Sam Bankman-Fried is found guilty of fraud, other crimes; PayPal receives subpoena from the U.S. SEC, and Invesco Galaxy’s spot Bitcoin ETF joins DTCC website.
World Series MVP Corey Seager throws shade at Astros’ Alex Bregman during Rangers’ parade
The AL West title came down to the final day of the season, and the Houston Astros defeated the Texas Rangers via a tiebreaker.
In the clubhouse to celebrate their third straight division title and sixth in seven years, third baseman Alex Bregman did his best Kanye West impression.
“A lot of people were wondering what it was going to be like if the ‘Stros didn’t win the division,” Bregman said before the team began popping champagne. “I guess we’ll never know.”
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Corey Seager of the Texas Rangers speaks on stage during the World Series celebration at Globe Life Field Nov. 3, 2023, in Arlington, Texas. (Sam Hodde/Getty Images)
The quote was a play on West’s acceptance speech from when he won best rap album at the 2005 Grammys for “The College Dropout.“
The Rangers eventually got the last laugh. The Rangers not only beat Houston in Houston to win the American League pennant. They also won their first World Series title.
It’s pretty clear the Rangers heard what Bregman had to say, because Corey Seager, the World Series MVP, quoted Bregman (and West) but put his own twist on it.
Texas Rangers shortstop Corey Seager (5) turns a double play as Houston Astros third baseman Alex Bregman (2) avoids the throw during a game July 1, 2023, at Globe Life Park in Arlington, Texas. (Chris Leduc/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
“I just have one thing to say. Everybody was wondering what would happen if the Rangers didn’t win the World Series,” Seager began, already to a rousing applause.
“I guess we’ll never know.”
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In this series, Seager went 6-for-21 (.286), but half of his hits were home runs, including the game-tying blast in the bottom of the ninth in Game 1 that gave Texas a walk-off victory.
Seager’s World Series MVP trophy puts him in historic company. Seager also won the 2020 World Series MVP with Los Angeles. With this year’s MVP, he joined Reggie Jackson, “Mr. October,” as the only position players to win two World Series MVP Awards.
Seager’s just the fourth player ever to win two World Series MVP trophies. Pitchers Sandy Koufax and Bob Gibson have multiple MVP trophies for the Fall Classic.
Corey Seager of the Texas Rangers celebrates in the clubhouse after the Texas Rangers beat the Arizona Diamondbacks 5-0 in Game 5 to win the World Series at Chase Field Nov. 1, 2023, in Phoenix, Ariz. (Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
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For the postseason, Seager had a .318 average with a .451 on-base percentage, a 1.133 OPS, six home runs, 18 runs scored and 12 RBIs in 66 at-bats.
US fencer who hurt team’s Olympic chances suspended for misconduct allegations
An American fencer has been temporarily suspended for allegations of misconduct, the U.S. Center for SafeSport says.
Curtis McDowald was suspended beginning Friday, along with track athlete Sean Stevenson.
“Once we became aware of the allegations, we immediately informed the U.S. Center for SafeSport, who exercised their ability to take jurisdictional control of the case and upheld our temporary measures’,” USA Fencing said in a statement, via USA Today. “We take the safety and integrity of our sport seriously and will cooperate fully with the inquiry while maintaining the confidentiality of the involved parties. We also encourage anyone who has been harmed in sport to come forward, and we will support them to the fullest extent of our abilities.”
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Curtis McDowald of Team United States during a match against Team Japan in Men’s Épée Team Table of 16 on day seven of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Makuhari Messe Hall on July 30, 2021, in Chiba, Japan. (Elsa/Getty Images)
McDowald made headlines over the summer when his outburst after a loss disqualified the entire USA men’s épée team at the Pan-American Senior Championships in Peru.
On the decisive point, McDowald was penalized with a red card, ending the match. After the loss, McDowald’s opponent tried to shake his hand, but he angrily slapped it.
As other members shook hands, McDowald, a 2020 Olympian, kicked and put his foot through a free-standing banner at the venue.
Curtis McDowald of Team United States reacts after his loss to Team Japan in Men’s Épée Team Table of 16 on day seven of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Makuhari Messe Hall on July 30, 2021, in Chiba, Japan. (Elsa/Getty Images)
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Because of his actions, the team was eliminated from the competition, which resulted in them forfeiting the bronze-medal match. Furthermore, since they were disqualified, they earned zero Olympic qualifying points at the event, hurting their chances of participating in Paris next summer.
The United States entered the tournament as the top-ranked team in the event.
The tirade resulted in McDowald being ineligible to compete at the 2023 Fencing World Championships in July.
Curtis McDowald of Team United States during a match against Team Japan in Men’s Épée Team Table of 16 on day seven of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Makuhari Messe Hall on July 30, 2021, in Chiba, Japan. (Elsa/Getty Images)
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McDowald recently participated in the Pan American Games in Chile with the United States, but he had to stay in a separate hotel because of an unrelated prior incident.
Some stolen items returned to Colorado football players, police continue to pursue other ‘items of interest’
Several items were taken from Colorado’s locker room at Rose Bowl Stadium at some point during the Buffaloes’ matchup with the UCLA Bruins last week, Pasadena police confirmed. Some of the stolen items have been returned as part of an ongoing police investigation. Investigators noted that other “items of interest” are being pursued.
The Buffaloes dropped to 4-4 on the season. after their 28-16 loss to UCLA last Saturday.
Authorities also said the suspects in the theft have been identified as juveniles. The suspects’ ages were not made public.
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Head coach Deion Sanders of the Colorado Buffaloes looks on prior to a game against the UCLA Bruins at Rose Bowl Stadium on October 28, 2023, in Pasadena, California. (Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
“The suspects in the case are juveniles,” police said in a statement. “Search warrants were executed, and additional information will be provided soon as the investigation progresses.”
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Colorado head coach Deion Sanders recently suggested that Rose Bowl Stadium operators should reimburse the athletes. Coach Sanders also called on the NCAA to take action.
Jewelry and cash were reported as missing following the game.
Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders walks through the locker room after arriving at Rose Bowl Stadium to take on the UCLA Bruins on October 28, 2023, in Pasadena, California. (RJ Sangosti/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Getty Images)
Police said they had received information about the thefts from their tip line.
“The Pasadena Police Department would like to thank those who reported leads to our tip line,” the police said in a statement.
“The information and support are invaluable and play a crucial role in helping us ensure safety and security in our community. Our detectives worked diligently to follow up on all leads which resulted in the quick execution of search warrants.”
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Colorado looks to get back on the winning track this Saturday when they return to Boulder for a matchup with No. 19 Oregon State. Kickoff is scheduled for 10 p.m. EST.
Riley Gaines says ‘transphobe’ accusations carry ‘literally no weight’
Riley Gaines has been fighting for fairness in girls’ and women’s sports ever since she competed against transgender swimmer Lia Thomas in college.
Gaines has become a main voice of the movement, speaking at events throughout the nation. On Friday, she appeared at UC Davis.
She was met with dozens of protestors, though, similar to her prior appearances, who deemed that she was transphobic because of her views.
Gaines, though, says that notion could not be further from the truth.
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Riley Gaines speaks at Penn State University. (Riley Gaines)
“It just cracks me up. To anyone who calls me a ‘transphobe’ — that word has literally no weight, no meaning, when you throw it around for my message here. There’s man, there’s woman, you can’t change your sex. If that makes me a transphobe, so be it,” she said, via the Fresno Bee.
Gaines has said in the past that she understands that people may feel misgendered and fully supports those who want to live based on their identity as long as sports remain fair.
She also cited her Christian faith as to why those born male should not compete in female sports.
Former University of Kentucky swimmer Riley Gaines speaks at an event. (The Leadership Institute)
TRAVIS KELCE ASKED IF HE’S ‘IN LOVE’ WITH TAYLOR SWIFT, ADDRESSES RELATIONSHIP ‘STATUS’
“I would be remiss if I didn’t mention as a Christian myself, I entirely see this as spiritual warfare,” she said.
Gaines said an “overwhelming majority” of female athletes share her ideology.
“I don’t claim to speak for every single female athlete on that pool deck. But I do claim to speak for the overwhelming majority of us, because I can wholeheartedly attest to the tears that I saw from the girls who . . . missed out on being named All-American (athletes) by one place.
“And, of course, the tears from the moms in the stands watching as their daughters were being obliterated in the sport that they once loved. And I can wholeheartedly attest to the extreme discomfort in the locker room when you turn around, and there’s a 6’4, 22-year-old man fully intact exposing male genitalia inches away from where you were simultaneously undressing.”
Riley Gaines, a former All-American University of Kentucky swimmer, speaks before Florida Governor and presidential candidate Ron DeSantis at the Greenville Convention Center on Friday, June 2, 2023. (MCKENZIE LANGE/ Staff / USA TODAY NETWORK)
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Twenty-three states have placed restrictions on transgender females participating in girls’ and women’s sports.
Rutgers runs brilliant fourth-down play to perfection: ‘I thought it was a fumble!’
When a team is facing an opponent with higher-quality talent, they have to pull out all the stops.
Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano had his Scarlet Knights playing with no fear against No. 1 Ohio State in Week 10.
Gavin Wimsatt, #2 of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights, takes the snap and hands the ball to Kyle Monangai, #5 of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights, on 4th down to get a first down on November 4, 2023, at SHI Stadium in Piscataway, New Jersey. (Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Early in the second quarter, with Rutgers facing a fourth-and-1 near midfield, Schiano elected to send his offense onto the field.
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Quarterback Gavin Wimsatt faked a quarterback sneak as he placed the ball between his legs and handed it to running back Kyle Monangai.
The CBS broadcasters were so fooled that they thought Wimsatt had fumbled the football before Monangai rumbled down the field for 45 yards.
“Are you kidding me!? Wimsatt put the ball between his legs. I thought it was a fumble!” the CBS broadcaster said.
The Scarlet Knights would settle for a field goal on the drive. Rutgers entered halftime with a 9-7 lead over Ohio State.
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The Buckeyes were named the No. 1 team in the first College Football Playoff rankings on Tuesday, with Georgia, Michigan and Florida State rounding out the top four.
Gavin Wimsatt #2 of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights takes the snap and hands the ball to Kyle Monangai, #5 of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights, on 4th down to get a first down on November 4, 2023, at SHI Stadium in Piscataway, New Jersey. (Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
The committee clearly took strength of schedule into consideration for the first ranking of the year, and Ohio State’s two wins over top-10 opponents were more impressive than Georgia’s less-than-impressive schedule and lone win over an AP Top 25 opponent in No. 20 Kentucky.
“They had the big win at Notre Dame, the win over Penn State, top-five defense,” CFP Chairman Boo Corrigan said, according to Sporting News. “They have difference makers on offense across the board. Marvin Harrison is elite. We came to the conclusion that they are No. 1.”
Kyle McCord, #6 of the Ohio State Buckeyes, during the game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights on November 4, 2023, at SHI Stadium in Piscataway, New Jersey. (Photo by (Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
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Rutgers was off to an impressive 6-2 start to the season in Schiano’s second stint at the school.
The Rutgers defense held Ohio State quarterback Kyle McCord to a season-low 80 passing yards in the first half before the Scarlet Knights were outscored 28-7 after halftime.
The Buckeyes moved to 9-0 with a 35-16 win.
What is metadata in blockchain transactions?
Metadata in blockchain transactions, explained
Additional data or information that can be appended to a crypto transaction on a blockchain is referred to as metadata in blockchain transactions.
Although the main function of a blockchain is to document and authenticate the transfer of digital assets, including cryptocurrencies like Ether (ETH) or Bitcoin (BTC), metadata enables users to add additional information or context to their transactions.
Metadata is data about data. In the context of blockchain transactions, it includes information that is not directly related to the transfer of cryptocurrency but can provide additional functionality to the transaction.
There are two main types of metadata in blockchain transactions:
On-chain metadata
Since this metadata is immediately stored on the blockchain, it is part of the transaction data that is stored there. Anyone with access to the blockchain can see it. Information such as transaction labels, notes or references to external contracts or documents can all be found in on-chain metadata.
Off-chain metadata
This data is referenced in the transaction but is not kept on the blockchain directly. Links to other content, such as files, documents or web URLs that provide further details about the transaction, can be included in off-chain metadata. Off-chain metadata is a tool that users can utilize to reduce clutter on the blockchain.
How on-chain and off-chain metadata are stored
On-chain metadata, such as transaction details, smart contract code and token properties, is integral to the blockchain’s data structure, being permanently stored and replicated across network nodes. In contrast, off-chain metadata is stored externally, using cryptographic references, enhancing blockchain efficiency and flexibility.
The blockchain’s data structure contains on-chain metadata natively. This information is permanently saved and replicated across all network nodes, and it forms a component of the blockchain’s ledger. The majority of on-chain metadata is kept within the actual transactions. On the blockchain, every transaction has a payload with pertinent metadata. For instance, the sender, receiver, amount and transaction date are recorded as on-chain metadata when sending cryptocurrency between addresses.
When it comes to smart contracts, the contract’s code and accompanying data are kept on the blockchain as on-chain metadata. This covers the functions, state variables and related data of the contract. Each block has headers that provide certain metadata that is easily accessible for verification, like block timestamps, block numbers and transaction IDs. Metadata regarding token properties (e.g., token name, symbol, supply) is frequently maintained on the blockchain for tokens like Ethereum’s ERC-721 and ERC-20.
In contrast, off-chain metadata is stored off the blockchain. It can be kept in a variety of places, including off-chain scaling solutions like the Lightning Network, decentralized storage systems like the InterPlanetary File System (IPFS), and external databases. Blockchain uses cryptographic hashes or pointers to refer to off-chain metadata, which frees up space on the blockchain for larger or less important data storage, lessens congestion and provides flexibility to applications that need private or dynamic information.
Examples of metadata in blockchain transactions
Metadata in blockchain includes timestamps, transaction details, smart contract data, digital signatures, gas fees, IPFS links, oracles’ information and nonfungible token (NFT) metadata, enabling diverse functionalities and information storage within the blockchain network.
Timestamps
A blockchain’s blocks each contain a timestamp that shows the moment the block was added to the chain. The timing of a transaction is recorded via this metadata.
Transaction details
Sender and recipient addresses, transaction amounts and distinct transaction IDs are just a few examples of the metadata that can be included with each transaction on a blockchain.
Smart contract data
Parameters and input data required for the contract’s operation may be included in the metadata when smart contracts are executed on a blockchain.
Digital signatures
To confirm the legitimacy of transactions and demonstrate ownership, metadata contains digital signatures.
Gas fees
On blockchains like Ethereum, metadata may include details regarding the gas fees associated with processing transactions. Miners and validators need this information in order to prioritize transactions.
InterPlanetary File System links
Links to IPFS, a decentralized file storage system, can be found in blockchain metadata. Users can access the data on the blockchain by retrieving a reference, usually in the form of a hash, to the IPFS file as needed. Large files, including images, videos or documents related to on-chain assets like NFTs, can be stored using this method.
Oracles
Oracles are external services that provide smart contracts access to real-world data. These oracles’ information may be included in blockchain metadata to cause smart contract activities.
Nonfungible token metadata
NFTs often contain metadata, such as creators, descriptions and other details about the digital or physical assets they represent.
How to add metadata to a blockchain transaction?
When a user wants to add metadata to a blockchain transaction, they can do so through a smart contract, which is a self-executing contract with predetermined terms encoded into it.
Let’s understand the process using Ethereum as an example, which is known for its ability to include metadata in transactions through smart contracts.
Create a smart contract
A smart contract must be created before metadata can be added. Instructions on where and how the metadata will be stored are included in this contract. The metadata can be stored in a variable that is defined, usually as a string. Here is a simplified example written in Solidity, the
In the above example, the smart contract called MyContract has a publicly readable metadata variable and features a function called setMetadata that enables the metadata to be updated.
Interacting with the smart contract
An individual must communicate with the smart contract by sending a transaction to add metadata to a blockchain transaction. This can be done using libraries like web3.js or ethers.js, or via Ethereum wallet applications.
Verifying the metadata
By interacting with the smart contract and reading the metadata variable, anyone can validate the metadata once the transaction has been confirmed and added to the blockchain. However, it’s crucial to remember that considerations such as gas costs, security and privacy should be considered while adding metadata to a blockchain transaction.
Use cases of blockchain metadata
Blockchain metadata finds application in a wide range of industries, including supply chain management, digital identity, smart contracts, NFTs and healthcare.
Supply chain management
Businesses can improve traceability and transparency by putting product production, transportation and quality-related metadata on a blockchain. A food producer, for example, can keep track of information regarding the provenance of materials, their passage through the supply chain and quality checks.
This information is essential for addressing problems like fraud or recalls, guaranteeing regulatory compliance and confirming authenticity. Furthermore, customers can use this metadata to make well-informed decisions regarding the goods they purchase.
Digital identity and authentication
Blockchain metadata can be used to safely manage and preserve credentials and personal data. People are in charge of their data and can allow or prohibit access to those who are allowed, which lowers the possibility of identity theft and privacy violations. Enterprises, governments and educational institutions can use this technology to improve service security and expedite identification verification procedures.
Smart contracts
Another domain in which blockchain metadata is essential is smart contracts. Metadata is used by these self-executing contracts to decide when and how to execute a particular condition. An insurance smart contract, for example, could use meteorological data as metadata to immediately initiate payouts for policyholders impacted by unfavorable weather conditions.
In the financial industry, loan agreements can establish eligibility and interest rates based on credit ratings and transaction history that are maintained as metadata, allowing for more automated and efficient lending procedures.
Nonfungible tokens and digital assets
NFTs and digital assets frequently use blockchain information to provide digital collectibles, artwork and assets meaning and value. Information about the originator, the history of ownership and the characteristics of the digital item are examples of metadata. Provenance tracking, art authentication and the creation of decentralized applications (DApps) that build upon NFTs can all benefit greatly from this knowledge.
Healthcare records and data security
Furthermore, the healthcare sector is using blockchain metadata to manage patient records securely and guarantee data integrity. Medical histories, patient consent forms and data access logs can all be stored in metadata, improving the security and privacy of health information. Furthermore, it facilitates communication between various healthcare systems and allows emergency responders to obtain vital medical information more quickly.
Challenges associated with blockchain metadata
Overcoming challenges in blockchain metadata, including scalability issues, data security concerns and oracle reliability, is essential for sustainable technology advancement and widespread adoption.
Concerns about scalability and storage costs are important because, as blockchain networks grow in size, they can become less effective and need more resources. Large volumes of data storage on the blockchain may strain network architecture and increase the risk of centralization.
Another issue is data security and privacy, particularly when dealing with private or sensitive data. Blockchain’s transparency may contradict privacy regulations, so implementation and design must be done carefully. Furthermore, the reliability of blockchain applications and smart contracts may be impacted by malicious or erroneous data inputs when depending on oracles to retrieve external data.
Addressing these challenges is crucial for the continued development and adoption of blockchain technology in various industries. Overcoming these obstacles in blockchain metadata calls for a diversified strategy. Developers can explore layer-2 solutions and sharding techniques to offload certain data from the main chain to avoid scalability difficulties.
Encryption and permissioned blockchains can be used to improve data security and privacy for sensitive data. Oracle reliability can be ensured by employing multiple data sources for validation and reputation mechanisms. Hence, blockchain metadata may be made more efficient and secure with the help of strong security protocols, inventive technology and careful design.
Bears, Montez Sweat agree to $98 million extension shortly after trading for him: reports
If you thought the Chicago Bears were just going for rentals at the trade deadline, think again.
The Bears acquired defensive lineman Montez Sweat from the Washington Commanders this past Tuesday.
Sweat was able to be franchise-tagged, but given the capital Chicago allowed to get him (with the way their season is going, it figures to be an early second-rounder), they decided to lock Sweat up.
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Montez Sweat, #90 of the Washington Commanders, runs out of the tunnel prior to an NFL game against the Chicago Bears at FedExField on October 5, 2023, in Landover, Maryland. (Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
The two sides reportedly agreed to a four-year pact worth $98 million, with over $72 million of it guaranteed.
Sweat was the 26th selection by Washington in the 2019 NFL Draft out of Mississippi State. In his career, he has 35.5 sacks and 197 tackles.
“Montez is a huge addition to our team,” general manager Ryan Poles said via the team website. “He is not only a great player but a great person. We expect him to help elevate our defense.”
Swat wasn’t the only first-round defensive lineman Washington parted ways with at the deadline. They also sent Chase Young, the second pick of the 2020 NFL Draft, to the San Francisco 49ers.
Chase Young, #99, and Montez Sweat, #90, of the Washington Commanders celebrate after a fumble recovery in the fourth quarter of the game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on October 22, 2023, in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Dustin Satloff/Getty Images)
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It’s the second straight year the Bears sent a second-round pick to get a veteran. Last year, they sent their own second-rounder to the Pittsburgh Steelers for Chase Claypool. That pick wound up being the 32nd pick, as the Bears had the worst record in football, and the Miami Dolphins (ironically, the team Claypool now plays for) forfeited their first-rounder after tampering with Tom Brady and Sean Payton. The move, however, failed miserably, as Claypool’s talent never materialized in the Windy City, and earlier this year, the Bears sent him and a 2025 seventh-rounder to Miami for a sixth-round pick that year.
Montez Sweat, #90 of the Washington Commanders, takes to the field prior to a game against the Philadelphia Eagles at FedExField on October 29, 2023, in Landover, Maryland. (Jess Rapfogel/Getty Images)
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Chicago’s 10 sacks and 46 pressures both rank dead last in the NFL. They will look to improve to 3-6 when they face the Saints in New Orleans on Sunday.
Fox News’ Paulina Dedaj contributed to this report.
Facebook accounts hit with malicious ad attack with dangerous malware
In an alarming revelation, Bitdefender Labs has uncovered a sinister turn in cybercrime tactics on Facebook. Hackers are using a new virus called NodeStealer to steal your cookies and passwords. It’s a sneaky piece of code that runs on JavaScript and Node.js, and it can grab your web browser data and use it to hack into your Facebook account.
How NodeStealer works
How do they do it? Well, they use cunning malvertising campaigns, which are fake ads that look like they’re from Meta, the company that owns Facebook. When you click on these ads, you’re actually downloading the NodeStealer virus, which then starts to spy on your online activity.
NodeStealer is a virus that seeks to steal information, like passwords, from Facebook users. (Credit: Bitdefender Labs)
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Provocative lure tricks people who are using Facebook
Hackers will post ads on Facebook with pictures of pretty girls, hoping to get you to click on them. But don’t fall for it. These ads are actually hiding a nasty virus that can steal your passwords and personal information.
Bitdefender researchers found that at least 10 Facebook accounts that belong to businesses have been hacked and used to spread these ads. The ads have a link that says, “Photo Album,” but when you click on it, you download a file that infects your computer. The file then gets access to your browser cookies and passwords, which lets the hackers get into your accounts.
MORE: DON’T FALL FOR THAT “LOOK WHO DIED” FACEBOOK MESSAGE TRAP
Hackers post ads with women on Facebook in an attempt to lure people into clicking on them, thereby stealing their information. (Credit: Bitdefender Labs)
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Disturbing spread of this attack
The sheer reach of these campaigns is deeply concerning. Bitdefender’s analysis estimates an astounding 100,000 potential downloads, with a single ad amassing up to 15,000 downloads within a mere 24-hour span. Demographically, males over 45 are the most impacted, highlighting the targeted nature of these attacks.
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Males over 45 are most impacted by this malware campaign. (Credit: Bitdefender Labs)
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How the Facebook ad malware threat is evolving into more elusive trouble
Originally identified by Meta’s security team in early 2023, NodeStealer has undergone a rapid and troubling transformation. The malware, initially devised to steal browser cookies and execute large-scale account takeovers, now boasts enhanced features enabling unauthorized entry into additional platforms like Gmail and Outlook. Its expanded capabilities even extend to stealing crypto wallet balances and downloading further malicious payloads.
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NodeStealer does not only hack your Facebook account but can spill over into other accounts, like Gmail and Outlook. (Credit: Bitdefender Labs)
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How the attack unfolds
The attackers’ modus operandi is both clever and calculated. Utilizing ad credit balances from hijacked business accounts, they run ads that distribute the NodeStealer malware to a specifically chosen group of people.
They establish Facebook pages with names like “Album Update” or “Hot Album Update Today,” alluring users with the promise of exclusive, risqué content. Yet, the promised “albums” are merely a façade for spreading NodeStealer malware.
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Hackers use the allure of risqué content to entice Facebooks users to click on ads. (Credit: Bitdefender Labs)
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Understanding what kind of damage this attack is capable of
When NodeStealer compromises your device, it doesn’t just sit idly; it paves the way for cybercriminals to hijack your Facebook account and delve into your sensitive information. This breach can escalate quickly, with hackers potentially altering passwords and implementing additional security measures to lock you out of your own account.
The consequences can range from financial theft to identity fraud, with criminals using the stolen accounts to ensnare more victims, all while evading Meta’s security measures.
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Some of the consequences of this malware include financial theft and identity fraud. (Credit: Bitdefender Labs)
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How to protect yourself from this persistent malware attack
To detect and defend against NodeStealer’s nasty threat, you should adopt a multi-layered approach:
Implement robust security solutions from good antivirus protection: The cornerstone of digital defense is to have a reliable security solution installed on your device. Having good antivirus software actively running on your devices will alert you of any malware in your system, warn you against clicking on any malicious links in phishing emails, and ultimately protect you from being hacked. Review of the 2023 Best Antivirus Protection here.
Practice good cyber hygiene: Exercise caution in your digital interactions. Refrain from clicking on unsolicited links, particularly those associated with alarming notifications or ads urging you to download enticing media files.
Beware of suspicious ads: Specifically, for this NodeStealer campaign, you should be wary of any ad prompting the download of photo albums, especially if the source is Bitbucket, Gitlab, or Dropbox. Such ads are likely traps set by cybercriminals to deploy NodeStealer malware onto your device.
Scrutinize unusual account activity: Keep an eye out for any unusual activity on your accounts. Unexpected password-reset emails, unrecognized logins, or uninitiated security changes can be red flags signaling a compromised account.
Educate and inform: Share your knowledge about these threats with friends and family. The more informed people are, the less likely they are to fall victim to these schemes. Sign up for my security alerts by subscribing to my CyberGuy Newsletter here.
Kurt’s key takeaways
The evolution of NodeStealer attacks on Facebook is a stark reminder of the ongoing arms race between cybercriminals and security professionals. The proactive adoption of robust cybersecurity practices is our best defense in this digital age.
Remain alert to the ever-changing landscape of online threats, as illustrated by the provocative malvertising campaigns currently exploiting Facebook’s vast network. You have to take proactive security on all of your connected technology seriously, as we’ve learned that we cannot rely on big tech or Uncle Sam to protect us from these growing threats.
How will the rise of sophisticated malware like NodeStealer change your approach to online security, and what steps do you plan to take to protect your digital identity on platforms like Facebook? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact
For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter
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Blockchain adoption continues unabated — Bloomberg analyst
Should the current rate of adoption continue, blockchain technology could have 100 million daily users by 2028, according to projections by Bloomberg Intelligence analyst Jamie Coutts.
On X (formerly Twitter), Coutts pointed out that blockchain adoption has been “unabated” throughout bull and bear markets over the past years. “Not having exposure to one of the largest structural trends of the next decade could be costly,” said the analyst.
Daily active addresses exceed 5 million in the third quarter of 2023, up 14% from 2022, according to Coutts, while quarter-on-quarter growth has averaged 29% since 2019. “If we apply a more moderate 20% QoQ growth rate then we could reach 100 million daily users by 2028.”
Bear market/Bull market, adoption of #blockchain technology continues unabated. Not having exposure to one of the largest structural trends of the next decade could be costly.
5 million daily #crypto users today, is likely to be 100m in less than 5 years.
— Jamie Coutts CMT (@Jamie1Coutts) November 3, 2023
Coutts compared blockchain rate adoption with PayPal’s rate growth. According to him, it took the fintech giant 13 years to reach 100 million daily users. “If Ethereum was day zero for smart contracts (2015) then it may take a similar time frame for blockchains to reach similar level of adoption,” he added.
Keeping the current pace of adoption, blockchain-based companies may also see a rise in valuations. Coutts noted that basic regressions show the blockchain ecosystem could be valued between $5 trillion to $14 trillion once 100 million users are onboard. “Thats up from $350b today.”
Coutts projections are consistent with data suggesting sustained interest in blockchain technology. In spite of the market downturn, development in the crypto industry rose 5% in 2022. Additionally, a survey conducted by Celent in 2022 showed that 91% of institutional investors are interested in investing in tokenized assets — blockchain-based tokens that represent ownership of physical and digital assets.
“While overly simplistic extrapolations such as this should never be soley relied on for valuation purposes it, the exercise illustrates that users and prices are inextricably linked and that as adoption continues prices are likely to track much higher for some assets,” Coutts predicted.
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