Singapore's Cyber Security Agency (CSA) has issued a stark warning to businesses about a new strain of ransomware known as "Akira." It is kind of unusual. Instead of fiat money, it demands victims to pay the ransom in Bitcoin. Just as you would expect, Akira ransomware encrypts victim data, rendering it inaccessible. Attackers then demand some amounts of Bitcoin as ransom to decrypt the data. Once they get paid, the data gets unlocked. But that's not a 100% guaranteed, of course. The ransomware attacks only Windows PCs. As it often happens, Mac OS devices are not targeted. The report underscores the importance of incident response planning. Companies should be prepared to act swiftly in the event of a ransomware attack. This includes having clear protocols for isolating infected systems and communicating with stakeholders. Authors of the report also note that ransomware attacks have become increasingly sophisticated. Attackers are using advanced techniques to avoid detection and maximize impact. The CSA encourages businesses to report ransomware incidents. Sharing information about attacks can help in understanding and countering the threat landscape. Using victim's experience other market participants can take measures to avoid the attack. And thus withstand ransomware more effectively.

Bitcoin maximalist Samson Mow has drawn attention to a potentially explosive scenario for Bitcoin. He says, there is a 'Godzilla Candle' emerging. According to Mow, this phenomenon could signal a massive surge in BTC’s value, comparable to a financial beast awakening. Mow's prediction centers on a substantial candlestick pattern, one that he believes will dwarf previous market movements. The 'Godzilla Candle' scenario, as described by Mow, involves a swift and enormous price spike. Such a movement could break through resistance levels and set new highs for BTC. Mow’s analysis is rooted in historical data and current market indicators, giving his prediction a blend of technical and fundamental backing. In his analysis, Mow also pointed out the current market’s resilience and the increasing institutional interest in Bitcoin. These factors, he argues, create a perfect storm for the 'Godzilla Candle' to materialize. Institutional investments and market resilience are key components driving this bullish outlook. This 'Godzilla Candle' could catalyze an unprecedented bullish run. His insights come at a critical time when Bitcoin enthusiasts and investors are closely monitoring market trends for signs of the next big rally. Mow has been a long-time advocate for Bitcoin, often sharing his bullish perspectives on social media and at industry events. His latest prediction has sparked discussions among analysts and traders, who are evaluating the potential implications of a 'Godzilla Candle.' Many are considering the strategic moves needed to capitalize on this potential surge. Investors and traders are now eyeing market signals that could confirm Mow’s prediction. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether the 'Godzilla Candle' scenario unfolds. Mow’s bold forecast has undoubtedly added an intriguing layer to the ongoing Bitcoin narrative. As the market watches closely, the anticipation of a 'Godzilla Candle' scenario underscores the dynamic and often unpredictable nature of the cryptocurrency world.

For every Bitcoin mined, 5.5 Bitcoins are being purchased by investors. The reason is that the market is very much bullish at this point. This increased demand added pressure to the supply of Bitcoin, which is forecasted to apply upward price pressure. New data from James Van Straten indicates that investors buy Bitcoin 5.5 times faster than miners can bring it to the market. This thus implies that miners create an average of roughly 900 BTC every day, while investors buy up an average of about 4,950 BTC daily. The gap is, therefore, effective in creating a squeeze, which could ultimately push Bitcoin prices higher. Indeed, this is the case, and very much implies increased confidence in the future value of Bitcoin. The current ratio of buying to production is at an all-time high. Increased demand is, in part, due to institutional investors. Large institutional buyers are now pouring into the market, looking at Bitcoin as the ultimate hedge against inflation and the unknown, further cementing the reputation of Bitcoin as a form of digital gold. Bitcoin miners are naturally active at work, constantly adding blocks to the chain. This steady pace of production relieves Bitcoin prices, but investors' demand is much higher than the supply. Analysts predict this will be the order of the day in the future as institutional investors realize the potential upside of Bitcoin investment. The increased acceptance of Bitcoin drives this spike in fever as a proper asset class. Miners themselves are instead in a precarious position. The recent Bitcoin halving has had them under the cosh. Reduced block rewards have squeezed miners' margins. In that regard, it is just too noticeable that most miners have had to sell off their BTC reserves to fund operational costs. Selling pressure has been driving Bitcoin prices lower. In other words, the demand for Bitcoin has come to a new high today. With investors purchasing 5.5 times more than what the miners are producing, the increase coming out of the cryptocurrency market can be gargantuan. Such dynamics can further escalate the price of Bitcoin to brand-new appreciating levels, making it an even better investment.

Standard Chartered predicts Bitcoin could reach $150,000 if Donald Trump wins the presidency in 2024. The bank's analysts believe Trump's return could boost Bitcoin's value through policy changes and market sentiment. A recent report highlights that Trump's known stance on deregulation and economic stimulus could favor a more relaxed regulatory environment for cryptocurrencies, fostering growth. Currently trading around $70,000, Bitcoin's value has fluctuated widely in recent years. Standard Chartered's projection hinges on the assumption that Trump's policies would benefit cryptocurrencies. During his previous term, there was substantial interest and investment in Bitcoin and other digital assets. This pattern could reemerge with his return to power, driving significant capital inflows into the market. The report also emphasizes potential market volatility during the election period, which often benefits Bitcoin as investors seek alternative assets amid economic uncertainty. Trump's candidacy alone could create a buzz around Bitcoin, boosting its value. However, the forecast acknowledges risks, such as regulatory crackdowns or adverse policy changes, which could dampen Bitcoin's prospects. The unpredictable nature of the cryptocurrency market, where sentiment can shift rapidly, is also a factor. This prediction underscores the significant influence political events can have on digital assets. Investors and market watchers will closely observe the upcoming election and its potential impact on the cryptocurrency landscape. Additionally, Trump has become the first-ever Presidential candidate to accept Bitcoin donations, further highlighting the intersection of politics and cryptocurrency.

Bitcoin miners are offloading their holdings at a rapid pace, their reserves have plunged to a three-year low. This trend underscores a significant shift in miner behavior, likely influenced by the looming halving event. The recent Bitcoin halving has put pressure on miners. The reduction in block rewards has squeezed profit margins. To cover operational costs, many miners have resorted to selling their BTC reserves. This selling pressure has contributed to the recent decline in Bitcoin prices. Data from on-chain analytics firm CryptoQuant shows that Bitcoin reserves held by miners have dropped to levels last seen in 2020. This is a stark contrast to the previous accumulation phase. The reserves are now down to just 1.8 million BTC, a significant decrease from recent years. Mining firms are facing tough decisions. With rewards cut in half, operational costs remain high. Energy prices have also surged, adding to the financial strain. Some miners are upgrading equipment to more efficient models, hoping to maintain profitability. The current market conditions are challenging. Miners who can’t sustain their operations are either selling their reserves or shutting down. The situation has also led to a rise in the hash rate as only the most efficient miners remain operational. Some miners are apparently forced to resort to extreme measures. Like the whale who had to wake his dormant wallet and move 277 BTC for the first time in 11 years. Bitcoin halving is a scheduled event that occurs approximately every four years, reducing the reward miners receive for adding new blocks to the blockchain by 50%. Initially, miners earned 50 BTC per block, but this amount has decreased over time with each halving. The most recent halving in May 2020 reduced the block reward from 12.5 BTC to 6.25 BTC. This process is built into Bitcoin’s protocol to control inflation and limit the total supply to 21 million BTC, making Bitcoin a deflationary asset. The impact of halving on miners is significant. Reduced block rewards mean miners earn less for the same amount of work, squeezing profit margins. This often forces miners to sell more of their BTC holdings to cover operational costs such as electricity and equipment. Smaller or less efficient miners may find it difficult to sustain operations, leading to increased consolidation in the industry. While some anticipate that the reduction in supply will eventually drive up Bitcoin’s price, providing potential long-term benefits, the immediate effect is financial strain on miners, prompting increased selling of reserves and potential shutdowns for those unable to maintain profitability.