DOCSLIB.ORG

Quoint Weekly Intelligence Bulletin 39

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Quoint Weekly Intelligence Bulletin 39 Week 39 Weekly Intelligence Bulletin Date 28 September 2018 Reading Time 25-30 min Type Intelligence Bulletin Audience-Role Management Sub-Type Weekly Bulletin Audience-Industry Cross Industry R�������������� Period 20-09-2018 to 27-09-2018 TLP AMBER TLP: AMBER Intelligence Bullen TABLE OF CONTENTS CYBER 3 VULNERABILITIES .......................................... 3 Linux Kernel IP Fragment Reassembly Vulnerability impacting multiple Cisco Products . 3 New Exploit Variation of Recent VBScript Engine Vulnerability in theWild ............ 3 Zero Day Initiative Reports Remote Code Execution Vulnerability in Microsoft Windows Jet Database Engine ...................................... 4 THREAT ACTOR ACTIVITY ...................................... 5 COBALT: Latest campaign activity spoofing Oracle ......................... 5 REPORTED INCIDENTS ........................................ 5 The United Nations Experiences Data Incidents on Third Party Platforms ............. 5 Energy Company RWE Suffers DDoS Attack ............................ 6 ROLLUP ............................................... 7 CRYPTOCURRENCY 8 Cryptocurrency Total Market Capitalization Declines ....................... 8 German Cryptoasset Exchanges Launches First Blockchain Bank Account ............ 8 French Government Reportedly Creating Legal Framework for Cryptoasset Providers . 9 ROLLUP ............................................... 9 GEOPOLITICS 11 Deutsche Telekom and German Armed Forces Cooperate on Cyber Defense . 11 U.N. General Assembly Annual Session .............................. 11 President Trump Presents National Cyber Strategy ........................ 12 ROLLUP ............................................... 12 OUTLOOK 14 Macedonia Holds Referendum on Name Change ......................... 14 About this Intelligence Product 15 CONTACTS 17 Information Consumer Industry: Energy Financials Technology Discretionary Government QuoINT Arcle Type: Spotlight investigation Republic of United Locaons: Syria Germany Macedonia Kingdom Europe USA China Senment Negative Positive (crypto only): Development Development Companies: microsoft bitwala UnitedNations cisco RWE Telekom 2|Page QuoScient- Intelligence Operations (Quoint)- [email protected] TLP: AMBER Intelligence Bullen SUMMARY CYBER Vulnerabilities Industry Impacted: Information Technology, ANY On 24 September, Cisco released an updated security advisory as they continue to investigate their products using the affected Linux Kernel Version to determine and mitigate susceptibility toa Denial-of-Service (DoS) vulnerability known as FragmentSmack. Based on Microsoft’s latest Patch Tuesday release, Linux based products are not exclusively affected by FragmentStack. Microsoft states that various Windows systems are affected, including servers. Researchers identified a new variation of earlier exploit code targeting a previously patched remote code execution vulnerability existing in the Internet Explorer(IE) VBScript Engine. The variant code is being used at least in one campaign ongoing since at least July 2018, distributing the final payload of Quasar- a Remote Administration Tool (RAT). A security researcher publicly disclosed an unpatched zero-day vulnerability existing in the Mi- crosoft JET (Joint Engine Technology) Database Engine, affecting at least the Windows 7operating system. In accordance with the Zero Day Initiative (ZDI) 120 day deadline, this vulnerability was disclosed publicly without a patch. Threat Actor Activity Industry Impacted: Financials On, 25 September, QuoINT detected a new Cobalt spear-phishing attack imitating Oracle. Reported Incidents Industry Impacted: Energy, Government A security researcher discovered sensitive internal documents and technical details for websites of the United Nations (U.N.) accessible online due to misconfigurations in the U.N’s. project management service Trello, issue ticketing tool Jira and office suite Google Docs. Separately, another researcher found both a path disclosure and information disclosure vulnerability in The United Nations WordPress site that exposed CV’s of thousands of job applicants since 2016. The website for the German energy company RWE reportedly suffered a Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack earlier this week that caused the site to be ”sometimes difficult orsome- times not reachable in some places”. The attack is reportedly due to the company’s involvement in the deforestation efforts in west Cologne in order to continue mining lignite. CRYPTOCURRENCY The German cryptoasset exchange Bitwala announced it completed their latest funding round to launch a fully regulated bank account based on the blockchain. The French National Assembly will reportedly discuss an amendment to the French legislation to regulate all service providers in the cryptoasset industry. The total crypto asset market capitalization decreased by 1.6 percent in the previous weekto EUR 184 billion. GEOPOLITICS Deutsche Telekom announced a cooperation with the German Armed Forces (Bundeswehr) on cyber defense. The conflict between the U.S. and Iran was one of the dominating issues during the annual U.N. General Assembly session. The U.S. administration released its National Cyber Strategy in which it outlines priority actions to protect U.S. citizens. OUTLOOK 30 September- Macedonia Holds Referendum on Name Change 1|Page QuoScient- Intelligence Operations (Quoint)- [email protected] TLP: AMBER Intelligence Bullen ZUSAMMENFASSUNG CYBER Schwachstellen Industry Impacted: Information Technology, ANY Am 24. September hat Cisco eine aktualisierte Sicherheitsempfehlung veröffentlicht, da sie weiterhin ihre Produkte mir der betroffenen Linux Kernel Version untersuchen, um die Anfälligkeit für eine Denial-of-Service Schwachstelle, bekannt als FragmentSmack, zu finden und zu mindern. Basierend auf Microsofts letztem Patch Tuesday sind nicht ausschließlich Linux-basierte Produkte von FragmentSmack betroffen. Microsoft hat angegeben, dass verschiedene Microsoft Systeme, einschließlich Server, auch betroffen sind. Sicherheitsforscher haben eine neue Variante von früherem Exploit-Code identifiziert, die auf eine zuvor gepatchte Sicherheitslücke bei der Ausführung von Remote-Code abzielt, die in der Internet Explorer(IE) VBScript Engine vorhanden ist. Der Schadcode wird mindestens in einer seit mindestens Juli 2018 laufenden Kampagne verwendet, die die endgültige Schadsoftware von Quasar- ein Remote-Access-Trojan- verteilt. Ein Sicherheitsforscher veröffentlichte eine ungepatchte Zero-Day-Schwachstelle, die in der Microsoft JET (Joint Engine Technology) Database Engine existiert und mindestens das Betrieb- ssystem Windows 7 betrifft. Gemäß der 120-tägigen Frist der Zero Day Initiative (ZDI) wurde diese Schwachstelle ohne Patch öffentlich bekannt gegeben. Cyber Tätergruppen Aktivität Industry Impacted: Financials Am 25. September hat QuoInt einen neuen Spear-Phishing Angriff von Cobalt entdeckt, der Oracle imitiert. Schadenmeldungen Industry Impacted: Energy, Government Ein Sicherheitsforscher entdeckte sensible interne Dokumente und technische Details für Web- sites der Vereinten Nationen (UN), die online zugänglich sind, aufgrund von Fehlkonfigurationen im Projektmanagementdienst Trello der UNO, dem Issue-Ticketing-Tool Jira und der Office-Suite Google Docs. Zusätzlich fand ein anderer Forscher sowohl eine Schwachstelle bei der Offenlegung von Dateipfaden als auch Informationen auf der WordPress-Seite der Vereinten Nationen, die seit 2016 Lebensläufe von Tausenden von Bewerbern enthüllte. Die Website des deutschen Energiekonzerns RWE soll Anfang dieser Woche einen Angriff auf Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) erlitten haben, der dazu führte, dass die Website ”manchmal schwierig oder manchmal an einigen Stellen nicht erreichbar” war. Der Angriff ist angeblich auf die Beteiligung des Unternehmens an den Rodungen im Kölner Westen zurückzuführen, um den Braunkohleabbau fortzusetzen. KRYPTOWÄHRUNGEN Die deutsche Kryptoassetbörse Bitwala gab bekannt, dass sie ihre letzte Finanzierungsrunde zur Eröffnung eines vollständig regulierten Bankkontos auf Basis der Blockchain abgeschlossen hat. Die französische Nationalversammlung wird Berichten zufolge eine Änderung der französischen Gesetzgebung zur Regulierung aller Dienstleister in der Kryptoasset-Industrie diskutieren. Die Gesamtmarktkapitalisierung für Kryptoanlagen sank in der Vorwoche um 1,6 Prozent auf 184 Milliarden Euro. GEOPOLITIK Die Deutsche Telekom kündigte eine Kooperation mit der Bundeswehr in Sachen Cyberabwehr an. Der Konflikt zwischen den USA und dem Iran war eines der vorherrschenden Themen während der jährlichen Sitzung der UN-Generalversammlung. Die US-Regierung hat ihre National Cyber Strategy veröffentlicht, in der sie vorrangige Maßnahmen zum Schutz der US-Bürger vorgibt. 2|Page QuoScient- Intelligence Operations (Quoint)- [email protected] TLP: AMBER Intelligence Bullen CYBER VULNERABILITIES Linux Kernel IP Fragment Reassembly Vulnerability impacting multiple Cisco Products Attack Vector: DDoS | Industry Impacted: Information Technology, ANY On 24 September, Cisco released an updated security advisory1 as they continue to investigate their products using the affected Linux Kernel Version 3.9 and later, to determine and mitigate susceptibility to a Denial-of-Service (DoS) vulnerability (CVE-2018-5391) known as FragmentSmack. The inital vulner- ability disclosure from CERT Coordination Center 2 on 14 August states the issue is in the IP stack used by the Linux Kernel. To exploit, an unauthenticated, remote attacker would need to send
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Bitcoin Tumbles As Miners Face Crackdown - the Buttonwood Tree Bitcoin Tumbles As Miners Face Crackdown
    6/8/2021 Bitcoin Tumbles as Miners Face Crackdown - The Buttonwood Tree Bitcoin Tumbles as Miners Face Crackdown By Haley Cafarella - June 1, 2021 Bitcoin tumbles as Crypto miners face crackdown from China. Cryptocurrency miners, including HashCow and BTC.TOP, have halted all or part of their China operations. This comes after Beijing intensified a crackdown on bitcoin mining and trading. Beijing intends to hammer digital currencies amid heightened global regulatory scrutiny. This marks the first time China’s cabinet has targeted virtual currency mining, which is a sizable business in the world’s second-biggest economy. Some estimates say China accounts for as much as 70 percent of the world’s crypto supply. Cryptocurrency exchange Huobi suspended both crypto-mining and some trading services to new clients from China. The plan is that China will instead focus on overseas businesses. BTC.TOP, a crypto mining pool, also announced the suspension of its China business citing regulatory risks. On top of that, crypto miner HashCow said it would halt buying new bitcoin mining rigs. Crypto miners use specially-designed computer equipment, or rigs, to verify virtual coin transactions. READ MORE: Sustainable Mineral Exploration Powers Electric Vehicle Revolution This process produces newly minted crypto currencies like bitcoin. “Crypto mining consumes a lot of energy, which runs counter to China’s carbon neutrality goals,” said Chen Jiahe, chief investment officer of Beijing-based family office Novem Arcae Technologies. Additionally, he said this is part of China’s goal of curbing speculative crypto trading. As result, bitcoin has taken a beating in the stock market.
    [Show full text]
  • Cryptocurrency: the Economics of Money and Selected Policy Issues
    Cryptocurrency: The Economics of Money and Selected Policy Issues Updated April 9, 2020 Congressional Research Service https://crsreports.congress.gov R45427 SUMMARY R45427 Cryptocurrency: The Economics of Money and April 9, 2020 Selected Policy Issues David W. Perkins Cryptocurrencies are digital money in electronic payment systems that generally do not require Specialist in government backing or the involvement of an intermediary, such as a bank. Instead, users of the Macroeconomic Policy system validate payments using certain protocols. Since the 2008 invention of the first cryptocurrency, Bitcoin, cryptocurrencies have proliferated. In recent years, they experienced a rapid increase and subsequent decrease in value. One estimate found that, as of March 2020, there were more than 5,100 different cryptocurrencies worth about $231 billion. Given this rapid growth and volatility, cryptocurrencies have drawn the attention of the public and policymakers. A particularly notable feature of cryptocurrencies is their potential to act as an alternative form of money. Historically, money has either had intrinsic value or derived value from government decree. Using money electronically generally has involved using the private ledgers and systems of at least one trusted intermediary. Cryptocurrencies, by contrast, generally employ user agreement, a network of users, and cryptographic protocols to achieve valid transfers of value. Cryptocurrency users typically use a pseudonymous address to identify each other and a passcode or private key to make changes to a public ledger in order to transfer value between accounts. Other computers in the network validate these transfers. Through this use of blockchain technology, cryptocurrency systems protect their public ledgers of accounts against manipulation, so that users can only send cryptocurrency to which they have access, thus allowing users to make valid transfers without a centralized, trusted intermediary.
    [Show full text]
  • Blockchain & Cryptocurrency Regulation
    Blockchain & Cryptocurrency Regulation Third Edition Contributing Editor: Josias N. Dewey Global Legal Insights Blockchain & Cryptocurrency Regulation 2021, Third Edition Contributing Editor: Josias N. Dewey Published by Global Legal Group GLOBAL LEGAL INSIGHTS – BLOCKCHAIN & CRYPTOCURRENCY REGULATION 2021, THIRD EDITION Contributing Editor Josias N. Dewey, Holland & Knight LLP Head of Production Suzie Levy Senior Editor Sam Friend Sub Editor Megan Hylton Consulting Group Publisher Rory Smith Chief Media Officer Fraser Allan We are extremely grateful for all contributions to this edition. Special thanks are reserved for Josias N. Dewey of Holland & Knight LLP for all of his assistance. Published by Global Legal Group Ltd. 59 Tanner Street, London SE1 3PL, United Kingdom Tel: +44 207 367 0720 / URL: www.glgroup.co.uk Copyright © 2020 Global Legal Group Ltd. All rights reserved No photocopying ISBN 978-1-83918-077-4 ISSN 2631-2999 This publication is for general information purposes only. It does not purport to provide comprehensive full legal or other advice. Global Legal Group Ltd. and the contributors accept no responsibility for losses that may arise from reliance upon information contained in this publication. This publication is intended to give an indication of legal issues upon which you may need advice. Full legal advice should be taken from a qualified professional when dealing with specific situations. The information contained herein is accurate as of the date of publication. Printed and bound by TJ International, Trecerus Industrial Estate, Padstow, Cornwall, PL28 8RW October 2020 PREFACE nother year has passed and virtual currency and other blockchain-based digital assets continue to attract the attention of policymakers across the globe.
    [Show full text]
  • An Investigative Study of Cryptocurrency Abuses in the Dark Web
    Cybercriminal Minds: An investigative study of cryptocurrency abuses in the Dark Web Seunghyeon Leeyz Changhoon Yoonz Heedo Kangy Yeonkeun Kimy Yongdae Kimy Dongsu Hany Sooel Sony Seungwon Shinyz yKAIST zS2W LAB Inc. {seunghyeon, kangheedo, yeonk, yongdaek, dhan.ee, sl.son, claude}@kaist.ac.kr {cy}@s2wlab.com Abstract—The Dark Web is notorious for being a major known as one of the major drug trading sites [13], [22], and distribution channel of harmful content as well as unlawful goods. WannaCry malware, one of the most notorious ransomware, Perpetrators have also used cryptocurrencies to conduct illicit has actively used the Dark Web to operate C&C servers [50]. financial transactions while hiding their identities. The limited Cryptocurrency also presents a similar situation. Apart from coverage and outdated data of the Dark Web in previous studies a centralized server, cryptocurrencies (e.g., Bitcoin [58] and motivated us to conduct an in-depth investigative study to under- Ethereum [72]) enable people to conduct peer-to-peer trades stand how perpetrators abuse cryptocurrencies in the Dark Web. We designed and implemented MFScope, a new framework which without central authorities, and thus it is hard to identify collects Dark Web data, extracts cryptocurrency information, and trading peers. analyzes their usage characteristics on the Dark Web. Specifically, Similar to the case of the Dark Web, cryptocurrencies MFScope collected more than 27 million dark webpages and also provide benefits to our society in that they can redesign extracted around 10 million unique cryptocurrency addresses for Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Monero. It then classified their usages to financial trading mechanisms and thus motivate new business identify trades of illicit goods and traced cryptocurrency money models, but are also adopted in financial crimes (e.g., money flows, to reveal black money operations on the Dark Web.
    [Show full text]
  • Application-Of-Kraken-Financial-For
    October 5, 2020 SENT VIA E-MAIL Stephanie Martin, Esq. Senior Associate General Counsel Federal Reserve Board 20th & C Streets NW Washington, DC 20551 Re: Application of Kraken Financial for Access to Federal Reserve Account and Payments System Services Dear Ms. Martin: The Clearing House Payments Company (“The Clearing House”) and The Clearing House Association, American Bankers Association, Bank Policy Institute, Consumer Bankers Association, Credit Union National Association, Independent Community Bankers of America, Nacha, and National Association of Federally-Insured Credit Unions (collectively, the “Associations”) write to express concern over the potential application of Kraken Financial for access to a Federal Reserve account and payments system services. The Clearing House, as the private sector operator of the nation’s payments systems, and the Associations, as the trade associations representing users of the payments systems operated by both The Clearing House and the Federal Reserve Banks, are concerned that the nature of the business engaged in by Kraken Financial presents heightened risks that should be taken into consideration in determining whether the Federal Reserve should grant such access, and, if granted, on what conditions. Kraken Financial was formed as the result of a new and unique special purpose depository institution (“SPDI”) charter recently established under Wyoming law that appears to be targeted to cryptocurrency businesses.1 Kraken Financial presents a business model that is 1San Francisco based Kraken appears to have obtained the SPDI charter from Wyoming after previously running afoul of New York’s Virtual Currency Business Activity licensing requirements. Forbes, “New York Attorney General Warns that Kraken Cryptocurrency Exchange Could be Violating Regulations” (Sept.
    [Show full text]
  • Facilitating Cross-Chain Cryptocurrency Exchanges: an Inquiry Into Blockchain Technology and Interoperability with an Emphasis on Cryptocurrency Arbitrage
    Eastern Michigan University DigitalCommons@EMU Senior Honors Theses & Projects Honors College 2020 Facilitating cross-chain cryptocurrency exchanges: An inquiry into blockchain technology and interoperability with an emphasis on cryptocurrency arbitrage Samuel Grone Follow this and additional works at: https://commons.emich.edu/honors Part of the Computer Sciences Commons Facilitating cross-chain cryptocurrency exchanges: An inquiry into blockchain technology and interoperability with an emphasis on cryptocurrency arbitrage Abstract Since the introduction and proliferation of the blockchain-based cryptocurrency Bitcoin, alternative cryptocurrencies also based on blockchain technology have exploded in number. It was once believed that one, or very few, cryptocurrencies would eventually dominate the market and drive out competitors. This assumption, however, was incorrect. Thousands of cryptocurrencies exist concurrently. The vast number of cryptocurrencies leads to a problem—what if the cryptocurrency that an individual possesses does not meet their current needs as well as another cryptocurrency might? The attempt to solve this problem has led to the rise of many cryptocurrency exchanges and exchange schemes. In this paper, we will discuss the motivations for an individual to be interested in exchanging two or more cryptocurrencies by describing and comparing various popular cryptocurrencies with different desirable attributes. While we will discuss these attributes, this paper will give special focus to arbitrage in particular. In addition, we will describe various cryptocurrency exchange schemes and their advantages and disadvantages. Finally, we contribute to the understanding of cryptocurrency exchangeability and interoperability by comparing the historical price data of several cryptocurrencies to determine how often arbitrage has been possible in the past. Degree Type Open Access Senior Honors Thesis Department Computer Science First Advisor Weitian Tong Second Advisor S.
    [Show full text]
  • Blockchain Investment Banking
    BLOCKCHAIN INVESTMENT BANKIN G Whitepaper v.4.08 1 Contents Introduction 6 Banking 6 Our multi-currency exchange 6 Our investment platform 7 The Azbit.ID secure identification system 7 Problems and solutions 8 Tighter regulation of cryptocurrencies and ICOs 8 Regulatory complexity 8 Solution 9 Banking 9 The complicated relationship between the banking and cryptocurrency sectors 9 Payment cards 9 Banking services 10 Regulatory pressure on banks and payment systems 10 Solution 11 Exchanges 11 Challenges faced by cryptocurrency services 11 High-quality technical support 11 Listing new instruments 11 Readiness for explosive growth 12 2 Comprehensive initial functionality and a high-quality solution 12 Security and fault tolerance 12 Security and utility tokens 13 Solution 13 Alternative Trading System 14 A decentralized exchange and simplified token listing 14 Our investment platform 14 The attractiveness and dangers of cryptocurrency investment 14 Investors’ lack of knowledge and information 16 Risks associated with cryptocurrency funds 17 Challenges faced by managing traders 17 Solution 17 Benefits of the investment platform for investors 17 Benefits of the investment platform for traders 18 Benefits for affiliates and thought leaders 18 Functionality 19 Banking 19 Account services and payments (SWIFT, SEPA) 20 Payments and accounts in national currencies 20 Fiat payment services 20 Custodial accounts 20 Segregated accounts 20 Issuing and processing debit cards. Contactless payments 21 Cryptocurrency portfolio-backed P2P lending 21 3 P2P
    [Show full text]
  • SBN 206441) CONSENSUS LAW 2 5245 Av
    Case 3:20-cv-08034 Document 1 Filed 11/13/20 Page 1 of 197 1 Pavel I. Pogodin, Ph.D., Esq. (SBN 206441) CONSENSUS LAW 2 5245 Av. Isla Verde 3 Suite 302 Carolina, PR 00979 4 United States of America Telephone: (650) 469-3750 5 Facsimile: (650) 472-8961 Email: [email protected] 6 7 Attorneys for Plaintiff Păun Gabriel-Razvan 8 UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT 9 FOR THE NORTHERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA 10 SAN FRANCISCO DIVISION 11 12 Păun Gabriel-Razvan, Case No. 3:20-cv-08034 13 COMPLAINT FOR CONSPIRACY TO Plaintiff, CONDUCT AND CONDUCTING 14 ENTERPRISE’S AFFAIRS THROUGH A PATTERN OF RACKETEERING 15 ACTIVITY IN VIOLATION OF 18 v. U.S.C. §§ 1962(d) AND (c) (RICO), 16 CRYPTOCURRENCY MARKET MANIPULATION IN VIOLATION OF 7 17 U.S.C. § 9(1) (USE OF DECEPTIVE OR HDR Global Trading Limited (A.K.A. MANIPULATIVE DEVICE), 7 U.S.C. §§ 18 BitMEX), ABS Global Trading Limited, 9(3) AND 13(a)(2) (PRICE Grape Park LLC, Mark Sweep LLC, MANIPULATION), PRINCIPAL 19 Unknown Exchange, Arthur Hayes, Ben Delo, AGENT LIABILITY, AIDING AND Samuel Reed, Agata Maria Reed (A.K.A. ABETTING PRICE MANIPULATION 20 Agata Maria Kasza), Barbara A. Reed and IN VIOLATION OF 7 U.S.C. § 25(a)(1), Trace L. Reed, NEGLIGENCE, FRAUD, CIVIL 21 CONSPIRACY, UNFAIR BUSINESS PRACTICES IN VIOLATION OF CAL. 22 Defendants. BUS. & PROF. CODE §§ 17200 ET SEQ, UNJUST ENRICHMENT 23 (RESTITUTION), CONSTRUCTIVE TRUST, ACCOUNTING, 24 CONVERSION, AIDING AND ABETTING CONVERSION, AIDING 25 AND ABBETING FRAUD AND VIOLATION OF CAL.
    [Show full text]
  • Knowledge Discovery in Cryptocurrency Transactions
    Knowledge Discovery in Cryptocurrency Transactions: A Survey Xiao Fan Liua,∗, Xin-Jian Jiangb, Si-Hao Liub, Chi Kong Tsec aDepartment of Media and Communication, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China bSchool of Computer Science and Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, China cDepartment of Electrical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China Abstract Cryptocurrencies gain trust in users by publicly disclosing the full creation and transaction history. In return, the transaction history faithfully records the whole spectrum of cryptocurrency user behaviors. This article analyzes and summarizes the existing research on knowledge discovery in the cryptocurrency transactions using data mining techniques. Specifically, we classify the exist- ing research into three aspects, i.e., transaction tracings and blockchain address linking, the analyses of collective user behaviors, and the study of individual user behaviors. For each aspect, we present the problems, summarize the methodolo- gies, and discuss major findings in the literature. Furthermore, an enumeration of transaction data parsing and visualization tools and services is also provided. Finally, we outline several future directions in this research area, such as the current rapid development of Decentralized Finance (De-Fi) and digital fiat money. Keywords: cryptocurrency, Bitcoin, Ethereum, transaction analysis, data mining, complex network Contents arXiv:2010.01031v1 [cs.CR] 2 Oct 2020 1 Introduction 2 2 Preliminaries 4 2.1 Thecryptocurrencyeconomy . 4 2.2 DataModels ............................. 5 3 Traceability and Linkability Issues 8 3.1 Tracingcryptocurrencytransactions . 8 ∗Corresponding author Email address: [email protected] (Xiao Fan Liu) Preprint submitted to Elsevier October 5, 2020 3.2 Counter-tracingmeasures . 9 3.3 Taint analysis techniques .
    [Show full text]
  • Bitwise Asset Management, Inc., NYSE Arca, Inc., and Vedder Price P.C
    MEMORANDUM TO: File No. SR-NYSEArca-2019-01 FROM: Lauren Yates Office of Market Supervision, Division of Trading and Markets DATE: March 20, 2019 SUBJECT: Meeting with Bitwise Asset Management, Inc., NYSE Arca, Inc., and Vedder Price P.C. __________________________________________________________________________ On March 19, 2019, Elizabeth Baird, Christian Sabella, Natasha Greiner, Michael Coe, Edward Cho, Neel Maitra, David Remus (by phone), and Lauren Yates from the Division of Trading and Markets; Charles Garrison, Johnathan Ingram, Cindy Oh, Andrew Schoeffler (by phone), Amy Starr (by phone), Sara Von Althann, and David Walz (by phone) from the Division of Corporation Finance; and David Lisitza (by phone) from the Office of General Counsel, met with the following individuals: Teddy Fusaro, Bitwise Asset Management, Inc. Matt Hougan, Bitwise Asset Management, Inc. Hope Jarkowski, NYSE Arca, Inc. Jamie Patturelli, NYSE Arca, Inc. David DeGregorio, NYSE Arca, Inc. (by phone) Tom Conner, Vedder Price P.C. John Sanders, Vedder Price P.C. The discussion concerned NYSE Arca, Inc.’s proposed rule change to list and trade, pursuant to NYSE Arca Rule 8.201-E, shares of the Bitwise Bitcoin ETF Trust. Bitwise Asset Management, Inc. also provided the attached presentation to the Commission Staff. Bitwise Asset Management Presentation to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission March 19, 2019 About Bitwise 01 VENTURE INVESTORS Pioneer: Created the world’s first crypto index fund. 02 TEAM BACKGROUNDS Specialist: The only asset we invest in is crypto. 03 Experienced: Deep expertise in crypto, asset management and ETFs. 2 Today’s Speakers Teddy Fusaro Matt Hougan Chief Operating Officer Global Head of Research Previously Senior Vice President and Senior Previously CEO of Inside ETFs.
    [Show full text]
  • Cryptocurrency: a Primer for Policy-Makers
    August 2019 Cryptocurrency: A Primer for Policy-Makers Zack Gold and Megan McBride Approved for public release. Unlimited distribution. CRM-2019-U-020185-Final Abstract This primer is an effort to address a gap in knowledge about cryptocurrencies and the cryptocurrency ecosystem among the policymaking community and advance the understanding of cryptocurrencies and consideration of their national security implications. Cryptocurrencies are strictly digital currencies, are typically overseen by a decentralized peer-to-peer community, and are secured through cryptography. We use clear, non-technical language to describe complex concepts and demystify overly technical terms in order to explain the technical and economic aspects of cryptocurrency, why they are used, and the benefits and drawbacks to cryptocurrencies compared to conventional currencies—like the US dollar. We conclude by considering some cryptocurrency-related issues of which greater exploration would benefit US national security. This document contains the best opinion of CNA at the time of issue. It does not necessarily represent the opinion of the sponsor or client. Distribution Approved for public release. Unlimited distribution. Cover image credit: “Photo of a mobile phone with a Bitcoin Cash wallet, Bitcoin whitepaper by Satoshi Nakamoto and Bitcoin.com pen.” BitcoinXio, Apr. 15, 2018. Approved by: August 2019 Jonathan Schroden, Research Program Director Special Operations Program Center for Stability & Development Strategy, Policy, Plans, and Programs Division (SP3) Request additional copies of this document through [email protected]. Copyright © 2019 CNA. All rights reserved Executive Summary In 2017, the value of one Bitcoin skyrocketed to more than $20,000. Media coverage increased, and even people who did not join the investment frenzy became aware of so-called “cryptocurrencies.” Despite this familiarity, few actually understand cryptocurrencies and the implications they may have on US interests, from global finance to national security to good governance.
    [Show full text]
  • Notice of Filing of a Proposed Rule Change to List and Trade Shares of the Wisdomtree Bitcoin Trust Under BZX Rule 14.11(E)(4), Commodity-Based Trust Shares
    SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION (Release No. 34-91521; File No. SR-CboeBZX-2021-024) April 9, 2021 Self-Regulatory Organizations; Cboe BZX Exchange, Inc.; Notice of Filing of a Proposed Rule Change to List and Trade Shares of the WisdomTree Bitcoin Trust under BZX Rule 14.11(e)(4), Commodity-Based Trust Shares Pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Act”),1 and Rule 19b-4 thereunder,2 notice is hereby given that on March 26, 2021, Cboe BZX Exchange, Inc. (the “Exchange” or “BZX”) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) the proposed rule change as described in Items I, II, and III below, which Items have been prepared by the Exchange. The Commission is publishing this notice to solicit comments on the proposed rule change from interested persons. I. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement of the Terms of Substance of the Proposed Rule Change The Exchange rule change to list and trade shares of the WisdomTree Bitcoin Trust (the “Trust”),3 under BZX Rule 14.11(e)(4), Commodity-Based Trust Shares. The shares of the Trust are referred to herein as the “Shares.” The text of the proposed rule change is also available on the Exchange’s website (http://markets.cboe.com/us/equities/regulation/rule_filings/bzx/), at the Exchange’s Office of the Secretary, and at the Commission’s Public Reference Room. 1 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1). 2 17 CFR 240.19b-4. 3 The Trust was formed as a Delaware statutory trust on March 8, 2021 and is operated as a grantor trust for U.S.
    [Show full text]