Cryptocurrencies

AI chatbot Claude misused for high-value ransomware

Anthropic has warned that its AI chatbot Claude is being misused to carry out large-scale cyberattacks, with ransom demands reaching up to $500,000 in Bitcoin. Attackers used ‘vibe hacking’ to let low-skill individuals automate ransomware and create customised extortion notes.

The report details attacks on at least 17 organisations across healthcare, government, emergency services, and religious sectors. Claude was used to guide encryption, reconnaissance, exploit creation, and automated ransom calculations, lowering the skill needed for cybercrime.

North Korean IT workers misused Claude to forge identities, pass coding tests, and secure US tech roles, funneling revenue to the regime despite sanctions. Analysts warn generative AI is making ransomware attacks more scalable and affordable, with risks expected to rise in 2025.

Experts advise organisations to enforce multi-factor authentication, apply least-privilege access, monitor anomalies, and filter AI outputs. Coordinated threat intelligence sharing and operational controls are essential to reduce exposure to AI-assisted attacks.

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Could quantum computing reshape Bitcoin’s future

Quantum technology, rooted in quantum mechanics from the early 1900s, is rapidly advancing and may reshape the future of computing. Quantum computers handle data far faster than classical systems, with Google’s Willow chip marking a key advance.

However, their potential also raises concerns for digital assets such as Bitcoin.

Bitcoin’s cryptographic security relies on the Elliptic Curve Digital Signature Algorithm (ECDSA), which is considered unbreakable with today’s computers. Yet quantum computers, using algorithms like Peter Shor’s, could theoretically expose private keys and compromise wallets.

Experts caution that such risks remain distant, as current quantum hardware is still decades away from posing a real threat.

Beyond security risks, quantum computing could also revive millions of long-lost Bitcoins locked in early wallets. If those coins return to circulation, it could shake Bitcoin’s scarcity and market value.

The debate continues whether these coins should be burned or redistributed to preserve Bitcoin’s economic integrity.

For now, Bitcoin remains safe. Developers are creating quantum-resistant tools like QRAMP and new cryptography to strengthen the network. Users can boost safety by avoiding address reuse and using wallets like Taproot and SegWit.

While quantum risks loom, the network’s adaptability and ongoing research suggest that Bitcoin is well placed to withstand future challenges.

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Google Cloud develops blockchain network for financial institutions

Google Cloud is creating its own blockchain platform, the Google Cloud Universal Ledger (GCUL), targeting the financial sector. The network provides a neutral, compliant infrastructure for payment automation and digital asset management through a single API.

GCUL allows financial institutions to build Python-based smart contracts, with support for various use cases such as wholesale payments and asset tokenisation. Although called a Layer 1 network, its private, permissioned design raises debate over its status as a decentralised blockchain.

The company also revealed a series of AI-driven security enhancements at its Security Summit 2025.

These include an ‘agentic security operations centre’ for proactive threat detection, the Alert Investigation agent for automated analysis, and Model Armour to prevent prompt injection, jailbreaking, and data leaks.

Currently in a private testnet, GCUL was first announced in March in collaboration with the CME Group, which is piloting solutions on the platform. Google Cloud plans to reveal more details in the future as the project develops.

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ChatGPT guides investors through crypto research

AI tools like ChatGPT are becoming essential for researching cryptocurrencies before investing. The platform can simplify white papers, explain tokenomics, and summarise use cases to help investors make informed decisions.

Evaluating the team, partnerships, and security risks remains critical. ChatGPT can guide users in identifying potential scams such as rug pulls, pump-and-dump schemes, or phishing attacks.

It also helps assess regulatory compliance and whether projects have working products. Comparing coins with competitors further highlights strengths and weaknesses within categories like DeFi, NFTs, or Layer 1 blockchains.

Although ChatGPT cannot give real-time data or investment advice, it helps by suggesting research questions, summarising content, and organising insights efficiently. Investors should use it to complement traditional due diligence, not replace critical thinking or careful analysis.

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Greece strengthens crypto rules to align with EU standards

Greek authorities are enforcing stricter regulations on the crypto sector to strengthen oversight and align with European standards. The move targets money laundering and tax evasion, reflecting Athens’ intent to bring order to the industry.

Digital asset exchanges and wallet providers will face a rigorous licensing process. Applicants must submit a complete business dossier, disclose management and shareholder details, and pass extensive checks before being allowed to operate.

Non-compliant platforms risk being barred from the market.

Financial regulators will monitor crypto transactions closely, with powers to freeze suspicious digital assets and trace funds. Authorities aim to prevent illegal capital flows while boosting investor confidence through enhanced transparency.

Taxation rules for crypto are expected this fall, with capital gains taxes set at 15% for private investors and potentially higher for companies. Some crypto services may also be subject to 24% VAT, with final rates announced in the coming months.

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AI model forecasts Bitcoin to fall below $100,000

Bitcoin has slipped below $110,000, and according to Finbold’s use of ChatGPT-5, a further drop could occur in the coming weeks. The model outlined technical resistance and seasonal factors pointing to September weakness.

Key levels around $112,000 and $106,000 are under pressure, with the AI projecting a sharp decline toward $98,000 if support breaks. Historically, September has been one of Bitcoin’s worst-performing months, adding to the bearish outlook.

Despite the short-term caution, demand from ETFs and long-term holders may offer support between $95,000 and $98,000. Longer-term technicals remain intact, with the 200-day average sitting near $95,000.

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Silicon Valley moves to influence AI policy

Silicon Valley insiders are preparing to pour over $100 million into next year’s US midterm elections to influence AI policy. The super-PAC Leading the Future, backed by Andreessen Horowitz and Greg Brockman, seeks to impact AI policy and limit strict regulation.

Leading the Future targets battleground states such as California, New York, Illinois, and Ohio. The PAC intends to fund campaigns, run extensive social media ads, and focus on politicians who support innovation-friendly ‘guardrails’ rather than heavy-handed regulation.

The initiative draws inspiration from the crypto industry’s political playbook, which successfully backed candidates aligned with its interests.

The group’s structure combines federal and state PACs with a 501(c)(4) organisation, offering flexibility and influence over both major parties. High-profile backers include Marc Andreessen, Greg Brockman, Joe Lonsdale, and Ron Conway.

Their collective goal is to ensure AI development continues without regulatory barriers that could slow American innovation and job creation.

Silicon Valley’s strategy highlights the increasing role of tech money in politics, reflecting a shift in donor priorities. The PAC’s influence may become a decisive factor in shaping AI legislation, with potential implications for the industry and broader US policy debates.

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CZ outlines vision for crypto and AI integration

Binance founder Changpeng ‘CZ’ Zhao shared his vision for crypto’s future, connecting digital assets with AI and recent policy changes. At WebX in Tokyo, CZ praised US crypto policy under Trump, highlighting stablecoin legislation and the Genius Act while opposing central bank digital currencies.

He argued that embracing innovation is crucial to remaining competitive globally.

CZ predicted that crypto will become the natural medium of exchange for AI, bypassing traditional fiat, banks, and credit cards. He envisaged hundreds or thousands of AI agents per person, generating a surge of microtransactions via programmable blockchain networks.

According to CZ, blockchains’ APIs are better suited than banks for interfacing with AI-driven economic activity.

Since stepping down from Binance, CZ has focused on education and advisory work. His Giggle Academy already serves 50,000 children, aiming to digitise 18 years of schooling at a fraction of government costs.

He advises at least 12 governments on crypto regulation and adoption. He also plans to mentor founders and back early-stage projects through his investment firm EZ Labs, emphasising ethical practices and long-term value creation.

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Bitcoin price drops after whale sell-off while Ethereum holds

Bitcoin price weakened sharply after a $2.7 billion whale sell-off sparked automated liquidations, pushing the cryptocurrency toward key support near $110,500. Over $846 million in liquidations doubled the total crypto capitalisation to about $3.83 trillion.

Indicators suggest short-term volatility and choppy price action.

Technical metrics highlight the divergence between Bitcoin and Ethereum. Bitcoin’s ADX at 16 and RSI near 42 signal low trend conviction and growing selling pressure, while the Squeeze Momentum Indicator points to potential volatility ahead.

Ethereum remains comparatively resilient, with an ADX around 41, a bullish 50–200 EMA spread, and RSI near 59, supporting continued positive momentum.

Traders are advised to emphasise risk management amid elevated uncertainty. Key Bitcoin support levels sit at $110,500 and $107,000–$107,600, with resistance at $116,000 and $120,000. Ethereum support ranges from $4,194 to $4,400, while immediate resistance reaches $4,954.

Tightening stop-losses, reducing leverage, and waiting for confirmed volatility resolution are recommended before initiating new positions.

The recent whale-induced volatility demonstrates how a large order can swiftly impact market dynamics. While Bitcoin shows fragile trend conditions, Ethereum’s technical strength provides a measure of stability.

Monitoring indicators and key levels remains essential for navigating the current environment.

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UAE emerges as major Bitcoin holder through mining operations

The UAE has emerged as a major player in the global crypto landscape, with recent data revealing Bitcoin holdings worth $700 million linked to Citadel’s mining operations. Citadel, owned mainly by the UAE Royal Group via IHC, has boosted the country’s influence in digital assets.

These holdings reflect the UAE’s strategic efforts to establish a robust crypto ecosystem, particularly in Dubai.

Enforcement actions against fraudulent investment schemes and high-profile Ponzi operations have helped the UAE accumulate approximately 420,000 BTC. Governments worldwide own roughly 463,000 BTC, equivalent to around 2.3% of Bitcoin’s total supply.

While some nations maintain secrecy over their holdings, others openly report their Bitcoin accumulation.

Several countries have obtained BTC through mining initiatives. El Salvador continues to expand its reserve with daily purchases under the ‘1 Bitcoin per day’ programme. At the same time, Bhutan has used hydroelectric resources to mine between 12,000 and 13,000 BTC, representing up to 40% of its economy.

Iran has recognised Bitcoin mining as a government-controlled enterprise, requiring licensed miners to sell directly to the Central Bank.

Other nations have acquired BTC primarily through seizures. The US leads with nearly 200,000 BTC from high-profile cases like Silk Road and ransomware takedowns.

China, the UK, and Bulgaria also hold significant amounts from fraud and cybercrime investigations, while smaller nations such as Finland, Georgia, and Venezuela maintain modest reserves.

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