how utterly revolutionary this seemingly simple concept really is.

Here is the read, enjoy.

Bitcoin Miners Beware: Invalid Blocks Need Not Apply
Bitcoin is an impenetrable fortress of validation.
https://medium.com/hackernoon/bitcoin-miners-beware-invalid-blocks-need-not-apply-51c293ee278b


“This capability ensures that participants can trust the system's integrity without the need for mutual trust among users. It fundamentally alters how trust is brokered globally, extending the reach of reliable transactions beyond traditional, geographic, and institutional boundaries.” -- Adolfo Contreras

Bitcoin's Transformative Potential for Global Financial Inclusion
Blockstream has published a thought-provoking piece by Adolfo Contreras, titled “Scaling Trust: Bitcoin's Role in Bridging the Global Digital Divide.”

This insightful article delves into how Bitcoin redefines trust in our increasingly globalized and digitized world. It explores the revolutionary impact of blockchain technology, shedding light on its potential to transform financial systems, particularly in developing nations.

The article provides an in-depth analysis of the fundamental elements of trust, tracing the evolution of financial institutions and their role in fostering confidence in economic transactions.

Contreras skillfully examines how Bitcoin's decentralized and transparent nature challenges traditional models of trust, offering a compelling alternative that could empower underserved communities worldwide.

By leveraging the immutable and borderless nature of blockchain technology, Bitcoin presents a unique opportunity to bridge the digital divide and promote financial inclusion on a global scale.

The article offers a compelling perspective on how this innovative technology could disrupt existing power structures and democratize access to financial services, empowering individuals and communities that have historically been marginalized or excluded from traditional banking systems.

Overall, Contreras' article is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the profound implications of Bitcoin and blockchain technology on the global financial landscape.

It provides valuable insights into the fundamental shifts in trust dynamics and the potential for these emerging technologies to catalyze positive change, particularly in regions where access to financial services has been a persistent challenge.

Here is the articles link:
Scaling Trust: Bitcoin’s Role in Bridging the Global Digital Divide
https://blog.blockstream.com/scaling-trust-bitcoins-role-in-bridging-the-global-digital-divide/


“It is like exercising a veto you hold for anything and everything, and yes, vetoes are important in consensus systems. But disrupting conversation is not the veto, the actions of actual transacting economic actors deciding what software to run or not run is the veto. This denial of service on dialogue is not some noble or righteous crusade to save Bitcoin, it is an active attack on those economic actors and their ability to gain a better understanding making an informed decision on whether to veto something or not.” -- Shinobi

This read helps us navigate the turbulent discourse on Bitcoin Consensus

The realm of Bitcoin consensus has become a contentious battleground, with the surrounding dialogue often marred by disruptive forces.

One alarming trend that has emerged is the prevalence of “denial-of-service attacks” aimed at stifling meaningful discussions within the Bitcoin community.

This phenomenon raises critical questions:
Is it a calculated attempt to silence innovative ideas and dissenting voices?
Or is it a necessary friction to uphold the integrity of Bitcoin's foundational principles?

Alternatively, could it be an unavoidable consequence of Bitcoin's remarkable success and the diverse perspectives it has attracted?

It is crucial to strike a balance between fostering open discourse and maintaining the core values that have made Bitcoin a revolutionary force in the financial landscape.

While the free exchange of ideas is essential for the growth and evolution of any technology, it is equally important to safeguard the fundamentals that have earned Bitcoin its credibility and widespread adoption.

Original article
A DENIAL OF SERVICE ATTACK ON BITCOIN CONSENSUS
The reason conversations around consensus are a dysfunctional mess is not because of the people proposing changes, it's because of the people refusing to listen in good faith.
https://bitcoinmagazine.com/culture/a-denial-of-service-attack-on-consensus


Pay attention Bankers

Xapo Bank enables bitcoin deposits via Lightning Network
https://www.theblock.co/post/296262/xapo-bitcoin-lightning-network


Bitcoin Pizza Index
https://bitcoinpizzaindex.net


Bitcoin fees are low again time to clean some dust 😉


Going Dark: The war on encryption is on the rise. Through a shady collaboration between the US and the EU.
https://mullvad.net/en/why-privacy-matters/going-dark


iOS 17.5 is allegedly resurfacing pictures that were deleted years ago
https://9to5mac.com/2024/05/17/ios-17-5-deleted-photos-app-bug/

You still trust Apple?


Robots, inevitably, will be trusted more than humans.

Microsurgery Assistance Robot Stitching a Corn Kernel
https://newatlas.com/robotics/sony-microsurgery-robot-corn/

Here is the video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bgRAkBNFMHk


💯

I have an article on draft about how we're using blinded signatures as authentication service tokens, like with our mutiny lightning addresses.

If you signed up for mutiny+, your device retrieves a blinded signature that's good for one registration of a lightning address. Whenever you register, you "spend" that token. This delinks your wallet identifier with metadata such as name and invoices.

The only thing that matters to us is that you paid for a service, we don't care who you are. Nobody should, that's what money is made for.

We do this all behind the scenes without you having any idea that you're basically using ecash for a specific service. So far it's worked flawlessly from what I can tell.

nostr:nevent1qqs2633022jztwc78qsqn5slwsn9j24sm07vkletjy4vsc7ypj7swtgpr3mhxue69uhhyetvv9ujumt4w35ku7thv9kxcet59e3k7mgzypgdjn7zmpvqc6ptqud9gtutrcc6yq9s2z96h9dr80hss4wl9qwkxqcyqqqqqqgfgl5fh


Lightning Addresses with Trust Minimization
Mutiny wallet introduces an innovative approach to creating lightning addresses that minimizes trust requirements.

It leverages your ecash public key to lock incoming payments, which you must subsequently spend into your own lightning node to access the funds.

This concept, while not entirely new as it underpinned the Hermes project, gains significance through its implementation in a popular lightning wallet.

By integrating this trust-minimized method for generating lightning addresses, Mutiny wallet empowers users with an accessible means to enhance privacy and security when transacting on the Lightning Network.

Federated Lightning Addresses for Mutiny+ Users
We're happy to announce that we're launching the preview version for Mutiny+ users!
https://blog.mutinywallet.com/federated-lightning-addresses-for-mutiny-users/

My Lightning address for life:
williamsantiago@mutiny.plus


‘Banks continue to become increasingly less relevant’: the professor who sees a $2 trillion hole in the economy predicts a thinning of the herd
https://fortune.com/2024/05/16/silicon-valley-bank-2-billion-exposure-tomasz-piskorski/


BOLT 12 AND LNURL: WHAT IS THE FUTURE FOR BITCOIN’S LIGHTNING NETWORK?
BOLT 12 and LNURL seem to accomplish the same things for users of the Bitcoin Lightning Network. But what are the technical differences?

https://bitcoinmagazine.com/technical/bolt12-lnurl-and-bitcoin-lightning


Mullvad VPN has confirmed the existence of critical DNS leak problems in certain Android VPN apps due to inherent bugs in the Android operating system.

The issues can occur in multiple scenarios, such as if the VPN is active without any DNS server configured, or for a short period while the VPN app is reconfiguring the tunnel or being force stopped/crashing.

These leaks can expose users' browsing history, location, and ability to bypass internet censorship, even with the "Always-on VPN" and "Block connections without VPN" settings enabled.

Mullvad has reported the issues to Google and is implementing a workaround, but the problems should be addressed at the OS level to protect all Android users.

DNS traffic can leak outside the VPN tunnel on Android
https://mullvad.net/en/blog/2024/5/3/dns-traffic-can-leak-outside-the-vpn-tunnel-on-android

Does it apply to ios devices?
No, the DNS leak issues described do not apply to iOS devices. The search results specifically mention that the problems stem from bugs in the Android operating system itself, and only affect certain Android VPN apps.

The Mullvad VPN app for iOS uses the "on-demand VPN" function which acts as a kill switch when the VPN is connected, and should not leak traffic.

The article also notes that while there are some potential privacy issues with iOS, such as traffic to Apple services bypassing the VPN tunnel, there are no issues analogous to the Android DNS leaks described.

So in summary, the critical DNS leak vulnerabilities are limited to Android devices and apps, and do not impact iOS users of Mullvad VPN or other VPN services. The problems require fixes at the Android OS level by Google.


"This is a fancy way of saying that you need money to make markets, and you need decentralized, open, digital money to make decentralized, open, digital markets.

Furthermore, higher layers require lower layers to exist, but lower layers benefit from the value created at higher layers. However valuable layer one Bitcoin can be as a new global money, it can become significantly more valuable if we recognize it as a crucial technical building block to building markets with the potential to disrupt many other human networks." --Dhruv Bansal, Ryan Gentry & Allen Farrington Bitcoin's base layer enables us to rethink how we approach the prevalent problems of internet centralization, abusive platforms, and censorship. By breaking these concerns down into their most fundamental components and solving each one individually, we can begin to address the broader challenges of permissionless communication, scalable decentralized payments, service provision, and globally accessible open networks. The team at AxiomBTC, including authors Dhruv Bansal, Ryan Gentry, and Allen Farrington, explores how  Bitcoin can be leveraged to re-decentralize the internet in their latest piece.

By focusing on Bitcoin's core capabilities and applying them to specific issues, we may uncover new paths to solving the internet's systemic problems.

The Bitcoin Stack
Decentralized Order Books as a Framework for Decentralizing the Internet
https://www.axiombtc.capital/stack


Satoffee: Bitcoin Lightning Network coffee machine
https://github.com/danielcharrua/satoffee


Bitcoin en Español / Bitcoin in Spanish
https://estudiobitcoin.com


Not Displaying backup seed phrase after wallet creation

Shifting Responsibility to the Individual
The rationale behind not displaying backup words (also known as seed phrases or recovery phrases) is to shift the responsibility to the sovereign individual. This approach aims to avoid creating a single point of failure that could compromise the security of the user's assets.

Empowering the Individual
By not providing the backup words directly within the app, the responsibility for safeguarding this critical information falls on the individual user. This approach empowers the user to take ownership of their digital assets and the associated security measures.

Challenges of Personal Responsibility
However, as you rightly point out, we live in a society where personal responsibility can be perceived as too much hard work. Many users may find the burden of properly storing and protecting their backup words to be a significant challenge.

Balancing Security and Usability
The decision to shift the responsibility to the individual is a trade-off between security and usability. While it enhances the overall security of the system by eliminating a potential point of failure, it also places a greater burden on the user to manage their own security practices.

Educating Users
To address this challenge, it is crucial for the app or service providers to offer comprehensive educational resources and guidance to help users understand the importance of properly securing their backup words and the consequences of failing to do so. This can include step-by-step instructions, best practices, and even tools to facilitate secure storage and management of the backup words.

By striking a balance between security and usability, and providing adequate user education, the app or service can empower individuals to take responsibility for their digital assets while minimizing the risk of security breaches.


Bitcoin Basics Workshop Episode 2 https://www.meetup.com/bitcoincuracao/events/300804085/?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=share-btn_savedevents_share_modal&utm_source=twitter #Meetup via @Meetup


@Blockstream LOCAL Liquid Workshop https://www.meetup.com/bitcoincuracao/events/300772502/?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=share-btn_savedevents_share_modal&utm_source=twitter #Meetup via @Meetup

Thursday, June 6, 2024
7:00 AM to 9:00 AM AST
Renaissance Mall & Rif Fort
Gouverneur van Slobbeweg · Willemstad

You can find us on BTC Map
https://btcmap.org/merchant/node:11872569854

@Blockstream
L-BTC address
VJLCznDhXhnXqWW84Wm45tAGtVUN588J9X1bhyhMzTri4c8dnsUUPbsL4BBUw7oMfaprFUczCscbqoKt
https://void.cat/d/7KdK4X8q7z3F98nV3ab6Pa.webp


Bitcoin Curaçao Meetup
https://btcmap.org/merchant/node:11872569854

Is in the BTC Map


Bitcoin's Volatility During the 2016-2018 Bull Run
It's important to note that Bitcoin's journey during the 2016-2018 bull run was not without its challenges. Over that period, the cryptocurrency experienced six significant draw-downs of approximately 30% each.

This volatility is a characteristic of the digital asset market, where sharp price fluctuations are not uncommon.

Despite these temporary setbacks, Bitcoin ultimately demonstrated its resilience, going on to reach new all-time highs and solidifying its position as a major player in the global financial landscape.
https://void.cat/d/Lpgjrrdnyefp1NyUvDNWAi.webp


“The internet assumed NOTHING, and it won because it had the basic, robust, open building blocks upon which all the innovation actually occurred. The same thing has happened with Bitcoin over the last 15 years and is now starting to happen with Nostr.

And it’s right on time, because the gateways to the internet have centralized to such a degree that the very topography of the web is changing. Access to this open bazaar is being threatened because the applications who were once gateways, have started to become gatekeepers.

To fix this, and to fundamentally fix the internet, we need to upgrade the Internet stack and establish a new suite of superior products, services, and applications that compete on value, not on gatekeeper economics.” --Aleks Svetski

My observation on the below article.

Bitcoin as a model stack added to the 20th century OSI model.

The Evolution of the Internet
The internet has undergone a significant transformation over the past few decades. What started as an open, decentralized bazaar based on the internet protocol has now become a more centralized, platform-siloed experience.

The Path Forward
By examining the history of the internet, we can begin to discern a path forward to escape the trap we have found ourselves in.

Bitcoin as a Model stack added to the OSI model
In this context, Bitcoin can be stacked on top of the  20th century OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) model for the “internet of value” stack. A decentralized, open framework for enabling the secure exchange of digital assets and value.

Just as the original OSI model provided a standardized architecture for interconnecting different computer systems, Bitcoin offers a decentralized protocol for the peer-to-peer transfer of digital value without relying on centralized intermediaries. This aligns with the original vision of an open, decentralized internet.

By studying the principles and architecture of Bitcoin, we may be able to glean insights that can help guide the evolution of the internet towards a more decentralized, user-empowering model in the 21st century.

Original article
Reviewing Reviews
https://highlighter.com/npub1dtgg8yk3h23ldlm6jsy79tz723p4sun9mz62tqwxqe7c363szkzqm8up6m/Reviewing-Reviews-lpinxc


“As we discussed in Entering the Bitcoin Renaissance, our last edition, Lightning Labs CEO and Co-Founder Elizabeth Stark told The Block, “a major narrative of the next cycle will be the bitcoin renaissance, and it has already begun in full swing.” Only a few months later, and that is proving to be quite prescient!” --Ryan Gentry

The Bitcoin Renaissance: Exploring the Advancements in the Lightning Ecosystem

Highlights from the Lightning Labs Article
The article “The Bitcoin Renaissance: How Lightning Will Connect Everything” from Lightning Labs provides an insightful look into the major advancements happening in the layer 2 ecosystems built on top of Bitcoin. Here are the key points covered:

1. Surge in Development Excitement: The article highlights the growing excitement and development activity around the Lightning Network and other layer 2 solutions on Bitcoin. This includes the unveiling of numerous innovative projects in recent months.

2. Increasing Connection between Lightning and AI: The article delves into the emerging synergies between the Lightning Network and advancements in artificial intelligence (AI). It explores how these two technologies can complement each other and drive new use cases.

3. Projects to Watch: The article identifies several prominent projects within the Lightning ecosystem that are worth keeping an eye on as the Bitcoin ecosystem continues to evolve. These projects are solving real-world problems and creating new value.

Personalized Insights
As a dedicated cybersecurity professional with extensive experience in the networking, cyber-security, and fintech domains, I found this article to be a valuable resource for understanding the current state of the Lightning ecosystem and the exciting developments unfolding.

The surge in development activity and the increasing integration of Lightning with AI are particularly intriguing to me. I can see the potential for these advancements to enhance security, enable new financial applications, and drive innovation in the decentralized finance (DeFi) space.

Given my background in blockchain and crypto assets, I'm especially interested in the projects mentioned that are pushing the boundaries of what's possible with the Lightning Network. I'll be sure to follow the progress of these initiatives as the Bitcoin ecosystem continues to evolve.

Overall, this article provides a comprehensive and engaging overview of the “Bitcoin Renaissance” happening in the layer 2 space. It's a must-read for anyone interested in the future of Bitcoin and the innovative solutions emerging within its ecosystem.

Article  Link:
The Bitcoin Renaissance Is in Full Swing: How Lightning Will Connect Everything Off-Chain.
https://lightninglabs.substack.com/p/the-bitcoin-renaissance-is-in-full


Why do Bitcoin miners sometimes produce empty blocks despite there being unconfirmed transactions in the mempool?

Empty Blocks, Full Mempool
An analysis of Bitcoin blocks mined without any transactions even when there were transactions waiting to be confirmed.
https://blog.lopp.net/empty-bitcoin-blocks-full-mempool/


Great video

NWC: non-custodial payments for any app -  Moritz Kaminski

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OCt6-pIUDqk&t=2


DoJ sets its sights on Bitcoin privacy
https://freedom.tech/doj-tightens-strangehold-on-bitcoin-privacy/

"As a privacy advocate
While it may seem too simple, the first and most important way that we can all take up the fight for privacy is to keep talking about this case and its implications.

The moment we are silent and let the DoJ prosecute Samourai Wallet in the dark, we have lost."


Bringin - This is a lightning app that’s taking a different approach by integrating with IBAN, the international bank network in Europe. The main idea is that merchants can get paid in lightning and have the amount deposited in fiat right away. It makes lightning payments, once completed, more reliable than something like credit cards and cheaper to boot. They use Breez SDK to make this work and the idea is that they’ll expand the offerings as they scale up.

Bringin Bitcoin to Retail Banking with the Breez SDK
https://medium.com/breez-technology/bringin-bitcoin-to-retail-banking-with-the-breez-sdk-e4d5822dca5c


Humans have a natural tendency to seek efficiency and conserve energy where possible. This is often reflected in the way financial regulatory authorities approach their responsibilities. When given the option to perform their duties from the comfort of a desk, they may be inclined to do so, rather than exerting the additional effort required to physically investigate matters on-site.

Fiat currency, with its ability to be expanded through fractional reserve banking, has enabled this comfortable, desk-bound approach to regulation. However, this system has been criticized as a "cheat" created by bureaucrats to circumvent the constraints of sound money, such as gold.

The emergence of digital gold, represented by Bitcoin, is poised to disrupt this dynamic. As a sound digital money standard, Bitcoin has the potential to end the comfort and convenience afforded by fiat currency.

This transition may lead to a gradual return to a more rigorous, hands-on approach to financial regulation, as the inherent limitations of fiat currency are exposed.


Microsoft is a national security threat, says ex-White House cyber policy director

With little competition at the goverment level, Windows giant has no incentive to make its systems safer
https://www.theregister.com/2024/04/21/microsoft_national_security_risk/


Still using Facebook for personal information?

Dutch privacy watchdog recommends government organisations stop using Facebook
https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/dutch-privacy-watchdog-recommends-government-organisations-stop-using-facebook-2024-04-19/


Still using Cisco products?

Cisco Duo warns third-party data breach exposed SMS MFA logs
https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/cisco-duo-warns-third-party-data-breach-exposed-sms-mfa-logs/


Discord is not private and not secure.

Keep this in mind!

A Spy Site Is Scraping Discord and Selling Users’ Messages
https://www.404media.co/a-spy-site-is-scraping-discord-and-selling-users-messages/


Bitcoin Basics Workshop https://www.meetup.com/bitcoincuracao/events/300550107/?


T-Mobile, Verizon workers get texts offering $300 for SIM swaps
https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/t-mobile-verizon-workers-get-texts-offering-300-for-sim-swaps/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=hs_email

 If you hold bitcoin, avoid using SMS-based 2FA if you can. Consider using a security key, such as Yubikey to lock down your account. You can also lock down your number using security-focused providers such as Efani and Cloaked Wireless. It's wise to look into these options now because a new market cycle means new hackers.


Scheduling software that allows you to get paid in Bitcoin
Share the link to your public calendar so that people can schedule you and pay you in Bitcoin.
https://lncal.com


"That dogma was necessary — without it the people who have built this ecosystem into what it is today wouldn’t have had the motivation to do so. Without that dogma, those people would not have had customers and users to build anything for in the first place. It was the foundation of everything we have around us today.

Now the inevitable is happening: the foundation is cracking."

~ Shinobi

In this article, Guy Swan delves into the intricate dynamics of ideological dogmas within the Bitcoin community. The piece examines the sustainability of the foundational beliefs that have underpinned the growth and development of the cryptocurrency's ecosystem thus far.

The central focus is on what happens when the dogmatic pillars that have supported Bitcoin's rise begin to show signs of crumbling. The article provides insightful perspectives that challenge the conventional wisdom surrounding Bitcoin's perceived invulnerability to ideological shifts.

By exploring the evolving controversies within the Bitcoin community, the article offers a nuanced understanding of the complex interplay between ideology, technology, and the future trajectory of this groundbreaking digital currency.

Dogma Kills Brain Cells
All cultures require some overarching belief to hold it together as a cohesive identity. But when that belief is followed too blindly it leads to stagnation and dissent. From "The Inscription Issue".
https://bitcoinmagazine.com/culture/dogma-kills-brain-cells


"On the face of it, Bitcoin’s existence seems to violate Mises’s theorem, unless a preceding non-monetary use can be demonstrated. That is, Bitcoin would have to be first valued for its direct utility before it could hold indirect exchange value. So have the criteria been met, or does Bitcoin violate the theorem?" - Emile Phaneuf

The argument that Bitcoin violates Ludwig von Mises's Regression Theorem is a common one among those who have been involved with Bitcoin for some time.

However, the emergence of Bitcoin raises important questions about the applicability of Mises's observation in the digital age. The Regression Theorem posits that the value of money is derived from its previous use as a medium of exchange.

With the advent of Bitcoin, a purely digital currency with no physical form, one could argue that it challenges this theorem. After all, Bitcoin did not evolve from a previous commodity money, but rather was created from scratch as a new form of digital money.

Yet, the success and widespread adoption of Bitcoin suggests that there may be more nuance to Mises's theory than is often assumed. The dynamics of the digital economy, with its rapid innovation and global connectivity, may require a re-examination of how we understand the origins and value of money.

The rise of Bitcoin, and the broader developments in decentralized finance (DeFi), offer an opportunity to revisit and potentially expand upon Mises's insights. As a cybersecurity professional with experience in blockchain and crypto assets, I find this a fascinating area of inquiry, with important implications for our understanding of money and the future of finance.

Original article: Mises’s Regression Theorem, Bitcoin, and Subjective Value Theory https://www.aier.org/article/misess-regression-theorem-bitcoin-and-subjective-value-theory/


GM #plebchain, stay humble, stack bits/sats, and think for yourself.


Tailscale SSH is now Generally Available
https://tailscale.com/blog/tailscale-ssh-ga


This website offers a comprehensive overview of the most well-capitalized nodes operating on the decentralized network.

These powerful nodes exist for specific reasons and are typically run by prominent entities such as major cryptocurrency exchanges and leading lightning network companies.

 By highlighting the largest nodes and their operators, this resource provides valuable insights into the key infrastructure supporting the decentralized ecosystem.

Understanding the role and composition of these high-capacity nodes can offer important context about the underlying dynamics and distribution of influence within the network.

The Lightning Power List
https://megalithic.me/power_list


Asynchronous Lightning Payments
Voltage provides a comprehensive overview of the utility and advancements in asynchronous lightning payments.

As they highlight, there have been several innovative ideas in this space, many of which require the recipient to come back online before the payment can be completed.

However, Voltage also points out some of the potential risks associated with these approaches, which include the need to trust the Lightning Service Provider.

To address these concerns, technologies like BOLT12 and PTLCs could be leveraged to prevent the reuse of invoices, thereby enhancing the security and reliability of asynchronous lightning payment systems.

ASYNC PAYMENTS ON THE LIGHTNING NETWORK
https://voltage.cloud/blog/lightning-network-faq/how-async-payments-on-lightning-network-work/


Analysis of the Lightning Network: Tradeoffs and Opportunities
- Maturing User Experience
As the article points out, the initial user experience (UX) of the Lightning Network was quite poor. However, this challenge has since evolved into an opportunity for
Lightning Service Providers (LSPs) to step in and improve the UX for end-users.

- Profitability of LSP Businesses
As these LSP services mature, their long-term viability will ultimately depend on the profitability of the Lightning transactions they facilitate.

 The article highlights that this is a key consideration as the Lightning Network continues to evolve.

- Advantages over On-Chain Transactions
While Lightning is not a panacea for all transaction problems, the article argues that it is significantly better than having everything occur on the main blockchain.
This is a positive development, as it provides an alternative that can help scale Bitcoin's capabilities.

- Incremental Progress
The article emphasizes that we don't need to solve every transaction challenge all at once. The maturation of the Lightning Network, with its improving UX and emerging LSP business models, represents incremental progress that should be viewed positively.
As the technology continues to evolve, further opportunities and tradeoffs will likely emerge.

Overall, the article provides a balanced analysis of the current state of the Lightning Network, highlighting both the challenges and the opportunities that have arisen as this layer-2 scaling solution has matured.

It's a thoughtful assessment of the technology's progress and the factors that will shape its long-term viability.

Liquidity on Lightning: Moving from UX to Economix
https://medium.com/breez-technology/liquidity-on-lightning-moving-from-ux-to-economix-6e597d9e1abd


This directory indexes almost every Bitcoin swap services exist including the swap flow and detailed fees on every swap services.
https://stacker.news/items/502134


Big Tech passkey implementations are a trap
https://proton.me/blog/big-tech-passkey


Thousands of Young People Told Us Why the Kids Online Safety Act Will Be Harmful to Minors
https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2024/03/thousands-young-people-told-us-why-kids-online-safety-act-will-be-harmful-minors


GM #plebchain, stay humble, stack bits/sats, and think for yourself.

If you don't take the fiat currency

They can't tell you what to do.


Casually walking around Miramar 🇵🇷 nostr:npub18kpw3akvdsyk239lx0jgwksr74sq4nlha3r8u9g2rnrhztfpfhysy469c4 https://image.nostr.build/f7c4dec6944bb567b08da8bef59349462b4b650a7cd52c80b189294e6bd353be.jpg


A very positive vision and article.

Vibe Shift — Santiago Pliego
https://pliego.substack.com/p/vibe-shift


Decentralized Alternative to Github Goes Live with Radicle 1.0
Radicle has announced the launch of Radicle 1.0, which it says will transform how developers publish and distribute open-source code, AI models, and research.
https://www.thestreet.com/crypto/markets/decentralized-alternative-to-github-goes-live-with-radicle-1-0-


Swaproot: cheaper and more private on-chain deposits on Phoenix
https://acinq.co/blog/phoenix-swaproot

As the Lightning Network continues to mature, the hope is that more wallet providers will follow Phoenix's lead and adopt similar privacy-enhancing features.


Real-Time Starlink Satellite Tracker
https://www.starlinkmap.org


Congress is Unconstitutionally Criminalizing Privacy
An explanation of the Corporate Transparency Act and a call to action for those affected by it.
https://blog.lopp.net/congress-is-criminalizing-privacy/


"The mechanisms enforcing this modern censorship are not confined to private sectors or individual platforms but are significantly directed and influenced by the U.S. government itself. This intertwining of state powers with censorship activities marks a troubling departure from traditional American values, where free speech has been held sacred." ~ Dr. Joseph Mercola

The Concerning Rise of Online Censorship

The Troubling Emergence of Modern Censorship

- The internet, once hailed as a bastion of free speech and open discourse, has undergone a concerning transformation. A partnership between governments, the military-industrial complex, tech giants, and the mainstream media has subtly, yet steadily, turned the online landscape into a tightly monitored, controlled, and censored environment.

The Implications for Free Speech
- This development raises serious concerns about the future of free speech online.

The ability to freely express ideas, share information, and engage in open dialogue - core principles of a healthy democracy - appears to be under threat. The fear is that this trend could lead to the stifling of diverse perspectives and the suppression of dissenting voices, ultimately undermining the very foundations of a free and open society.

Potential Solutions and Actions
- Addressing this issue will require a multifaceted approach. Increased transparency and accountability from the entities involved, stronger legal protections for online speech, and the development of decentralized, censorship-resistant platforms could all play a role in safeguarding the internet's role as a forum for free expression. Additionally, raising public awareness and encouraging civic engagement may empower individuals to take action and push back against the encroachment of modern censorship.

As a cybersecurity professional with a deep understanding of the technological landscape, I share your concerns about the troubling emergence of this modern censorship system. It is a complex and multifaceted issue that requires vigilance and a concerted effort to preserve the internet's role as a bastion of free speech and open discourse. By working together, we can strive to find solutions that uphold the fundamental principles of a free and democratic society.


El Salvador's Bitcoin Multisig Wallet Address

El Salvador has recently transferred a large portion of its Bitcoin holdings, around 5,689 BTC worth $388 million, to a new physically secured cold wallet stored in a vault within the country's territory.

The process of transferring the Bitcoin to this new cold wallet involved using a multisignature (multisig) setup, where multiple private keys are required to authorize transactions. Specifically:

- The first transfer of 1,120 BTC ($76.5 million) was made on March 13 via a 3-of-5 multisig authorization, where 4 out of 5 signatories approved the transaction.
- The largest transfer of 4,000 BTC ($273 million) occurred on March 14, about 2 hours after the announcement.

The multisig setup helps increase the security of the Bitcoin holdings by eliminating "key person risk" and requiring multiple parties to authorize transactions, rather than relying on a single individual.

Here is the Link to the address:
https://mempool.space/address/32ixEdVJWo3kmvJGMTZq5jAQVZZeuwnqzo

Overall, El Salvador's use of a multisig cold wallet setup demonstrates their commitment to securely storing their growing Bitcoin reserves within the country's territory.


WebTunnel, a new type of Tor bridge designed to assist users in heavily censored regions to connect to the Tor network.

Hiding in plain sight: Introducing WebTunnel
https://blog.torproject.org/introducing-webtunnel-evading-censorship-by-hiding-in-plain-sight/


SIM swappers hijacking phone numbers in eSIM attacks
https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/sim-swappers-hijacking-phone-numbers-in-esim-attacks/


The idea, which was always inevitable, is to plug Lightning into the existing banking infrastructure of IBANs and SEPA. As a result, merchants can accept bitcoin with instant settlement, it enables MiCA-compliant on- and off-ramps for bitcoin, and companies can pay their employees in bitcoin, all with only minimal KYC and fees.

Bringin Bitcoin to Retail Banking with the Breez SDK
https://medium.com/breez-technology/bringin-bitcoin-to-retail-banking-with-the-breez-sdk-e4d5822dca5c


“In a system that depends on irresponsible government spending (especially for perpetual war) and fiat printing to cover that irresponsibility, alarm bells cannot be allowed to work. There must be no pure price signals.” --MacroScope

I wonder how many really understand the bitter opposition by policymakers to #Bitcoin  and especially an ETF.
https://twitter.com/MacroScope17/status/1769400435188601164


Build your own “do-everything-yourself” Bitcoin full node that will make you a sovereign peer in the Bitcoin and Lightning network.

No need to trust anyone else.
https://microbolt.guide/en-US


🍀 💚 Happy St Patricks Day 💚 🍀


Great article!

MULTISIG, SHAMIR'S SECRET SHARING, & MPC COMPARED
Taking a closer look at threshold security models for institutional-grade bitcoin custody.
https://bitcoinmagazine.com/technical/multisig-shamirs-secret-sharing-mpc-compared


"Bitcoin will probably crash again but it is neither a Ponzi scheme nor a bubble – it’s something far worse: It is an inherently secure, tightly-controlled asset with a regulated supply, and is therefore a subversion to the whole basis of free-market financial capitalism." -- Alan Kohler

Is Bitcoin potentially more detrimental than a Ponzi scheme?

Could Bitcoin be a permanent fixture while fundamentally challenging our existing system?

Is this a potential threat akin to an insurgent assault on nations?

What if a disruptive asset like Bitcoin jeopardizes the security and stability of our financial systems, undermining the foundations of our achievements?

Explore the risks associated with Bitcoin in Alan Kohler's latest article.

Alan Kohler: Bitcoin is not a Ponzi bubble. It’s worse – an insurrection
https://www.thenewdaily.com.au/finance/2024/03/06/alan-kohler-bitcoin-insurrection


Signal Protocol is becoming the standard for ETEE

To comply with DMA, WhatsApp and Messenger will become interoperable via Signal protocol
https://techcrunch.com/2024/03/06/to-comply-with-dma-whatsapp-and-messenger-will-become-interoperable-via-signal/?guccounter=1

The Signal Protocol is a non-federated cryptographic protocol that offers end-to-end encryption for voice and instant messaging conversations. It includes the Double Ratchet Algorithm, which ensures secure message exchange between parties by deriving new keys for each message and incorporating Diffie-Hellman calculations into the key derivation process. The protocol has been widely adopted by various messaging apps like Signal, Wire, and WhatsApp for its robust security features and encryption capabilities.


BITCOIN HAS NO TOP BECAUSE FIAT HAS NO BOTTOM: UNDERSTANDING MONETARY DEBASEMENT
https://bitcoinmagazine.com/sponsored/bitcoin-has-no-top-because-fiat-has-no-bottom-understanding-monetary-debasement


“Of all measurement instruments, the clock is the most valuable because so many of the things we sacrifice to create are not fungible. The massive clock towers of Europe, with their enormous loud and resonant bells, broadcasting time, fairly across the town and even the countryside, rather than the last relics of the medieval, were the first building block of the wealthy modern world.” -- Nick Szabo

A Measure of Sacrifice by Nick Szabo from 2002
https://nakamotoinstitute.org/library/a-measure-of-sacrifice


Family Dollar to Close Nearly 1,000 Stores
The chain has struggled for years. Its parent company, Dollar Tree, cited inflation, theft and reduced government benefits as challenges that had prompted the closings.
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/13/business/family-dollar-stores-closing.html

A great business case is for a brand called

The Satoshi “The Sat store”

A Bitcoin satoshi is the smallest denomination of the cryptocurrency Bitcoin, named after its creator, Satoshi Nakamoto. One bitcoin is divisible into 100 million satoshis, with each satoshi equal to 0.00000001 bitcoin.

Currently, $1.00 = 1,377 sats


A Declaration of the Independence of Cyberspace
https://stacker.news/items/462881


Introducing Devin, the first AI software engineer
And setting a new state of the art on the SWE-bench coding benchmark
https://www.cognition-labs.com/blog


Worried about SIM swaps? Now, you have options.

This guide dives into additional methods to enhance your phone's security, such as two-factor authentication (2FA).

21 tips for securing your bitcoin
https://blog.keys.casa/21-tips-for-securing-your-bitcoin

Efani ( @efani. @haseeb ), a reputable service provider, employs an 11-layer authentication protocol to safeguard against unauthorized number porting by hackers. It's encouraging to witness various companies prioritizing this concern.


indeed


This hardware wallet is designed for mobile use and operates without requiring any power. Utilizing NFC technology for all functions and featuring a display, it stands out for its simplicity. Its core functionality focuses on displaying and securely signing transactions, embodying the essential purpose of a hardware wallet. While currently in the pre-order phase,

https://twenty-two.xyz


Taproot Swaps - Boltz introduces a groundbreaking feature enabling Lightning to on-chain swaps that are instant through Taproot integration. This innovation includes a MuSig2 Tapscript, facilitating swift coin retrieval in case of swap failure, significantly enhancing user experience by offering more user-friendly failure modes. Moreover, the added capability to swap into Liquid instead of Bitcoin presents a cost-saving opportunity for users, further expanding the utility and flexibility of the platform.

Introducing Taproot Swaps: Putting the "Fun" Back into Refunds!
https://blog.boltz.exchange/p/introducing-taproot-swaps-putting


Popular video doorbells can be easily hijacked, researchers find
https://techcrunch.com/2024/02/29/popular-video-doorbells-eken-tuck-hijacked-researchers/


Linux market share passes 4% for first time; macOS dominance declines
Report: Linux was on 6.34 percent of computers last month if you count ChromeOS.
https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2024/03/linux-continues-growing-market-share-reaches-4-of-desktops/


1) Update your
@signalapp
 to the new 7.0 version.
2) Tap your profile at the top, then set a username.
3) Go to "Privacy" => "Phone number" and set both options to "Nobody."

Now you can use Signal without disclosing your phone number! 🎉


GM #plebchain, stay humble, stack bits/sats, and think for yourself.


“Whether you're a rekt crypto bro or a friend of fiat, there is one thing that is especially difficult to accept. The one thing that sets Bitcoin apart: it all works without anyone in charge.” --Gigi

The global community involved in cryptocurrencies and traditional currencies is probably surprised as Bitcoin, once more, has not ceased to exist. It continues to surge towards record highs, despite being viewed as an unsupported speculative bubble resembling the historical tulip mania by conventional fiat and cryptocurrency enthusiasts.

Here is this great read:
“Dear Crypto & Fiat Bros”
An open letter to the confused and dismissive.
https://dergigi.com/2022/11/19/dear-crypto-fiat-bros/


Focus and zoom out
https://m.primal.net/HhuX.png


Wallets Directory
https://stacker.news/items/448888


"It might feel as if the promised future is perpetually out of reach, but building Lightning is a lot like climbing a mountain. Climbers never really see the summit until they’re standing on top of it. They often can’t even see over the next ridge. Planning the ascent is important, but most of the time you’re simply concentrating on the next foothold. But the steps add up. Just like the view from the top is the reward for all that effort, a brighter monetary future will be our reward for building the network bit by bit." --Roy Sheinfeld

A concise exploration of a technical challenge that also reveals an underlying truth, providing a compelling narrative. It's easy to become disillusioned by Bitcoin's unmet lofty expectations, but it's essential to maintain a clear view of our origins. We must measure our progress based on our actual starting point, rather than against an idealized past or unrealistic hopes. Let's examine an insightful piece by Roy Sheinfeld, the CEO of Breez

The Past, Present, and Future of Offline Payments
https://medium.com/breez-technology/the-past-present-and-future-of-offline-payments-1ddb46054e11


Inflation In A Hyperbitcoinized World
https://allenfarrington.medium.com/inflation-in-a-hyperbitcoinized-world-a51500a473e6

In a hyperbitcoinized world, inflation can still occur despite the limited supply of 21 million BTC. This challenges traditional economic models and raises questions about the nature of inflation.

To explore this concept further, you can listen to Allen Farrington's 2021 analysis on the subject.

“Izzy said there could be inflation in a hyperbitcoinized world. And she's right. Calm down, maxis, calm down!

Explaining why this is true sheds light on yet another of Bitcoin’s quasi-magical properties and paints our hyperbitcoinized future an even rosier shade of orange. This is good for Bitcoin.” --Allen Farrington


Gossip is a desktop client for NOSTR
https://github.com/mikedilger/gossip


Custodial wallets have your information


Coinjoins are super important for privacy.


Elon should deploy @Starlink satellites running #bitcoin / #BitcoinLayer2 node to the moon using @SpaceX, so we can have constant communication and value transfer capabilities even on the dark side of the moon.


Fiat inflation not only acts as a concealed tax on the general population but also serves as the catalyst for the most negative aspects of our system, fueling both the war machine abroad and the growth of a surveillance state at home.

It promotes a culture that rewards reckless and detrimental decisions, while penalizing those who live prudently and prepare for the future. It is a force that robs us of our wealth, our principles, and our resilience.

Great book to read

“The foregoing considerations are by no means an exhaustive account of the cultural and spiritual legacy of fiat inflation. But they should suffice to substantiate the main point: that fiat inflation is a powerhouse of social, economic, cultural, and spiritual destruction.” --Guido Jorg

How Inflation Destroys Civilization
by Hulsmann, Guido Jorg
Inflation doesn’t only make us poorer. It harms our culture, mental well-being, and the moral foundations of civilization itself.
https://store.mises.org/How-Inflation-Destroys-Civilization-P11279.aspx


Mobile Bitcoin Wallets Directory
https://stacker.news/items/434627


ok


India's IT ministry looks to block Proton Mail on request of Tamil Nadu police
https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/it-ministry-looks-to-block-proton-mail-on-request-of-tamil-nadu-police-101707938167006.html


Test


This tiny, tamper-proof ID tag can authenticate almost anything
MIT engineers developed a tag that can reveal with near-perfect accuracy whether an item is real or fake. The key is in the glue on the back of the tag.
https://news.mit.edu/2024/tiny-tamper-proof-id-tag-can-authenticate-almost-anything-0218

This new tag  ID tech shared a major security vulnerability with traditional RFIDs: A counterfeiter could peel the tag off a genuine item and reattach it to a fake, and the authentication system would be none the wiser.

To solve this the researchers have developed an antitampering ID tag that still offers the benefits of being tiny, cheap, and secure by mixing microscopic metal particles into the glue that sticks the tag to an object, and then use new ID tech to detect the unique pattern those particles form on the item’s surface. Akin to a fingerprint.


The future of encrypted email!

The Death of Decentralized Email
A historical review of the multi-decade centralization and capture of the email protocol.
https://blog.lopp.net/death-of-decentralized-email/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=hs_email

Every day, law-abiding citizens leverage encrypted email to safeguard their privacy. This widespread adoption strengthens the concept of decentralized email, a crucial defense against the concerning trend of email centralization, as Jameson highlights in his blog post.

If we all encrypt we cannot be targeted.


npub.cash – everyone with a Nostr public key (npub) now has a Lightning address!
https://npub.cash


How to Set Up and Use the Start9 Embassy Personal Server
The Start9 Embassy is a personal server that allows individuals to reclaim privacy, data, and monetary sovereignty by running their own Bitcoin software stack. This guide will walk you through setting up, building, and using the Start9 Embassy from start to finish.
https://tftc.io/start9-embassy-guide/


What an unreal night, we missed y'all 😉
https://video.nostr.build/6d37c5ad76597843e60ca5d6b936c5fb935b6ddaa89c2879a4480e3fffab3a8d.mp4#m=video%2Fmp4&dim=544x960&blurhash=%5D9IMpF%2Bc0fEd00Ec55Ne%7D%5D%7D%5B00Rj%25MW9x%5E%3FI%253xZIn56AZbvWAoho%23IoxuxZInt80ebbwcR%2C-psDjFNGNHS%23Abbut7xGeT&x=f2b32eefb84800965369518a464f7cc3a7d759fdf123b6a91aea8c5ed1ee049a


Microsoft BitLocker Bypasses are Practical

The article “Microsoft BitLocker Bypasses are Practical” discusses the practicality of bypassing Microsoft's default BitLocker implementation. The authors attended a security training that provided them with the skills and knowledge to bypass a default BitLocker configuration on a T470 ThinkPad, which can be applied to most modern business machines. The article emphasizes the potential risks and consequences associated with this attack technique, targeting businesses and individuals looking to safeguard sensitive data on their Windows devices. It also highlights the importance of understanding the limitations and operational considerations of BitLocker, as well as the potential solutions and challenges associated with bypassing or recovering the BitLocker key. The article provides technical insights, practical scenarios, and potential solutions for bypassing BitLocker, while also cautioning against the risks and ethical considerations involved in using third-party tools or bypass options without the recovery key.

For more details, you can access the full article through the following link:
https://blog.compass-security.com/2024/02/microsoft-bitlocker-bypasses-are-practical/

Another reason to minimize your attack surface specially when trusting black boxes like Microsoft.


Who owns Bitcoin as of todayhttps://m.primal.net/HdAe.png


European Court of Human Rights declares backdoored encryption is illegal
Surprising third-act twist as Russian case means more freedom for all
https://www.theregister.com/2024/02/15/echr_backdoor_encryption/


“NWC is useful for far more than simply integrating Lightning into Nostr applications as well. The entire design philosophy of Nostr itself as a protocol was centered around keeping it simple enough that the entire protocol could be easily implemented correctly by any developer with minimal time and resources. Applications that have nothing to do with Nostr can easily integrate NWC or similar protocols with almost no overhead or complexity to address the underlying issues of how to connect a Bitcoin wallet with their application without having to build it directly into the app.” --Shinobi

Imagine unlocking major advancements in security, decentralization, and the potential of Bitcoin's app ecosystem, not through a new Bitcoin feature, but with something entirely different. What if we leveraged decentralized protocols like Nostr to create a communication and coordination layer for Bitcoin apps? This would allow new applications to seamlessly connect with devices and wallets, bypassing the usual complexity and burden. That's the power of Nostr Wallet Connect.

Here is the article:
NOSTR WALLET CONNECT: A BITCOIN APPLICATION COLLABORATION LAYER
As the complexity of Bitcoin software and applications using Bitcoin grows, the need for a simple coordination mechanism for different applications to interact grows as well.
https://bitcoinmagazine.com/technical/nostr-wallet-connect-a-bitcoin-application-collaboration-layer


Also, same here and not turning back


“For too long, the world has had to endure the fallout of subpar academic research on bitcoin mining’s energy use and environmental impact. The outcome of this bullshit research has been shocking news headlines that have turned some well-meaning people into angry politicians and deranged activists. So that you never have to endure the brutality of one of these sloppy papers, I’ve sacrificed my soul to the bitcoin mining gods and performed a full-scale analysis of a study from the United Nations University, published recently in the American Geophysical Union’s Earth’s Future. Only the bravest and hardest of all bitcoin autists may proceed to the following paragraphs, the rest of you can go back to watching the price chart.” --Margot Paez

Finding a universally accepted approach to regulating Bitcoin and fully understanding its environmental impact might be elusive. However, in the fight against flawed research, insightful and critical pieces like Margot Paez's, which dissect flawed methods, can have valuable contributions.

Here is this great read:

MINING MISINFORMATION: HOW THE UNITED NATIONS UNIVERSITY MISREPRESENTS BITCOIN’S ENERGY USE
Revealing the junk science used by the United Nations University to attack bitcoin mining. The first report from the “FUD Fighters” series.
https://bitcoinmagazine.com/sponsored/mining-misinformation-how-the-united-nations-university-misrepresented-data-to-exaggerate-bitcoins-environmental-footprint


Confrère my friend


33,000 new immersion-cooled #bitcoin mining computers connect online today. This 100 megawatt facility is now the largest electricity user in Sadersville, Georgia.

Why are we not doing this?https://m.primal.net/HcUw.mp4


Felis Karnaval from Curaçaohttps://m.primal.net/HcIn.mp4


Read simple pick an almost secret word that the tribe remembers and use under duress


Easy solution!
#Bitcoin surprise at the Curaçao Karnaval.

Look for @missUniCuracao  Kim Rossen
https://m.primal.net/HcFQ.mp4


Easy solution!

Worried About AI Voice Clone Scams? Create a Family Password
https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2024/01/worried-about-ai-voice-clone-scams-create-family-password


Encryption is a form of free speech and cannot be banned.

Apple says UK could 'secretly veto' global privacy tools
https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-68128177


The main promise of quantum computing is the ability to solve problems far faster than classical computers, but exactly how much faster varies. There are two applications where quantum algorithms appear to provide an exponential speed up, says Troyer. One is factoring large numbers, which could make it possible to break the public key encryption the internet is built on. The other is simulating quantum systems, which could have applications in chemistry and materials science." --Edd Gent

Will quantum computers shatter Bitcoin's foundations? Is the core encryption vulnerable now, in the next decade, or even in our lifetime? Separating hype from reality: What does the current state of quantum computing tell us about its ability to fulfill its promises, and its potential impact on Bitcoin's security?

Quantum Computing’s Hard, Cold Reality Check  Hype is everywhere, skeptics say, and practical applications are still far away https://spectrum.ieee.org/quantum-computing-skeptics


I set my domain as my Bluesky handle @wksit.com  https://bsky.app/profile/wksit.com

This is one a major difference between X and Bluesky which is more decentralized than X and harder to censor and could become a global form of DID


Good article form 2010 great read.

"One of the amazing things about the internet economy is how different the list of top internet properties today looks from the list ten years ago.  It wasn’t as if those former top companies were complacent – most of them acquired and built products like crazy to avoid being displaced.

The reason big new things sneak by incumbents is that the next big thing always starts out being dismissed as a “toy.” --Chris Dixon

Why do so many miss the biggest innovations and most revolutionary technologies sitting right in front of their eyes? Sometimes, like Bitcoin, it is such a drastic change, or solves something so fundamental, that many aren't even aware of the problem.

The next big thing will start out looking like a toy
https://cdixon.org/2010/01/03/the-next-big-thing-will-start-out-looking-like-a-toy


NOSTR WALLET CONNECT: A BITCOIN APPLICATION COLLABORATION LAYER
As the complexity of Bitcoin software and applications using Bitcoin grows, the need for a simple coordination mechanism for different applications to interact grows as well.
https://bitcoinmagazine.com/technical/nostr-wallet-connect-a-bitcoin-application-collaboration-layer


Tor vs the NSA
https://www.covert.io/research-papers/security/Tor%20vs%20NSA.pdf


nostr:npub1tampasjf5z0rllvrh8nlqckrjtzzj9590uljzeuu6ymsr8hq9pjsrw0ynt nostr:npub1h3fzzzeq60acjvnyvw34rpn5clkaueteffmkt3ln4ygekg9lcm0qhw96sj Great meetup today on the C4 CryptoCurrency Security Standard (CCSS) https://cryptoconsortium.org/standards-2/ https://image.nostr.build/3fbe2369f79eb44ded2f1a6b9eab2f1ea0eee04a644381f857d754b13cf405f0.jpg


The Pomp Letter: Is Ethereum Going To Be The AOL of Crypto?
Starting from: 00:02:35

Episode webpage: https://pomp.substack.com/p/is-ethereum-going-to-be-the-aol-of

Media file: https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/141460841/b0be28ff9e826cf937043dd7c376a70f.mp3#t=155


Lightning Channel Service -
BitFinex now offers channel opens using Blocktank’s service.

This partnership makes intuitive sense because exchanges have lots of coin available to lock up, making lightning channel opens a way to get some relatively-riskless yield.

Getting Started With Blocktank’s Lightning Channel Service on Bitfinex
https://blog.bitfinex.com/bitfinex-lightning/getting-started-with-blocktanks-lightning-channel-service-on-bitfinex/


Banco
This is a protocol on top of Liquid to do non-interactive atomic swaps.

A decentralized exchange that uses this protocol, allowing any liquidity provider to fulfill the offer.

Non-interactive swapping paves the way for KYC-less trades.

Banco: Non-Interactive Swaps
https://vulpem.medium.com/banco-non-interactive-swaps-00d042791e06


The Seven Characteristics of Money
Characteristics that a good currency must be and call itself sound money.

1. Acceptable (Lightning-Liquid)
2. Divisible (divisible by 8 decimal points, It must be divisible. Money should be relatively easy to separate and recombine without affecting its fundamental characteristics. An extension of this idea is that the item should be 'fungible')
3. Durable (15 years uptime, It must be durable. Money must stand the test of time and the elements. It must not fade, corrode, or change through time)
4. Limited Supply (Finite scarcity only 21 Million)
5. Portable (It must be portable. Money hold a high amount of 'worth' relative to its weight and size)
6. Uniform (Fungible, Being of such nature or kind as to be freely exchangeable or replaceable, in whole or in part, for another of like nature or kind)
7. Stable

Finally, it must have intrinsic value. This value of money should be independent of any other object and contained in the money itself.


"One night during my visit to Bondo, Carl asked me to pause as the sunset was fading, to look at the hills around us: the lights were all turning on, all across the foothills of Mt. Mulanje. It was a powerful sight to see, and staggering to think that Bitcoin is helping to make it happen as it converts wasted energy into human progress." --Alex Gladstein

A great read by Alex Gladstein on how Bitcoin is freeing both the persecuted people and the wasted energy on the African continent.

Today in production

STRANDED: HOW BITCOIN IS SAVING WASTED ENERGY AND EXPANDING FINANCIAL FREEDOM IN AFRICA
Alex Gladstein of the Human Rights Foundation reports on how Bitcoin is monetizing stranded energy, financing electrical infrastructure, and empowering millions.
https://bitcoinmagazine.com/check-your-financial-privilege/stranded-bitcoin-saving-wasted-energy-in-africa


GM #plebchain, stay humble, stack bits/sats, and think for yourself.


Microsoft Teams phishing pushes DarkGate malware via group chats
https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/microsoft-teams-phishing-pushes-darkgate-malware-via-group-chats/

Still using MS products?🤔


Based on Chaumian ecash system

No comparisons for being a progressive web app

Mutiny is

Other risks for using progressive web apps


Arctic Fortress Protocol
https://arcticfortress.com/index.html

https://m.primal.net/HZrF.png


Before #Bitcoin Gold had the most scarcity and it was weak as store of value and medium of exchange because it was not saleable over space.

Bitcoin is saleable over space, this is the game changer.

All features of sound money are equally important and #Bitcoin  is getting there.


I walk 5K and jog 1K while listening to Stoic philosophy, podcasts about Bitcoin innovations developments and cyber-security, religiously every morning.
Rain or shine here or there.😉


Phishing emails circulating after Trezor support portal breach

Trezor support site breach exposes personal data of 66,000 customers
https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/trezor-support-site-breach-exposes-personal-data-of-66-000-customers/

Most scams have these two signs. You'll receive some sort of offer or request regarding assets, and there will be some sense of urgency. Don't trust an email and never type a seed phrase into an internet-connected computer.


SEC disabled 2FA on X months before unauthorized ETF post

The SEC has since published a post-mortem in which it admitted agency staff disabled multi-factor authentication in July after encountering trouble accessing the account. A bad actor also obtained control over a phone number linked to the account, an attack known as SIM swapping.
https://www.sec.gov/secgov-x-account

Complacency is a threat to security. It's all too common for someone to disable a necessary control and forget to re-enable it later. Wired has a good guide on how to enable 2FA on X if you haven't before.

How to Stop Your X Account From Getting Hacked Like the SEC’s
The US Securities and Exchange Commission and security firm Mandiant both had their X accounts breached, possibly due to changes to X’s two-factor authentication settings. Here’s how to fix yours.
https://www.wired.com/story/sec-mandiant-x-two-factor-settings/


"Bitcoin enables perhaps the most powerful mode of _ownership_ ever devised; it would be akin to gold inside a safe that can’t be penetrated with all the energy the universe, and with a password that you know but which could not be guessed over the entire lifetime of the universe." --Allen Farrington

Farrington breaks down a few of the reasons why in this excellent, short letter to those considering a purchase of the newly approved bitcoin ETFs.

An Open Letter to Prospective Buyers of a Bitcoin ETF
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/open-letter-prospective-buyers-bitcoin-etf-allen-farrington-mvore/


enjoy

https://open.spotify.com/track/3pxCXv0NACYfYnLjFcQW5D?si=AgJfQyVbSHyvGjm34BrKKQ


This is an amazing read from the past it reminds me of the time I was down the cyber-security rabbit hole in the 1990s with Netscape, Napster and BitTorrent.

"Retrospectively, a lot of ex-DigiCash employees understand why Chaum was so paranoid.  As a cryptographer you have to assume the whole world is trying to rip you off.  A certain amount of paranoia is part of the job. Chaum had also worked for intelligence agencies, and that didn't fortify his faith in the good intentions of humankind. His vision of the privacy of the individual was almost an obsession.  In 1996 he said, in the relations magazine of Honeywell-Bull: "The difference between a bad electronic cash system and well-developed digital cash will determine whether we will have a dictatorship or a real democracy." --  NEXT Magazine, 1999

NEXT, January 1999
https://cryptome.org/jya/digicrash.htm


📈 Total bitcoin held by each ETF (excluding GBTC)
https://video.nostr.build/a5486b82fa62f82180c67ec12162421dc81aeecb2545a6e1efedf88b74473658.mp4#m=video%2Fmp4&dim=754x720&blurhash=%7C9SF-A4TxcpI%3Fv.8yC%25MsU00i%5D%3Fdtk%25gxvbaofjGOR-%3B%253IUIAD%25MxRjRk.RyER5R6Vse%2C%252xuo%7CyGNEIUnOnioJxakCX5-XR%3AM%5D%253t8W-jJM%7BWUvWVZXMtlbuXRW%3DRPspvVm.b%5DOSNZXOX4R*spMdxcxuS1jYt6tQkCj%5D&x=dda85140295134f69130967cae2eb9afd2894b6a3667f7366c394de4700a5234


GM #plebchain, stay humble, stack bits/sats, and think for yourself.

https://bitcoinwiki.nl/wiki/Hoofdpagina


No amount of selling is going to be able to keep up with #Bitcoin demand from plebs, corps, nation-states, and ETFs. That is the reality people must accept. Some are bearish now and seeking out bearish things irrationally. Be rational. Leave the emotions out and do the math


We're 2 weeks away from our big day!!
nostr:nevent1qqsfh43lq4tahactvyczmcmnyqgzjkr36mf3a4audewphw5qqg58nngpzpmhxue69uhkummnw3ezuamfdejsygrsn0ftazxp7qstxmgtzs20myh8xphghytp90hsk037yqscn4sguqpsgqqqqqqsehr850


Elizabeth Warren's Latest Attempt to BAN Bitcoin | EP 909

https://youtube.com/live/KsI62kV3sOA?feature=share


Jeffery Epstien's banker is worried our pet rock that was up 160% last year against his fiat system can be used for bad things

thanks for your opinion bro, don't give a fuck 👍 https://v.nostr.build/464W.mp4


great app


Android time! 🚀

We just released Primal for Android build 0.90.1, featuring a built-in lightning wallet. Android users can now enjoy the integrated Nostr experience; where zaps, wallet transactions and Nostr content blend seamlessly within the same app. Try it out and let us know your thoughts!

Features:
- Primal Wallet
- NWC support for external wallets
- New zap settings

Fixes:
- Improved feed performance
- Images uploaded through Amethyst
- Posting a new note with attachments only
- Improved trending hashtag rendering
- Stability improvements

https://m.primal.net/HYub.png

https://primal.net/downloads


indeed

nostr:note179kky45lfxhz90cxltp0jtqm75nsd2af02wh9jmz46drmskywghshts74g


indeed


No one is safe from road pirates!
https://image.nostr.build/ff2c511f1bfb4921e45041cabe4e8511e0a10b94337f2b412784edea4aad602a.jpg#m=image%2Fjpeg&dim=880x675&blurhash=%23mF%3FhQ-nfkWXWBoJt7ofjs%25%25skjtoeoLoeogj%5Df5x%5EoIj%5Bofofoff6f7f6aet8kCWVaff7WBWBj%5Bxut8oJe.ayWBWBWBj%5BRiayayWVWDWBWBayj%5BofWBbGkBj%5BjYayfkj%5B&x=13aa1e642e615c357b676831f6cde97bd10dde06611cbc7be13c0d307ac40c8c


"Part of the problem of Lightning’s shortcoming regarding scalability of Bitcoin ownership is that in order to open a channel, or control a UTXO, you actually have to transact on the base layer. After that Lightning can facilitate a very large number of transactions off-chain but a user must still transact on-chain to onboard themselves to Lightning, It massively increases the number of transactions Bitcoin can process but it does nothing at all to increase the number of people who can own bitcoin."

~ Shinobi

With scaling a hot issue again, and CTV coming back from the dead with concrete proposals, and covenants on the table, its time to dive back in and make sense of the options, and the concept of scaling not just bitcoin payments, as lightning has done, but Bitcoin ownership. From UTXOs to virtual UTXOs, could this primitive be the next major step in bringing Bitcoin sovereignty to the whole world?

HOW CTV CAN HELP SCALE BITCOIN
Lightning has offered a path to massively improve the scalability of transactions conducted using Bitcoin, but has offered no meaningful path to scaling the ownership of coins on the network. CTV opens the door to addressing that missing piece of the scaling puzzle.
https://bitcoinmagazine.com/technical/how-ctv-can-help-scale-bitcoin


What is ‘UTXO consolidation’ and how can it help me reduce transaction fees?
If you receive a lot of transactions, you can save fees by consolidating your UTXOs.
https://bitbox.swiss/blog/what-is-utxo-consolidation/


Fidelity National Financial says hackers stole data on 1.3 million customers
https://techcrunch.com/2024/01/09/fidelity-national-financial-data-breach/

These are your custodians


4-year campaign backdoored iPhones using possibly the most advanced exploit ever
"Triangulation" infected dozens of iPhones belonging to employees of Moscow-based Kaspersky.
https://arstechnica.com/security/2023/12/exploit-used-in-mass-iphone-infection-campaign-targeted-secret-hardware-feature/


For those that don't know, Chaumian eCash
https://stacker.news/items/391528


Brokerages stop customers from buying spot bitcoin ETFs

Bitcoin ETFs Notch $1.9B in Trading Volume—But Merrill Lynch, Vanguard Won’t List
The newly approved Bitcoin ETFs reached $1.9 billion worth of volume by midday, with BlackRock and Fidelity leading the pack.
https://decrypt.co/212523/bitcoin-etfs-notch-1-9b-in-trading-volume-merrill-lynch-vanguard-wont-list

Bitcoin is described as a system that “would allow online payments to be sent directly from one party to another without going through a financial institution.”

These events provide a moving example of the game theory behind bitcoin. As the saying goes, capital flows to where it is treated best.


yup


“Channel liquidity and offline receives, in my opinion, are the two most obvious reasons why self-custodial lightning is not popular.

When most users hear about any of these, they just think “screw that” and move to a custodial wallet because it is so much easier. If these were our only two problems, I think self-custodial lightning would be fine.

It may never be the predominant way people use lightning, but we could get the UX good enough that we have a significant portion of people using lightning in a sovereign way. However, there are more problems under the surface.”~ BenTheCarmen

Rethinking Lightning
https://habla.news/a/naddr1qqrrxdeexger2q3qu8lnhlw5usp3t9vmpz60ejpyt649z33hu82wc2hpv6m5xdqmuxhsxpqqqp65w73757p

Remember a work in progress


The Sound Money Soirée presented by ₿itcoin Bay
Come take a break in the vacation spot for bitcoiners Feb 3rd and 4th!
It's going to be an unforgettable weekend with
@BeefFlorida
https://x.com/bitcoinbaytpa/status/1745478148836278584?s=20

I will be one of the presenters and part of a panel


The Bitcoin ETF is the spiritual reversal of Executive Order 6102
Back in 1935, they seized the gold. But now, digital gold is back.
https://balajis.com/p/the-bitcoin-etf-is-the-spiritual


The Rise of Custodial and Non-custodial Wallet Apps
https://open.substack.com/pub/privkey/p/the-rise-of-custodial-and-non-custodial


British troops banned from WhatsApp amid Russian airstrike hacking fears in Ukraine
All British Army personnel, including senior officers, will now face disciplinary action if they're caught using WhatsApp over fears that Russia is using phone data to choose airstrike targets.
https://www.dailystar.co.uk/tech/news/british-troops-banned-whatsapp-amid-26518611

If possible never use your mobile phone number as your WhatsApp number specially if you are military and can become a target.

You would think the UK military would have known this risk.  Just shows how incompetent military, governments, and institutions around the world are.


Google turns off some cookies for 30 million Chrome winners

Google Just Disabled Cookies for 30 Million Chrome Users. Here’s How to Tell If You’re One of Them.
It’s the beginning of the end in Google’s plan to kill cookies forever.
https://gizmodo.com/google-just-disabled-cookies-for-30-million-chrome-user-1851137998

If the new Chrome feature is unavailable for you, and you're interested in blocking cookies, Mozilla Firefox can be a good, simple option. Two helpful extensions include uBlock Origin and Privacy Badger.


Debtors float potential bitcoin price of $16,871 for FTX bankruptcy claims

FTX debtors propose $16,871 Bitcoin price for creditor claims
Many online objected to the proposed pricing, based on the U.S. dollar value of cryptocurrencies when FTX filed for bankruptcy in November 2022.
https://cointelegraph.com/news/ftx-debtors-bitcoin-claims-bankruptcy

The progression of this case goes to show that when exchanges encounter trouble, it's often at the worst possible time.

The best way to avoid losing assets on an exchange is to get in and get out as soon as possible.


"The computers used to create valuable new Bitcoin tokens and validate transactions consume around the same amount of energy as a medium-sized country such as Sweden would generate. Hence the stinging critique of how this cryptocurrency wastes the planet’s precious resources." — Ian Birrell

Is it true that Bitcoin only wastes energy and is the sole purview of financial gambling and speculation in the western world, or are there boots on the ground showing the real results of the "pioneer species" thesis we've recently covered?

What if Bitcoin is bringing both financial independence, and electricity, those those with no other viable options?

This is a great article explaining this.

The African village mining Bitcoin
The cryptocurrency can be a liberating force
https://unherd.com/2024/01/the-african-village-mining-bitcoin/


If you are worried of fees you can always submit the Bitcoin transaction with low fees

It will just get into the chain days or weeks later.

I have done this several times and it works fine. You can always use RBF (Replace-by-Fee) to give the transaction a push.

Like giving a tip to the guard at the door to let you in the bank ;-)


“Bitcoin appears to be a decentralized Ponzi scheme not a decentralized currency. People don't spend it because they want it to go up. The dollar works because of inflation. It keeps velocity up like hot potato. If you want to store value silver gold and land. Because it's beautiful useful and valuable.

Bitcoin is a Ponzi scheme without an individual attached to it to go to prison. So the media can control swings for profit. That's my opinion about bitcoin. The purpose isn't currency the purpose is to make dollars. The dollars "weakness" is actually why it won't be replaced. Velocity.”— Owen Benjamin

Great article from Robert P Murphy that challenges the notion that a currency must be “weak,” in order for it to work as money. And while in some sense bitcoin is not yet money when it comes to widespread acceptance, is it possible, that it one day could be.

CAN AN APPRECIATING BITCOIN BE A GOOD MONEY?
https://www.infineo.ai/articles/can-an-appreciating-bitcoin-be-a-good-money


Face unlocking feature is less secure than patters, PINs, security physical keys,  and passwords.  Keep this in mind.


5 Ways To Prepare for the Online Privacy Crackdown
With legislation around the world seeking to gut encryption and online anonymity, Ramiro Romani offers an overview of what’s coming and several solutions for divesting from Big Tech products and protecting your online privacy.
https://unlimitedhangout.com/2023/11/investigative-reports/5-ways-to-prepare-for-the-online-privacy-crackdown/


Question nostr:npub1qny3tkh0acurzla8x3zy4nhrjz5zd8l9sy9jys09umwng00manysew95gx why all caps?


Happy #Bitcoin 15th Genesis Day! 🎂🥳🥳 Birthday
https://image.nostr.build/7435a26add5c07b8f9aa586f9c8dbffced8422031bfe266c7e077e19820a0ec9.jpg#m=image%2Fjpeg&dim=1562x1016&blurhash=r28qNh-%3A00t7RjofIU-%3BD%25%25Mof4nj%5BM%7BWBM%7BM%7BxuxuRjD%25WBM%7BoMIUWBxu%7EWRjM%7BWCIUj%5BIUazof%25MofWBj%5BIUazM%7BWBxu_3ayxuofIUayRjayt7&x=6a8aa44ef583109504357274c1e65ef20d8b0c9278d574cf716be2cdea32bbfe


May your blockchain be strong and secure, your hodl be steady, and your store of value be plentiful in the new year! Happy New Year, cryptocurrency nomads!

Bitcoin—Benefits for Business Owners Merchants
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=icMIuesvYbs


“Discord, the once niche platform for gamers, has risen to prominence as a multifaceted communication hub. While its strengths in community building and real-time interaction are undeniable, a shadow of concern looms when considering its approach to user privacy. Despite Discord's efforts to balance functionality with privacy, several challenges remain, leaving users grappling with the true cost of convenience.

While Discord offers undeniable value for certain communities, its inherent informality, shifting demographics, security limitations, lack of business-centric features, and rampant identity theft make it risky for enterprises and businesses seeking to build and engage professional online communities.”

Gaming the System: How Discord's Sinister Sino-Controlled Algorithmic Symphony Plays a Discordant Tune
https://polynom.app/blog/review-of-discord-malware-and-sinister-algorithms


"This makes Bitcoin miners uniquely symbiotic with energy grids serving as “demand response” partners. If energy is ever in short supply, people get priority over Bitcoin miners. However whenever there is excess energy, it gets monetized. This symbiotic relationship leads to more energy abundance generally." -- Brandon Quittem

Bitcoin is a Pioneer Species
Exploring Bitcoin Mining Through the Lens of Ecology
https://medium.com/the-bitcoin-times/bitcoin-is-a-pioneer-species-38f42ecdbb88


This iMessage exploit is crazy. TrueType vulnerability that has existed since the 90s, 2 kernel exploits, a browser exploit, and an undocumented hardware feature that was not used in shipped software:
Operation Triangulation: The last (hardware) mystery
https://securelist.com/operation-triangulation-the-last-hardware-mystery/111669/

The malware it dropped looks like it has existed for 10 years, collects everything, and uses Apple's client-side image recognition.


"We’re less than a year from another halving, awaiting systemic implications from federal regulation and institutional adoption, standing at the precipice of an American primary election into which Bitcoin has irrevocably inserted itself."

There is no civil war when the barbarians are at the door.

THE DIFFICULT ADJUSTMENT
A call to arms for innovation, cooperation and a change in Bitcoin’s discourse to create the means for Bitcoin to fulfill its potential. From “The Primary Issue”.
https://bitcoinmagazine.com/culture/the-difficult-adjustment


“There is a Remnant there that you know nothing about. They are obscure, unorganized, inarticulate, each one rubbing along as best he can. They need to be encouraged and braced up because when everything has gone completely to the dogs, they are the ones who will come back and build up a new society; and meanwhile, your preaching will reassure them and keep them hanging on. Your job is to take care of the Remnant, so be off now and set about it.”

What is a remnant?
The Remnant are those who by force of intellect are able to apprehend these *principles, and by force of character are able, at least measurably, to cleave to them. The masses are those who are unable to do either.
*The line of differentiation between the masses and the Remnant is set invariably by quality, not by circumstance.

Isaiah's Job
https://mises.org/library/isaiahs-job


GM #plebchain, stay humble, stack bits/sats, and think for yourself.


BTC Curaçao 2023 Yearend Review

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KDzusND_CJw


Xfinity suffers data breach, 35 million people affected

"Xfinity discloses data breach affecting over 35 million people"
https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/xfinity-discloses-data-breach-affecting-over-35-million-people/

How do everyday breaches affect your exchange accounts? Exposed data can be used to triangulate accounts on other sites. This can be especially problematic if you use the same password across multiple sites. Create unique passwords for each online account, and using a password manager can help.


Giving someone bitcoin for the holidays? Make sure it's a spendable amount.

Economically Unspendable Bitcoin UTXOs
UTXO management guidance for avoiding footguns (*A “footgun” is a feature designed in such a way as to be extremely likely to cause problems. It's a great word because it puts blame on the design, not on users.) that can cause issues during times of high transaction fees.
https://blog.lopp.net/economically-unspendable-bitcoin-utxos/

Market conditions fluctuate. Eventually, people willing to overpay transactions run out of sats. If you plan on giving BTC over the holidays, it's best to give at least 0.01 BTC (Current market price ($437.29) for viable spending in the future.


Gm


You want stable coins?

Then

no sign-up crypto exchange
Shift between BTC, ETH, BCH, XAI and 100+ other cryptocurrencies. The best exchange rates, no account required.

https://sideshift.ai


Shamir’s Secret Sharing is an underutilized technique for Bitcoiners and this is a great explanation of how it works.

How to Share a Secret (Shamir Secret Sharing)
https://www.vicyyn.com/blog/shamir-secret-sharing


Do Not Use Cloud Messaging!
For security and privacy reasons https://open.substack.com/pub/privkey/p/do-not-use-cloud-messaging


Discord adds Security Key support for all users to enhance security https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/discord-adds-security-key-support-for-all-users-to-enhance-security/https://void.cat/d/QQaS8AbMmsvHP73ScEsnku.webp


This is the only chart I focus on


The Censorship Industrial Complex, the CTIL Files
Audio
https://fountain.fm/episode/CG0oVdoJQdCGtLNgxSqZ
Link
https://x.com/shellenberger/status/1729537450752811097?s=20


BORDER WALLETS
Introducing a new way to quickly and reliably memorize Bitcoin seed phrases.
https://www.borderwallets.com


A Comprehensive Guide to Install and Configure WireGuard VPN on a Client using LNVPN
https://stacker.news/items/353829


This document provides a critical examination of the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network’s (FinCEN) recent proposal 2023-016, pinpointing potential infringements on individual rights and freedoms. The analysis delves deep into the implications of the proposal on freedom of expression, anonymity, privacy, and association, drawing from a wealth of legal precedents to underscore the gravity of these concerns.

"I’ve done an overall analysis of the proposal by addressing seven different sections of where FinCEN is attempting to infringe on your rights. From violating the sanctity of your personal information and restricting your financial autonomy, to stifling your freedom of speech and association, I’ll unpack each area. This is about shining a light on the fine print, connecting the dots, and equipping you with the knowledge you need to stand up against these intrusive measures. It’s time to draw a line in the sand and protect the liberties that define us." -- Preston Pysh

How FinCEN May Be Violating Your Rights
Written By Preston Pysh

A call to action against FINCEN proposal 2023-0016A
https://egodeath.capital/blog/fincen-may-be-violating-your-rights-bitcoin

This is a good read for all regulators


What Web3 and Ethereum Cryptocurrency “Expert” Fail to Understand
How Bitcoin UTXOs work. UTXOs are not account based and Conjoins is essential in providing privacy and an equivalent version of physical cash.
https://open.substack.com/pub/privkey/p/what-web3-and-ethereum-cryptocurrency


User claims hack behind record 83 BTC transaction fee

The same account also produced a cryptographic signature to prove they had the key behind the transaction. This indicates whoever is behind the user account had the key in question, but it's possible a bad actor had access as well.

Bitcoin user claims to be victim of hack which led to record $3 million transaction fee
 https://www.theblock.co/post/264744/bitcoin-hack-victim-record-3-million-transaction-fee

Instances such as this are why it's important to generate fresh keys and ensure devices have not been tampered with.


Will someone win the bitcoin ETF sweepstakes?

Lucky 13? Where spot bitcoin ETF proposals stand ahead of judgment day
The SEC is mulling over 13 bitcoin ETF proposals that are continuously being updated ahead of expected rulings next month
https://blockworks.co/news/spot-btc-etf-applicants-status-update

Will there be reason to hold bitcoin yourself if an ETF exists? Yes, self-custody will continue to be the ideal way to secure bitcoin without reliance on trusted third parties.


Do you have backup of your Google files?

Google Drive users angry over losing months of stored data
https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/google/google-drive-users-angry-over-losing-months-of-stored-data/


How is your password practice?

Largest Study of its Kind Shows Outdated Password Practices are Widespread
https://www.cc.gatech.edu/news/largest-study-its-kind-shows-outdated-password-practices-are-widespread


LIGHTNING IS DOOMED
A reality check on the limitations of Lightning Network, and what that means in terms of its long term viability. No, it's not doomed, but it probably won't be used the way you expected it to be.
https://bitcoinmagazine.com/technical/lightning-is-doomed


Indeed, a great marketing video https://x.com/JoeNakamoto/status/1730670541005013418?s=20


Smart Contracts are hardware.

Ethereum Web3 community needs to understand this.
https://twitter.com/alexroan/status/1730019741790564598?t=KVUReQRx9bwLrgVko7_cdg&s=19


⚡LETS GO ⚡

Paid for my Taxi Ride with #Bitcoin in Curacao 🇨🇼

This is all @BtcCuracao work!

What all can I do with #btc here ? 👀
https://twitter.com/RunwithBitcoin/status/1730332980088832499?t=MoYReu2bnDrhUY0C0DcnBw&s=19


Secretive White House Surveillance Program Gives Cops Access to Trillions of US Phone Records
A WIRED analysis of leaked police documents verifies that a secretive government program is allowing federal, state, and local law enforcement to access phone records of Americans who are not suspected of a crime.
https://www.wired.com/story/hemisphere-das-white-house-surveillance-trillions-us-call-records/

"This is a long-running dragnet surveillance program in which the White House pays AT&T to provide all federal, state, local, and Tribal law enforcement agencies the ability to request often-warrantless searches of trillions of domestic phone records." -- Ron Wyden United States Senator


The Great Taking - Documentary https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dk3AVceraTI


GM #plebchain, stay humble, stack bits/sats, and think for yourself.


EVERYONE NEEDS AN UNCLE JIM
Whatever happened to Uncle Jim? Does he not care about lending a helping hand anymore?

Who do you trust more with your money: a giant faceless corporation subject to any arbitrary regulation with no feasible ability to dodge around it, or someone you have known personally for years such as a close friend or family member? Personally, I trust the giant faceless corporation more (just kidding).

https://bitcoinmagazine.com/culture/everyone-needs-an-uncle-jim

Uncle Jim will step in and fill that hole.


DURABIT: INCENTIVIZING TORRENT SEEDING WITH BITCOIN
A recent anonymous proposal specifies a system using timelocked Bitcoin transactions and chaumian ecash mints to create an economic incentive for BitTorrent users to seed files.
https://bitcoinmagazine.com/technical/durabit-incentivizing-torrent-seeding-with-bitcoin


Bitcoin Is Digital Scarcity
"The difference between the Linden Dollar, World of Warcraft Gold, Fortnite V-Bucks, the Euro, and the U.S. dollar is in scale, not in nature. While V-Bucks are created and controlled by Epic Games (the company that created Fortnite), the U.S. dollar is created and controlled by the Fed. One impacts millions of people, the other billions. The mechanism that keeps these monies in check—the rules of the game, if you will—is the same in both cases: central decree."

https://dergigi.com/2022/10/02/bitcoin-is-digital-scarcity/


Worried about PRIVACY? Choose a SECURE email service.

Best Secure Email Services For Privacy Concerned People
Explore some of the best privacy-friendly email services to take control of your data and fight away from big tech.

https://itsfoss.com/secure-private-email-services/


The new president-elect of Argentina is serious. Just issued a statement confirming he’s shutting down their Central Bank, and it is not a negotiable matter.
https://x.com/OPEArg/status/1728046003876495731?s=20

nostr:nevent1qqster8rlwylfm4mc9gf9sr755q2r5eaf3ugcqhzfyyea83ue67rt6cpr3mhxue69uhkummnw3ezucnfw33k76twv4ezuum0vd5kzmqzyz79yggtyrflhzfjv336x5vxwnr7mhn90998wew87w53rxeqhlrduqcyqqqqgfc2rzq42


The new president-elect of Argentina is serious. Just issued a statement confirming he’s shutting down their Central Bank, and it is not a negotiable matter.
https://x.com/OPEArg/status/1728046003876495731?s=20


Great morning read ☕

The recurring cycle of economic booms followed by inevitable busts has remained a puzzle for generations of observers. While mainstream Keynesian and monetarist theories propose monetary interventions to smooth these fluctuations, the Austrian School offers a compelling and alternative perspective. -- Michael Matulef

The Inevitable Bust: Why Economic Booms Contain the Seeds of Their Own Destruction
https://mises.org/wire/inevitable-bust-why-economic-booms-contain-seeds-their-own-destruction


My friend forgot his CC, and it was his turn to buy a round of drinks.

So he then continued to orange pill the owner to accept #bitcoin #LightningNetwork

Friends restaurant, Curaçao.
https://x.com/BtcCuracao/status/1726592019576045836?s=20


Sixty years ago, to get to the Moon, NASA built the most powerful rocket in the history of space exploration — Saturn V.

Starship Vs Saturn V
https://orbitaltoday.com/2022/09/05/starship-vs-saturn-v-choosing-a-winner/
https://void.cat/d/U6zrJJT65cugwmaJ6gUCZX.webp
https://void.cat/d/BZ8tBX5ygBTBV3oJkQWi7C.webp


Justin Sun-Owned Exchange Poloniex Hacked for At Least $126 Million
Poloniex owner Justin Sun stated that the exchange is collaborating with other crypto exchanges in a bid to recover the apporpriated
https://decrypt.co/205465/justin-sun-owned-crypto-exchange-poloniex-hacked-60m

 When bull markets come, hackers come too. Criminals are less inclined to take on the risk of stealing an asset when its value is perceived to be going down. If you were putting off taking self-custody during the bear market and high fee markets, now's a good chance to claim your assets.


Fake BlackRock XRP Filing Referred to Delaware Department of Justice
A check of the process for registering a trust in the state apparently leaves a ready opening for bad actors.
https://www.coindesk.com/business/2023/11/14/fake-blackrock-xrp-filing-referred-to-delaware-department-of-justice/

Misinformation pops up in crypto from time to time. One perk of having assets in a multisig wallet is it can prevent you from overreacting to bad information or outright scams by giving more time to think and process. Even when it's good news, don't trust, verify.


"Be deaf to malicious gossip"--Marcus Aurelius


An  Electrum alternative! Fulcrum https://github.com/cculianu/Fulcrum


GM #plebchain, stay humble, stack bits/sats, and think for yourself


EU Parliament made the correct decision on Chat Control today https://proton.me/blog/eu-parliament-chat-control "members of the European Parliament adopted a position that removes the attacks on encryption and takes a definitive stand for privacy and security"


Former Dutch central bank president Nout Wellink discussing the possibility of putting bitcoin on the balance sheet, comparing it to gold.

Check it out
@TuurDemeester
.

Whole video (in Dutch) here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zWA5uAPA_Ag&themeRefresh=1


GM #plebchain, stay humble, stack bits/sats, and think for yourself.


Bitcoin Payments: 'Someone-Is-Going-Next' Logic
Why every business will decide to receive bitcoin payments. Someone-is-going-next logic. If not you, then who.
https://graduallythensuddenly.xyz/if-not-you-then-who/


“Unique to the emergent Bitcoin financial system is the application of cryptography to fundamental financial functions. Novel technologies exist, are being built, and have been theorized that will enable previously unseen functionalities, robustness, and, ultimately, competition amongst Bitcoin financial intermediaries. Key to these novelties is the characteristic of peer-to-peer (“P2P”) exchange; that Bitcoin financial intermediaries will surely exist as commercial options, but that newly possible direct manipulation and exchange will exist as well.” --Eric Yakes

banks without bankers
cryptography, incentives, and agency in a bitcoin financial system
https://www.axiombtc.capital/banks


How can #Bitcoin help locals connect globally?
@missUniCuracao
 @cbcs_curhttps://m.primal.net/HPls.mp4