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CRYPTOCURRENCY

The Idiot’s Guide to Crypto

The Idiots Guide to Crypto 3 scaled

The world of cryptocurrency can be daunting for newcomers, but understanding its basics can open doors to exciting financial opportunities. This guide aims to simplify the complex world of crypto, making it accessible for everyone, especially those in the UAE who are interested in the latest trends and events. This is The Idiot’s Guide to Crypto.

The Idiot’s Guide to Crypto

What is Cryptocurrency?

Cryptocurrency is a type of digital or virtual currency that uses cryptography for security. Unlike traditional currencies issued by governments (like the UAE dirham), cryptocurrencies operate on decentralised networks based on blockchain technology. The blockchain is a distributed ledger that records all transactions across a network of computers. This system ensures transparency and security without the need for a central authority.

The first cryptocurrency, Bitcoin, was introduced in 2009 by an anonymous figure known as Satoshi Nakamoto. Bitcoin aimed to create a peer-to-peer electronic cash system, removing the need for intermediaries like banks. Over time, Bitcoin gained popularity, and its value skyrocketed, making it a significant player in the global financial market.

READ MORE: Why every Crypto bro is moving to the UAE

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The Idiot’s Guide to Crypto

The Rise of Altcoins

Following Bitcoin’s success, many alternative cryptocurrencies, known as altcoins, emerged. These include Ethereum, Ripple, Litecoin, and many others. Each altcoin has unique features and purposes. For example, Ethereum, launched in 2015 by Vitalik Buterin, introduced the concept of smart contracts—self-executing contracts with the terms directly written into code. Ethereum’s blockchain allows developers to create decentralised applications (DApps) that run without any downtime, fraud, or interference from a third party.

The Idiot’s Guide to Crypto

Ripple (XRP) focuses on enabling real-time cross-border payments with lower transaction fees and faster processing times than traditional banking systems. Litecoin (LTC), created by Charlie Lee in 2011, is often considered the silver to Bitcoin’s gold, offering faster transaction times and a different hashing algorithm.

The Idiot’s Guide to Crypto

How to Buy Cryptocurrency

Buying cryptocurrency in the UAE is straightforward with several exchanges operating in the region. Binance, Coinbase, and Kraken are some of the most popular platforms where you can buy, sell, and trade cryptocurrencies. These platforms typically require you to create an account, verify your identity, and link a payment method such as a bank account or credit card. Once set up, you can purchase your desired cryptocurrency.

The Idiot’s Guide to Crypto

For those interested in a more local option, BitOasis, a Dubai-based exchange, is a trusted platform for buying and selling Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. BitOasis provides an easy-to-use interface and offers services tailored to the Middle Eastern market.

The Idiot’s Guide to Crypto

Storing Cryptocurrency

After purchasing cryptocurrency, it is essential to store it securely. Cryptocurrencies are stored in digital wallets, which can be either hot (online) or cold (offline). Hot wallets are convenient for frequent transactions but are vulnerable to hacking. Examples include mobile apps like Trust Wallet and desktop wallets like Exodus. Cold wallets, such as hardware wallets like Ledger and Trezor, offer higher security since they store your assets offline, away from potential online threats.

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The Idiot’s Guide to Crypto

Using Cryptocurrency

Cryptocurrencies can be used for various purposes, from investment and trading to purchasing goods and services. In the UAE, several merchants accept Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, reflecting the growing adoption of digital currencies. Hotels, restaurants, and even real estate companies in Dubai have started accepting cryptocurrency payments, making it easier for residents and tourists to use their digital assets. Source: Emirates NBD

The Future of Cryptocurrency

The future of cryptocurrency looks promising, with ongoing developments in technology and increasing adoption worldwide. Governments and financial institutions are exploring the potential of cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology. The UAE has been at the forefront of embracing these innovations, with Dubai aiming to become the blockchain capital of the world by 2025. The Dubai Blockchain Strategy, launched by the government, focuses on utilising blockchain technology to improve efficiency and foster innovation across various sectors. Source: Smart Dubai

Risks and Considerations

Despite its potential, investing in cryptocurrency carries risks. The market is highly volatile, with prices fluctuating dramatically within short periods. Additionally, regulatory uncertainties and security concerns, such as hacking and fraud, pose significant challenges. It is crucial to conduct thorough research and consider consulting a financial advisor before investing in cryptocurrencies.

In conclusion, the world of cryptocurrency offers exciting opportunities for those willing to learn and navigate its complexities. By understanding the basics and keeping abreast of the latest trends, you can make informed decisions and potentially benefit from this revolutionary financial technology.

The Idiot’s Guide to Crypto.

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Stay tuned to ‘Whats Hot in UAE‘ for more insights and updates on cryptocurrency and other lifestyle trends in the region.

CRYPTOCURRENCY

Crypto’s Next Big Surge: Market Makers Predict ‘God Candles’ on the Horizon

Bitcoin and a computer graphic card

After months of volatility and uncertainty, the crypto market is showing signs of a major rebound, with leading market makers forecasting massive pumps ahead. The key driver? The global M2 money supply, which has historically been a strong indicator of liquidity-driven price surges in digital assets. Crypto’s next big surge will be one to watch.

Are we about to witness a return to all-time highs? Here’s what the data is saying.

Crypto’s Next Big Surge: Bitcoin may attract $2T from new $20T money supply in 2025
Bitcoin may attract $2T from new $20T money supply in 2025


1. Market Makers Are Positioning for a Crypto Rally

While retail investors remain cautious, major market makers have been quietly accumulating. Their trading patterns suggest they are preparing for a significant market shift. Here’s why:

Deep Liquidity is Returning – As more institutional players re-enter the market, liquidity is improving, making it easier for large-scale buyers to execute trades without major slippage.

Smart Money is Loading UpOn-chain data shows whale accumulation, with major wallets increasing their Bitcoin and Ethereum holdings over the past three months.

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Volatility is the Perfect Setup – Market makers thrive in volatile conditions. They profit most from big price swings, and their latest strategies suggest a bullish move ahead.

What this means: Crypto is primed for an explosive rally, with insiders positioning themselves for massive price action in the coming weeks.

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2. The Global M2 Money Supply is Sending a Bullish Signal For The Surge

The M2 money supply (which measures global liquidity) has been a reliable indicator of crypto’s boom-and-bust cycles. Historically, when M2 expands, liquidity flows into alternative assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum.

🔥 Why M2 Growth Matters for Crypto:

💰 More Money in the System = More Speculation – When governments print money, it doesn’t just stay in savings accounts. Excess liquidity finds its way into risk assets, including crypto.

📈 Past Bull Runs Followed M2 Expansions – Every major Bitcoin rally has coincided with a rise in the global money supply. The last crypto bull market in 2020-2021 was fueled by a surge in M2 liquidity due to pandemic stimulus measures.

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🛑 M2 Tightening Crashed Markets in 2022 – When central banks reduced liquidity, crypto entered a brutal bear market. Now, with M2 showing signs of expansion again, market makers believe the next big leg up is coming.

The Key Takeaway: If M2 continues to rise, history suggests that Bitcoin and altcoins could be on the verge of their next major bull run.

Crypto’s Next Big Surge: Examining Code on Smartphone While Sitting at Desk
Examining Code on Smartphone While Sitting at Desk


3. What to Expect: Crypto’s Next Big Surge

If market makers are right and M2 continues expanding, here’s what could happen next:

🚀 “God Candles” & Rapid Price Surges – Bitcoin and Ethereum could see massive daily gains as liquidity floods into the market.

💎 Altcoin SupercycleSmaller, high-potential altcoins often outperform BTC & ETH during liquidity-driven rallies. Expect explosive moves in select altcoins.

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📊 Increased Leverage & Volatility – With more liquidity, traders will increase leverage, making the market more volatile but also potentially more rewarding.

Hype about bitcoin
Hype about bitcoin


Final Thoughts: Is Crypto About to Explode?

Market makers and on-chain data point to a massive shift in momentum, with rising M2 liquidity setting the stage for the next bull cycle.

Crypto’s Next Big Surge: Crypto coins on gold background
Crypto coins on gold background

Keep an eye on CoinMarketCap for daily info.

The question is: Are you positioned for it?

The signs are there—crypto’s next big surge could be closer than most expect.

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Breaking News: Hackers Steal $1.4 Billion from Bybit in the Largest Crypto Heist Ever

DALL·E 2025 02 22 10.12.28 A dramatic news scene depicting a large scale cryptocurrency heist, with a dark, cyberpunk aesthetic. A hacker in a hoodie with a glowing laptop scree

In a shocking development, cryptocurrency exchange Bybit has fallen victim to one of the largest crypto hacks ever recorded, with hackers stealing over $1.4 billion worth of Ethereum (ETH) from the platform’s cold wallet. This incident marks a critical moment in the digital asset industry, raising concerns over cybersecurity measures and market stability.

Breaking News Hackers Steal $1.4 Billion from Bybit in One of the Largest Crypto Heists Ever
Breaking News Hackers Steal $1.4 Billion from Bybit in One of the Largest Crypto Heists Ever

How the Hack Happened: Exploiting Vulnerabilities

The attack targeted Bybit’s Ethereum cold wallet, which is typically considered secure due to its offline nature. According to Bybit’s co-founder and CEO, Ben Zhou, the hackers exploited a “masked” user interface (UI) and URL to deceive wallet signers into unknowingly approving a malicious transaction. This clever manipulation allowed the attackers to alter the smart contract logic, gaining full control of the cold wallet and draining its contents.

Blockchain analysis reveals that the stolen assets include:

  • 401,347 ETH
  • 90,376 stETH (staked ETH)
  • 15,000 cmETH (cross-chain wrapped ETH)
  • 8,000 mETH (multi-chain ETH)

In total, the theft amounts to over $1.4 billion based on current market prices, making it one of the most significant security breaches in cryptocurrency history.

The Lazarus Group are responsible for the Bybit hack
The Lazarus Group are responsible for the Bybit hack


Immediate Response and Security Measures

Ben Zhou addressed the incident publicly, reassuring users that other cold wallets remain secure and that withdrawals are still operational. He emphasized that Bybit maintains a 1:1 asset reserve ratio, ensuring that user funds are protected. To cover the loss, Bybit secured a bridge loan that accounts for 80% of the stolen ETH, eliminating the need for an immediate large-scale purchase of ETH in the spot market.

Hackers Steal $1.4 Billion
Hackers Steal $1.4 Billion


Market Reaction: Volatility and Speculation

News of the hack sent shockwaves through the cryptocurrency market, causing heightened volatility, especially for Ethereum (ETH). According to data from CoinMarketCap (CMC), ETH initially dropped from $2,828 to $2,708, marking a 4.2% decline. However, speculation that Bybit might need to repurchase ETH to cover losses led to a brief rebound of 3.36%, pushing the price back up to $2,759 within just 10 minutes.

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This surge was short-lived. During a livestream, Ben Zhou clarified that Bybit’s bridge loan would cover most of the loss, reducing the need to buy large amounts of ETH on the open market. This announcement shifted market sentiment, triggering renewed selling pressure as investors anticipated potential sell-offs by the hacker and broader risk aversion.

North korea's Lazarus Group have become a known entity in the Hacker community
North korea’s Lazarus Group have become a known entity in the Hacker community


Will the Hacker Sell? Challenges of Liquidating Stolen ETH

The hacker now holds more than 500,000 ETH, surpassing the holdings of Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin, who reportedly holds around 240,000 ETH. The stolen funds have been distributed across 53 wallets, which are being actively monitored by blockchain security firms and smart contract auditing teams.

Selling such a large volume of ETH poses significant challenges for the hacker:

  1. Real-Time Tracking: Blockchain analytics firms like Chainalysis, Elliptic, and Nansen are monitoring the wallets in real time, making it difficult to move the stolen funds without detection.
  2. Liquidity and Market Impact: Offloading this volume of ETH on the open market would likely cause a major price crash, similar to what would happen if Vitalik Buterin were to sell his holdings all at once—only twice as impactful.
  3. Alternative Liquidation Methods: The hacker may attempt to use crypto mixers like Tornado Cash to obfuscate the transaction trail, although regulatory scrutiny and improved tracking technology have made this method less effective.
Over $927b was wiped from the Crypto & Stock market as a result of the hack
Over $927b was wiped from the Crypto & Stock market as a result of the hack


Timing and Broader Implications for ETH

The timing of the hack is particularly notable, as it coincides with ETHDenver, one of the largest annual conferences in the Ethereum ecosystem. Typically a catalyst for bullish sentiment, ETHDenver often features major project announcements and technological advancements. However, this year’s event is overshadowed by recent controversies within the Ethereum community and criticism directed at Vitalik Buterin and the Ethereum Foundation.

Combined with the Bybit hack, these factors have dampened market enthusiasm, casting a bearish shadow over an event that usually drives positive momentum for ETH.

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Bybit CEO Ben Zhou
Bybit CEO Ben Zhou


The Road Ahead: What Traders Should Expect

The cryptocurrency market is currently experiencing heightened volatility, with traders reacting sharply to both factual developments and speculative rumours. For example, the false assumption that Bybit would purchase large amounts of ETH temporarily drove prices up before Ben Zhou’s clarification reversed the trend.

Given the ongoing investigation and uncertainty surrounding the hacker’s next moves, significant price fluctuations are expected in the coming days. Traders, especially those using leverage, should exercise caution and closely monitor developments as the situation unfolds.

Bybit is one of the world's biggest trading platforms
Bybit is one of the world’s biggest trading platforms


Security Lessons and Industry Impact

The Bybit hack serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities that persist in the cryptocurrency industry, even for platforms with advanced security measures. It underscores the need for continuous innovation in cybersecurity and stricter protocols to prevent unauthorized access to cold wallets.

ByBit under hack attack over $1.4 billion in ETH stolen
ByBit under hack attack over $1.4 billion in ETH stolen

Moving forward, industry stakeholders, including exchanges, regulators, and security firms, must collaborate to enhance protections against increasingly sophisticated cyber threats. Meanwhile, users should remain vigilant, ensuring they store their assets securely and stay informed about the latest developments in digital asset security.


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CRYPTOCURRENCY

Pro-Bitcoin RFK Jr. Confirmed as US Secretary of Health and Human Services

Robert F. Kennedy Jr is a Pro Bitcoin Advocate

In a landmark move for both the crypto and political spheres, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has officially been confirmed as the US Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS). This confirmation marks a significant moment, not just for healthcare policy, but for the broader Bitcoin and decentralised finance landscape. Pro-Bitcoin Advocate RFK Jr now makes his way into making some big changes.

Senate confirms RFK Jr. as Health and Human Services secretary
Senate confirms Pro-Bitcoin Advocate RFK Jr. as Health and Human Services secretary

RFK Jr.’s Stance on Bitcoin and Financial Freedom

A long-time advocate for financial sovereignty, Kennedy has been vocal about his support for Bitcoin and decentralised currencies. During his 2024 presidential campaign, he proposed bold initiatives, including:

  • Encouraging the US Treasury to hold Bitcoin reserves as a hedge against inflation.
  • Strengthening crypto regulations in favour of individual financial autonomy.
  • Opposing central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) due to concerns over government overreach and financial surveillance.

His confirmation now raises major questions about how his crypto-friendly policies might impact financial and healthcare sectors in the United States.

Robert Kennedy Jr. Debuted His Campaign At Bitcoin Conference
Robert Kennedy Jr. Debuted His Campaign At Bitcoin Conference

How This Affects Crypto Policy in the US

With RFK Jr. holding a key role in the Biden administration, could we see a shift in the government’s stance towards Bitcoin and decentralised finance (DeFi)? Key areas of interest include:

💰 Potential Bitcoin Treasury Reserves – Will the US government embrace BTC as a hedge?
🏛 Regulatory Changes – Could Kennedy push for pro-crypto regulations that protect digital assets?
🛑 CBDC Opposition – His appointment might slow down government-backed digital currencies in favour of decentralised solutions.

RFK Jr. Gets Started on His Health Promises at HHS
RFK Jr. Gets Started on His Health Promises at HHS

RFK Jr.’s Role in Healthcare and Crypto Policy

Beyond his crypto advocacy, RFK Jr. is stepping into a critical role overseeing public health policies, healthcare funding, and pharmaceutical regulations. His tenure may see a significant overhaul of current policies, particularly concerning medical freedom, vaccine mandates, and the integration of blockchain technology into the healthcare sector.

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Blockchain-based solutions could enhance medical record security, streamline healthcare transactions, and improve supply chain transparency. With Kennedy at the helm, we might witness increased adoption of decentralised technology in health services, creating a more transparent and secure system for patient data management.

RFK Jr. confirmed as HHS secretary
RFK Jr. confirmed as HHS secretary

The Future of Decentralisation in Government

Kennedy’s appointment is a bold step towards the integration of decentralised financial and technological solutions into government infrastructure. While his influence within the administration will be tested, his ability to advocate for economic and digital freedom within a structured government framework will set a precedent for future discussions around cryptocurrency and decentralised governance.

RFK Jr. Reveals that He Bought 21 Bitcoin
Pro-Bitcoin Advocate RFK JrRFK Jr. Reveals that He Bought 21 Bitcoin

The global crypto community is keeping a close watch on how Kennedy balances health policy with financial innovation. His actions could determine whether Bitcoin gains further legitimacy within government reserves, or if his influence remains largely symbolic within the broader regulatory landscape.

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