The Protocol: Self-spreading Malware Found in Privacy Crypto Dero
CoinDesk’s The Protocol Weekly Wrap-Up: Key Cryptocurrency Developments
This week’s The Protocol, CoinDesk’s weekly cryptocurrency tech development summary, covers significant advancements and events in the crypto space.
Network News:
MetaMask, Ethereum’s leading browser wallet, has integrated Solana, enabling its over 100 million annual users to transact on the Solana network and interact with its applications. This integration, currently available on desktop, will soon launch on mobile. Meanwhile, a new Linux malware campaign is exploiting unsecured Docker infrastructure to mine the privacy coin Dero, highlighting ongoing security risks in the crypto ecosystem. The malware self-propagates, turning compromised servers into a decentralized cryptojacking network.
FIFA, global football’s governing body, is partnering with Avalanche to build its own layer-1 blockchain. This follows FIFA’s previous NFT release on Algorand, demonstrating increasing adoption of blockchain technology in sports. The new blockchain will leverage Avalanche’s customizable subnet capabilities, enhanced by the recent Avalanche9000 upgrade.
Square is piloting near real-time Bitcoin payments using the Lightning Network in Las Vegas. The system allows purchases via barcode scans, with real-time exchange rate calculations and confirmations handled by Square. A wider rollout is planned for later this year, with full customer availability targeted for 2026, pending regulatory approvals.
Market Trends and Regulatory Updates:
Bitcoin’s recent upward trend showed signs of weakening, trading near $108,900 and potentially breaking a bullish trendline. The SEC initiated a review of the WisdomTree XRP Trust, a proposed spot XRP ETF. Approval would mark a significant milestone for XRP and potentially pave the way for similar spot crypto ETFs. The U.S. Senate is nearing passage of the GENIUS Act, a landmark stablecoin bill, following a challenging legislative process.
A suspect in the kidnapping and torture of an Italian cryptocurrency investor in Manhattan has surrendered to police. The alleged plot involved attempts to extract bitcoin wallet keys.
Upcoming Events:
Several upcoming events highlight the ongoing activity and growth in the crypto industry: Bitcoin 2025, ETHPrague, Berlin Blockchain Week, Permissionless, EthCC, Web3 Summit, Korea Blockchain Week, Token2049, Devconnect, Solana Breakpoint, and Consensus (Hong Kong and Miami).
