According to Group-IB monitoring, the DeadLock ransomware family is exploiting the Polygon smart contract to distribute and rotate proxy server addresses to evade security detection. First discovered in July 2025, this malware uses embedded JavaScript code that interacts with the Polygon network within HTML files, leveraging an RPC list as a gateway to obtain attacker-controlled server addresses. This technique is similar to the previously discovered EtherHiding, aiming to build difficult-to-hide covert communication channels using a decentralized ledger. DeadLock currently has at least three variants, with the latest version embedding the encrypted communication application Session for direct communication with victims.

According to BlockBeats, on January 15, Lookonchain monitoring revealed that BitMine has recently purchased 24,068 ETH from FalconX.

According to ChainCatcher, Grayscale, a leading crypto asset management firm, has released an updated list of potential and existing digital assets for its investment products. This move aligns with the company's mission to offer a diverse range of investable digital assets to investors. The 'Asset Candidate List' includes digital assets not yet part of Grayscale's investment products but identified as potential future candidates. Meanwhile, the 'Existing Grayscale Product Assets' list details the digital assets held by Grayscale products as of January 12, 2026, which may be part of single or multi-asset products. Grayscale plans to update these lists within 15 days after each quarter's end, reflecting the expanding crypto ecosystem and the team's ongoing review of additional assets. The lists are current as of January 12, 2026, but may change within the quarter as multi-asset funds adjust their composition and new single-asset products are introduced. The process of creating products similar to existing ones is complex, involving thorough review and consideration, influenced by internal controls, custody arrangements, and regulatory requirements. It is important to note that not all candidate assets will become investment products, and Grayscale may explore other assets not listed for inclusion in its product lineup. Additionally, assets may be directly included in Grayscale's products without prior listing. Grayscale may attempt to list shares of new products on the secondary market. While some Grayscale product shares are approved for trading on secondary markets like OTCQX, new product investors should not assume similar approval due to potential uncertainties regarding the status of the underlying digital assets under federal securities laws by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and/or the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). This announcement does not constitute an offer or solicitation to sell or purchase any securities in any jurisdiction, nor should it be considered legal to make such offers, solicitations, or sales without registration or qualification under the securities laws of that jurisdiction. Grayscale, its affiliates, and clients may hold positions in the digital assets or securities discussed in this article.

The UK High Court just sided with the Payment Systems Regulator (PSR), shutting down a legal challenge from Revolut, Visa, and Mastercard. All three companies were trying to stop a plan that would limit what banks can charge each other for cross-border online payments. They lost. The court said the UK regulator was right to […] source: https://www.cryptopolitan.com/uk-victory-over-revolut-visa-mastercard/

أكملت شركة Galaxy Digital أول صفقة قروض مُهيكلة مُرمَّزة (CLO) لها، مستخدمة بنية البلوكشين التحتية لنقل الائتمان الخاص والقروض المدعومة بالعملات الرقمية إلى البيئة على السلسلة. source: https://ar.cointelegraph.com/news/galaxy-digital-closes-75m-tokenized-clo-on-avalanche?utm_source=rss_feed&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss_partner_inbound

The Iranian rial has collapsed in value to its weakest level ever recorded, sparking protests and political turmoil across the country. Experts cite that this situation is unlikely to improve any time soon, as a clear path forward for the country’s economic revival is uncertain. Iran is facing an economic crisis, driving levels of societal […] source: https://www.cryptopolitan.com/iranians-turn-to-stablecoins-amidst-rial-collapse/

Bitcoin halted its bullish BTC price rebound to dip below $96,000 on news that Middle East geopolitical tensions were easing. source: https://cointelegraph.com/news/bitcoin-must-hold-94k-trader-btc-price-dips-us-open?utm_source=rss_feed&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss_partner_inbound

The Intelligent Privacy Pool lets users prove their funds are compliant without revealing transaction details, based on research co-authored by Vitalik Buterin. source: https://www.coinspeaker.com/brevis-bnb-chain-team-up-with-0xbow-to-launch-compliant-privacy-pool-in-q1-2026/

تدرس المملكة المتحدة فرض حظر على استخدام وسائل التواصل الاجتماعي لمن هم دون 16 عامًا على غرار النموذج الأسترالي، في وقت تكثّف فيه الجهات التنظيمية تطبيق قانون السلامة على الإنترنت. source: https://ar.cointelegraph.com/news/uk-mulls-under-16-social-media-ban-amid-rising-online-id-push?utm_source=rss_feed&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss_partner_inbound

According to Lookonchain, Bitmine (0xC7EE...Bbb8), owned by Tom Lee (@fundstrat), purchased 24,068 ETH from FalconX, worth $80.57 million.

The security token offering is made accessible with either fiat (U.S. Dollar (USD)) or stablecoins (USD Coin (USDC)), and it requires a minimum investment of 1 USD/USDC, which is relatively affordable.