Is the new Ethos Universal Crypto Wallet truly Universal, Convenient and Secure?

Colleagues, the Cryptocurrency Academy applauds the introduction of the Ethos Universal Wallet. The goal of a wallet which enables traders and investors alike to manage all their cryptocurrencies and tokens from one mobile device is a noble endeavor. This wallet was initially launched on Android with plans to introduce an iOS version in the near future (date – to be determined. Universality, security and convenience are three critical success factors for any crypto wallet. With new cryptocurrencies and next gen versions of existing currencies continuously coming to market only time will tell just how universal this wallet really is. A mobile app-based wallet surely is convenient. However, the fact that this is a software-based wallet raises significant security concerns in comparison to hardware wallets, particularly the Ledger Nano S, Trezor Bitcoin and the KeepKey wallets. Share a comment visit us today! Lawrence – Cryptocurrency Academy (https://cryptocurrencyacademy.blogspot.com/) 

Are We Approaching an Era Where Cryptocurrency Transactions Can Increasing Be Tracked?

Colleagues, money laundering, illicit drug transactions and nation-states seeking to side-step trade sanctions have all sought refuge via the use of cryptocurrencies. However, the emerging crypto world order may in fact be an era in which such transactions can in fact be tracked. The cyber security struggle between good and evil is playing out before our eyes as central banks (e.g. US Federal Reserve) and regulatory entities (e.g. the US SEC) seek the upper hand against crypto cyber criminals. Firms such as CipherTrace, Chainanalysis and Bitfury are introducing tools designed to gain insight into crypto transactions. Bottom line question: Which side of the crypto privacy vs. transparency ecosystem will succeed? The Cryptocurrency Academy predicts that not unlike other cybercrime and warfare, this will be a long-term dilemma whereby each side develops new technologies and tactics that the other will thwart or mitigate. Share a comment visit us today! Lawrence – Cryptocurrency Academy (https://cryptocurrencyacademy.blogspot.com/) 

The BetterHash Crypto Protocol Seeks to Pre-Empt Highly Centralized Stratum Mining

Colleagues, this is a follow-up to our recent post about alternative Bitcoin mining protocols. Well Bitcoin core developer Matt Corallo has officially launched BetterHash which offer a decentralized alternative to Stratum the most common BTC and much more centralized protocol used by AntPool and Bitmain. The goal is to give miners more control over block templates and help mitigate the risk of a government ordering a locally-operated mining pool to censor transactions. Moreover, BetterHash’s sub rosa plan appears to be to prevent Stratum in general, and Bitmain in particular, from achieving a 51% majority stake in BTC mining. So how well will BetterHash be accepted and potentially pre-empt Stratum-Bitmain’s control over BTC mining?  You make the call. Share a comment visit us today! Lawrence – Cryptocurrency Academy (https://cryptocurrencyacademy.blogspot.com/) 

Can a $2m Incentive Help Buglab Enhance Cryptocurrency Exchange Security?

Colleagues, the Coincheck, Bitgrail, Coinsecure and Coinrail cryptocurrency exchanges have all fallen victim to cybercrime thefts in 2018 alone. So what can be done to increase exchange security and bolster both crypto trader and investor confidence? Well, our friends at Buglab holding a hacking contest to uncover vulnerabilities in their platforms with a $2m BGL token prize. They are an Ethereum-based platform which helps exchanges around the globe resolve security weaknesses in digital solutions such as web apps, DAPPS, smart contracts and IoT. Major software and IT vendors such as Google, Apple and Microsoft commonly hold such security bake-offs to stress-test the integrity of their solutions. Crypto exchanges are often believed to be the weakest link in the emerging cryptocurrency ecosystem. The key question is which bugs can be identified combined with strong mitigation techniques? Share a comment visit us today! Lawrence – Cryptocurrency Academy (https://cryptocurrencyacademy.blogspot.com/) 

Is Bitcoin a “Buy” at $5,000? Mohamed El-Erian at Allianz Thinks So

Colleagues, despite today’s BTC gains it is a fair to say that when Mohamed El-Erian speaks people listen. Without doubt El-Erian is among the elite financial minds in the US, if not the world. The former PIMCO CEO, El-Erian believes that cryptocurrencies should be viewed more like commodities rather than sovereign bank currencies. What El-Erian did not say is as important as what he did say. He did not join the chorus of Bitcoin evangelists such as Jeet Singh and Tim Draper who predict than the crypto asset will reach stratospheric levels of $50K and $250k respectively. Bottom line: For long-term investors the Cryptocurrency Academy recommends that cryptocurrencies should comprise no more than 5% of your portfolio. Yet for some 20-something crypto addicts Bitcoin and Altcoins may in fact comprise a much higher percent of their assets. We stand by our previous claim that Blockchain technology-focused firms represent a far more tenable investment alternative. Post a comment visit us today! Lawrence – Cryptocurrency Academy (https://cryptocurrencyacademy.blogspot.com/) 

Facebook to Ease Restrictions on Crypto Ads - Is an ICO or Crypto Exchange in its Future?

Colleagues, there are two hot topics which the global cryptosphere is closely watching. First, is the company’s reversal of its January 2018 ban on crypto advertising on its social media platform. On June 26 Facebook issued an update to this policy changing course and will now allow such ads to be placed. Read the policy decision here. The key is proper scrutiny over the legitimacy and authenticity of ads Facebook chooses to allow. The bigger issue on the minds of many FB watchers is whether the firm will former enter the crypto market via the launch of its own ICO or acquisition of a tier 1 crypto exchange. While this second issue is still considered “speculation”, there is a growing belief that Facebook might acquire Coinbase. The Cryptocurrency Academy predicts with high confidence that an ICO or crypto exchange is surely in Facebook’s near-term future. Post a comment visit us today! Lawrence – Cryptocurrency Academy (https://cryptocurrencyacademy.blogspot.com/) 

What Impact will the INS Wallet have on the INS Blockchain Platform?

Colleagues, Russia-based INS is developing a platform to enable direct interaction between brands and consumers. Reaching the next generation audience via data-driven mass personalization. The team consists of a large global collective of professionals with solid industry experience. Their wall now supports Ethereum and INS ERC-20 tokens, and has plans to secure Bitcoin. INS’ goal is to enable Blockchain to manage business between consumer and leading consumer brands such as Air Wick, Tiret, Viola, Clearasil, Gaviscon and others. The open source platform is designed for an emerging DAPP consumer brand ecosystem. Bottom line: Once the INS Platform moves to the mainnet in 2019 can it be expanded to other vertical markets or will it remain confined to the consumer product niche? Post a comment visit us today! Lawrence – Cryptocurrency Academy (https://cryptocurrencyacademy.blogspot.com/)