Just as the Earth constantly orbits the Sun, our weekly digest arrives every Friday. This time, two of four news stories are about theft, as scammers never rest, always finding new ways to drain your crypto wallet or exploit intellectual property. Find out where new dangers might be lurking at Hodl.fm.
Top Gainers of the Week
- Story (IP): Climbing 7.55%, IP’s price increased to $5.71.
- Celestia (TIA): Up 7.27%, TIA reached $3.48.
- PAX Gold (PAXG): Rising 2.19%, PAXG’s price hit $2,993.08.
Top Losers of the Week
- Ondo (ONDO): Suffering a 27.21% decline, ONDO’s price dropped to $0.8254.
- Render (RENDER): Down 26.01%, RENDER saw its value fall to $2.91.
- JasmyCoin (JASMY): Losing 24.76%, JASMY’s price declined to $0.01292.
Kaspersky Uncovers a New Type of Crypto Scam Using YouTubers
In the crypto world, people are used to spotting red flags from shady projects, scam schemes, and self-proclaimed crypto gurus. Many have learned to avoid outright fraud. However, even trusted influencers are now at risk. According to Kaspersky Lab, YouTubers are being blackmailed and forced to share malicious links.
In this new cyber-extortion scheme, hackers exploit YouTube’s copyright protection system to spread the SilentCryptoMiner malware. They file false copyright claims, threatening to have creators’ channels taken down unless they post links to infected files. This turns the trust that influencers have built with their audience into a tool for scamming subscribers.
SilentCryptoMiner disguises itself as useful software but secretly mines cryptocurrencies like Ethereum, Monero, and Ravencoin. The malware operates undetected, bypassing security measures and modifying key system files.
Hackers use Windows Packet Divert to manipulate network traffic. Over the past six months, Kaspersky has detected more than 2.4 million instances of this driver.
Cybersecurity experts warn that similar attacks could extend beyond YouTube, targeting Telegram and other platforms where influencers engage with their followers.
This discovery comes just a month after Kaspersky's recent disclosure of another significant cybersecurity risk. In February, the company identified a new Trojan called SparkCat, which steals wallet recovery phrases by scanning screenshots.
ICYMI: Our experts have discovered a new data-stealing Trojan, SparkCat, active in AppStore and Google Play since at least March 2024.
— Kaspersky (@kaspersky) March 6, 2025
SparkCat leverages machine learning to scan image galleries, stealing cryptocurrency wallet recovery phrases, passwords, and other sensitive… pic.twitter.com/vtbaaCBZkZ
Binance Survey: The Most Influential People in the Crypto Industry
Binance conducted a global survey of 12,000 users from regions including Asia, Europe, Latin America, and Africa to determine who has the greatest impact on the development of the blockchain industry today.
The community has spoken!
— Binance (@binance) March 11, 2025
With over 12,000+ votes, here are the top Crypto Personalities:
🏅 Most Influential: Satoshi Nakamoto
🏅 Changemaker: CZ
🏅 Best Builder: Vitalik Buterin
🏅 Top Podcast: The Pomp Podcast
🏅 Most Influential Woman: Elizabeth Stark
Guessed 3+… pic.twitter.com/Cp1qdmDCyI
Most Influential Figure in Crypto
Satoshi Nakamoto, the mysterious creator of Bitcoin, received 30% of the votes. His work paved the way for decentralized finance, and even years after his disappearance, he remains a central figure in the crypto world.
Top Crypto Visionary
Changpeng Zhao (CZ), co-founder of Binance, was recognized as the industry's leading visionary, with 38% of the votes. His contributions to Web3 development, blockchain adoption, and the global crypto community make him one of the most significant figures in the space.
Other candidates:
- Vitalik Buterin (12%) – for his contributions to Ethereum.
- Elon Musk & Donald Trump – for their influence on mainstream crypto adoption.
Best Crypto Builder
Vitalik Buterin (42%) took the top spot for his work on Ethereum, which ushered in a new era of blockchain innovation, enabling smart contracts, DeFi applications, and NFT projects.
Most Influential Woman in Crypto
Elizabeth Stark (40%), CEO of Lightning Labs, was recognized as the leading woman in Web3. Her work on scaling Bitcoin through the Lightning Network is making cryptocurrency faster and more accessible.
Best Crypto Podcast
Pomp Podcast (38%), hosted by Anthony Pompliano, was voted the best source of crypto-related insights, covering Bitcoin, finance, and technology.
Other Nominees:
- Unchained (10%) – covering blockchain regulation and technology.
- Bankless – a leading resource on decentralized finance (DeFi).
Binance also tripled the prize pool for the survey to $15,000, encouraging greater participation from users.
New Attempts Over Ethereum Staking in ETFs Gain Momentum
Discussions around allowing staking in Ethereum-based exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are intensifying. Cboe BZX Exchange Inc. has applied to the SEC, urging regulators to approve staking for Fidelity’s Ethereum Fund.
🚨 NEW: Cboe BZX Exchange files to add staking to Fidelity's $ETF fund pic.twitter.com/jDoCBY9NuT
— CryptosRus (@cryptosrus_yt) March 11, 2025
A similar request has come from NYSE Arca Inc., which is seeking permission for staking in Ethereum products from Grayscale. Meanwhile, Bitwise is also considering filing an application.
These developments come amid a shift toward more favorable crypto regulations in the U.S. The Trump administration has shown support for the digital asset industry, including appointing David Sacks as a special representative for AI and cryptocurrencies and creating a strategic Bitcoin reserve.
In Europe, similar crypto ETFs have already proven successful, and many market participants believe their introduction in the U.S. would enhance the appeal of crypto investment products. Currently, staked Ether generates an annual yield of around 3%, with one-third of its $234 billion market supply already locked in staking.
The ability to earn passive income through ETFs could attract new investors and make crypto-based ETFs more competitive in the traditional financial market.
LVMH Accused of Stealing Innovative NFT Display Technology from Watch Skins Corporation
Luxury fashion giant LVMH is at the center of a legal dispute over NFT technology. Blockchain company Watch Skins has filed a lawsuit against LVMH, accusing it of unlawfully using patented technology related to displaying NFTs on smartwatches.
In the lawsuit, filed on March 10 in a Texas federal court, Watch Skins claims that TAG Heuer, a brand owned by LVMH, used its patented technology without permission.
Watch Skins holds patents for a system that verifies NFT ownership before displaying them on smartwatches, as well as a blockchain wallet authentication mechanism. The company alleges that TAG Heuer not only implemented this technology but also encouraged customers to use it by providing step-by-step instructions.
Watch Skins is seeking damages and a ban on further use of its innovations. The company introduced its NFT platform for smartwatches back in 2020 and is determined to protect its intellectual property. This lawsuit could set a precedent for the luxury industry, which is increasingly integrating digital technologies.
Kataryna Habeliia
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