Mac Security Flaw Poses Critical Risk to Crypto Users

This report provides a comprehensive overview of the key developments in the Web3, Blockchain, and Crypto sectors this week, supported by reliable data. The analysis covers critical issues such as security vulnerabilities in Apple's Mac chips, hackers laundering funds through Tornado Cash, and Google's integration of ENS support for Ethereum wallets. Additionally, it examines the performance of top blockchains and cryptocurrencies, highlights notable gainers and losers, and analyzes trends in the stablecoin, Bitcoin ETF, DeFi, and NFT markets. By leveraging this data-driven analysis, stakeholders can gain valuable insights to navigate the ever-changing landscape of Web3 and blockchain technologies.

Mac Security Flaw: Critical Threat to Crypto Users

A major vulnerability in Apple's M-series chips poses a significant risk to users' cryptographic private keys. Researchers recommend a workaround, but it could significantly impact device performance. This underscores the urgent need for a direct solution to protect user data.

Hackers Exploit Tornado Cash for Money Laundering

Despite sanctions, hackers continue to launder stolen assets, totaling $145.7 million, through Tornado Cash. The platform's role in obscuring fund ownership raises concerns about the ongoing challenges in tracking illicit cryptocurrency transactions.

Google Integrates ENS for Ethereum Wallets

Google has added support for displaying Ethereum wallet balances using Ethereum Name Service (ENS) domains. This integration simplifies cryptocurrency transactions by replacing complex wallet addresses with human-readable domains, enhancing accessibility and usability for users engaging with Ethereum-based assets.

Blockchain Game Exploited Before Launch

A smart contract bug led to a $4.6 million loss for Super Sushi Samurai just before its anticipated launch. This incident highlights the importance of rigorous smart contract auditing and testing to mitigate vulnerabilities and safeguard user funds in blockchain-based applications.

OKX Suspends Services in India Amid Regulatory Concerns

OKX has announced the cessation of services in India, citing regulatory concerns. This move follows a broader trend of regulatory crackdown on cryptocurrency exchanges by governments worldwide.

Tornado Cash Developer Accused of Money Laundering

Alexey Pertsev faces accusations of laundering $1.2 billion through Tornado Cash, despite denying involvement in breaching money laundering laws. The indictment from the Netherlands alleges over 30 illegal transactions on the platform.

Binance Founder Launches Education Project

Former Binance CEO, Changpeng Zhao, has initiated a non-revenue, free education project targeting underprivileged children in developing countries. This philanthropic effort aims to bridge educational gaps and empower marginalized communities through access to knowledge and opportunities in emerging technologies.

Blockchain Performance Analysis

Top Performers by 7-Day Change:

Xai leads with an impressive 6723% increase, indicating significant market activity. Bittorrent follows with a substantial 227% growth, while Merlin, Filecoin, and TON also demonstrate notable uptrends.

Top Performers: 7-Day Change in Top 5 Blockchains with Highest TVL:

Ethereum exhibits the largest decline with -8.23% over 7 days, while Arbitrum One, TRON, Solana, and BNB Smart Chain also experienced negative changes, suggesting potential market corrections.

Crypto Market Analysis

Crypto 7-D Price Change and Dominance Analysis:

ETH and BNB experienced significant declines of -10.6% and -10.4% respectively over 7 days. SOL and BTC also saw notable drops of -8.4% and -7.2% correspondingly. However, USDT showed minimal fluctuation with only a +0.1% change.

Top Gainers & Losers of the Week in Crypto Market:

Top Gainers:

• Ondo (+34.75%)
• Toncoin (+26.89%)
• Stacks (+26.83%)
• Fantom (+13.38%)
• JasmyCoin (+10.44%)

Top Losers:

• Sei (-27.27%)
• Bonk (-26.18%)
• Injective (-22.95%)
• Algorand (-20.75%)
• Helium (-19.59%)

Stablecoin Weekly Analysis:

Market Dominance (7d):

Tether dominates the market with a significant 71.23% market share over 7 days, indicating its widespread adoption and trust among users.

7-Day Price Change:

Ethena USDe experienced the highest 7-day price change with a modest increase of +0.3%, followed by Tether, USDC, Dai, and First Digital USD, all showing a +0.1% change. These minimal fluctuations indicate stability in the prices of these stablecoins.

Bitcoin ETF Weekly Analysis

Bitcoin Futures ETF Weekly Analysis:

VanEck's XBTF showed the highest gain with +0.33% over the period, indicating slight positive momentum. In contrast, Global X's BITS experienced the largest loss at -4.10%, followed by Valkyrie's BTF, Ark/21 Shares's ARKA, and ProShares's BITO, all posting negative change.

Bitcoin Spot ETF Weekly Analysis:

Fidelity's FBTC and Bitwise's BITB both experienced a -2.00% decrease in price. BlackRock's IBIT showed a slightly lower loss at -1.99%. Grayscale's GBTC and Ark/21 Shares's ARKB also show declines at -1.94% and -1.87% respectively.

DeFi Market Weekly Status Analysis

Lido and Maker saw the largest decrease at -11.01% and -9.19%, respectively, suggesting potential withdrawals or decreased activity. AAVE, JustLend, and EigenLayer also showed declines in TVL, indicating a possible shift in user funds within the DeFi ecosystem.

NFT Marketplace: A Basic Weekly Analysis

Volume Change (Last 7d Volume over the Previous 7d Volume):

Cryptopunks exhibited a significant surge in volume, with a remarkable +228% change over the previous 7 days, indicating heightened activity and interest. Conversely, Opensea, Gem, and Blur experienced decrease in volume at -27.13%, -20.29%, and -14.31% respectively, suggesting a potential slowdown in trading activity.

Top NFT Collectible Sales this Week:

CryptoPunks #7804 stands out as the highest-priced item at $16,382,444.00, indicating strong demand and scarcity. Following, CryptoPunks #9206, Ark Blocks #78000229, and CryptoPunks #5526 and #1085 show significant prices. These sales highlight the continuing popularity of CryptoPunks collectibles.

Web3 Weekly Funding Analysis

ICO Landscape: A Weekly Overview

Bowled raised $3,430,000, Oxya Origin received $2,310,000, and Dappad collected $1,720,000. These amounts signify investor interest and potential funding for blockchain projects, indicating the market's appetite for new digital assets and decentralized applications.

Weekly Blockchain Hack Analysis

As of March 23, 2024, hackers stole a massive $7.69 billion, with most of it taken from decentralized finance platforms. FixedFlot suffered the biggest hit this year, losing $26.1 million to a hacking attack.