Day: February 27, 2025

Bitcoin Price Prediction: Crash and Rebound Expected

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Bitcoin’s volatility continues to dominate market discussions, with analysts offering diverse forecasts on its next move. This week, Bitcoin price prediction models suggest an upcoming drop followed by a sharp rebound, driven by technical patterns and market forces.

After briefly entering a bear market and bottoming at $82,177, Bitcoin (BTC) has recovered slightly, trading around $86,200 following strong earnings from Nvidia (NASDAQ:NVDA). However, an astrology-based crypto analyst warns that Bitcoin’s decline isn’t over yet and may continue until March 13 or 14, aligning with the upcoming Lunar Eclipse.

Bitcoin’s Lunar Eclipse Crash Theory

A well-known but anonymous crypto analyst has predicted that Bitcoin and altcoins will experience further losses in the coming weeks. His analysis is based on astrological cycles, particularly Saturn conjunction, which is historically linked to market contractions and economic slowdowns.

According to his Bitcoin price prediction, the ongoing sell-off will intensify before March 13, when the Lunar Eclipse occurs. In astrology, such celestial events are associated with emotional shifts and market reversals, suggesting Bitcoin could rebound shortly after the eclipse.

Fundamental Factors Driving Bitcoin’s Decline

Beyond astrology, several fundamental market factors support the bearish outlook for Bitcoin:

  1. Bitcoin ETF Outflows

Recent data from SoSoValue shows that spot Bitcoin ETFs have suffered consecutive outflows over the past seven days, indicating that American investors are stepping back. This lack of institutional demand adds selling pressure on BTC.

  1. U.S. Tariff Uncertainty

Political uncertainty could also weigh on Bitcoin. Former U.S. President Donald Trump has hinted at the possibility of new tariffs on imports, creating additional market volatility. Earlier this month, Bitcoin’s price dropped sharply when he announced tariffs on Mexican and Canadian goods.

Technical Indicators Point to More Downside

  1. Bearish Candlestick Patterns

Bitcoin’s price chart has formed a Three Dark Crows pattern, a classic bearish reversal signal indicating a potential continuation of the downtrend. The current rebound might be a bull trap, luring buyers before another drop.

  1. Ichimoku Cloud Breakdown

BTC has also moved below the Ichimoku Cloud, a sign of strong downward momentum. This suggests the market sentiment remains bearish, reinforcing the possibility of a deeper correction.

  1. Double Top Formation

A double top pattern has emerged, with a neckline at $89,107. The price has already broken below this key support level, and if the pattern completes, Bitcoin could drop 18% from this point, potentially reaching $73,613—its March 2024 high.

Bitcoin Price Outlook: When Will BTC Rebound?

Despite these bearish signals, many analysts believe Bitcoin will recover in the long run. If the astrology-based Bitcoin price prediction holds true, a reversal around mid-March could set the stage for another bull run.

Key factors to watch for a Bitcoin rebound include:

✅ Institutional buyers re-entering the market after ETF outflows stabilize.

✅ A decrease in macroeconomic uncertainty, especially regarding tariffs.

✅ Bitcoin’s halving event, which historically triggers long-term price increases.

Conclusion: Short-Term Pain, Long-Term Gain?

The Bitcoin price prediction for the next few weeks suggests a potential crash before a rebound. While technical and fundamental indicators point to further downside, the Lunar Eclipse theory predicts a recovery around mid-March.

For investors, this period may present buying opportunities if Bitcoin reaches key support levels. However, the market remains highly volatile, making risk management crucial.

Conclusion: Short-Term Pain, Long-Term Gain?

The Bitcoin price prediction for the next few weeks suggests a potential crash before a rebound. While technical and fundamental indicators point to further downside, the Lunar Eclipse theory predicts a recovery around mid-March.

For investors, this period may present buying opportunities if Bitcoin reaches key support levels. However, the market remains highly volatile, making risk management crucial.

Despite the near-term bearish outlook, long-term fundamentals remain strong, with increasing institutional adoption, regulatory clarity, and the upcoming Bitcoin halving expected to drive future gains. If Bitcoin follows historical cycles, a deep correction could be followed by a significant rally, making this a critical time for investors to stay informed.

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Crypto Criminal Transactions Hit $40B in 2024: Report

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The world of digital assets continues to evolve, and so do the tactics of cybercriminals. According to blockchain analytics firm Chainalysis, crypto criminal transactions surpassed $40 billion in 2024. As new data emerges, the total is expected to exceed $51.3 billion, making it one of the highest on record.

Despite these staggering figures, illicit transactions now represent a smaller percentage of overall crypto activity, thanks to increased institutional adoption and tighter regulatory oversight. However, criminals have adapted, shifting from Bitcoin (BTC) to stablecoins as their preferred method of laundering funds.

Stablecoins Lead in Crypto Crime

Chainalysis reports that stablecoins now dominate illicit crypto transactions, accounting for 63% of total criminal activity in the sector. In contrast, Bitcoin’s role in illegal dealings has dropped significantly, now making up just 20% of illicit funds, compared to 70% in 2021.

This shift suggests that criminals prefer dollar-pegged digital assets due to their liquidity, speed, and reduced price volatility. Stablecoins allow for faster cross-border transfers, making them an efficient tool for money laundering and fraud.

Altcoins and Privacy Coins Gain Popularity

While stablecoins have taken center stage, other cryptocurrencies are still used for illicit transactions. Chainalysis found that:

10% of criminal activity involves altcoins, such as Ethereum (ETH) and other digital assets.

Privacy coin Monero (XMR) remains a favorite for dark web transactions due to its enhanced anonymity features.

These findings suggest that while Bitcoin’s influence in crypto-related crimes is waning, cybercriminals are diversifying their methods to evade detection.

Institutional Adoption Shrinks Crypto Crime Ratio

Despite the rise in crypto crime volume, the percentage of illicit transactions relative to total trading activity has declined. In 2024, illicit transactions made up just 0.14% of total crypto volume, compared to 0.61% in 2023.

This drop is largely attributed to institutional adoption. Major Wall Street firms and financial institutions have entered the space, increasing legitimate trading volumes. The approval of spot Bitcoin ETFs and Ethereum-based investment products has significantly boosted legal crypto transactions.

Regulatory Efforts to Curb Crypto Crime

Governments and regulatory bodies worldwide are taking steps to combat crypto-related financial crimes. Some key developments include:

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) increasing scrutiny over crypto exchanges and DeFi platforms.

The European Union’s MiCA (Markets in Crypto-Assets) regulations, aiming to enhance transparency in crypto transactions.

Law enforcement agencies targeting illicit crypto transactions, leading to seizures of stolen funds and shutdowns of dark web marketplaces.

These efforts, combined with advanced blockchain analytics tools, are making it more difficult for criminals to hide stolen funds and operate freely.

Future Trends in Crypto Crime

Looking ahead, experts predict:

Greater use of decentralized finance (DeFi) for illicit transactions as criminals seek to bypass traditional financial controls.

More AI-driven fraud schemes, leveraging deepfakes and synthetic identities to scam investors.

Enhanced tracking and anti-money laundering (AML) measures, making it harder for bad actors to exploit digital assets.

As governments and private companies continue tightening security measures, the battle against crypto criminal transactions will likely intensify.

Conclusion: A Shifting Crypto Landscape

While crypto criminal transactions hit $40 billion in 2024, their overall market share is shrinking due to institutional growth and regulatory oversight. However, criminals are adapting tactics, with stablecoins, privacy coins, and altcoins becoming the preferred tools for illicit financial activities.

As law enforcement agencies increase their focus on blockchain analytics, and as more legal frameworks emerge, the crypto sector is heading toward a more regulated and transparent future.

Featured Image: depositphotos @ jirkaejc

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Bybit Confirms Security Integrity Amid Safe (Wallet) Incident – No Compromise in Infrastructure

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DUBAI, UAE, Feb. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Bybit, the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, today issued an important update to the community on the ongoing forensic investigation into the recent security incident. Our preliminary findings reaffirm the integrity of Bybit’s infrastructure while providing crucial insights into the nature of the attack.

Bybit Logo

The forensic review into the targeted attack by the Lazarus Group concluded that the credentials of a Safe developer were compromised. This allowed the attacker to gain unauthorized access to the Safe(Wallet) infrastructure and totally deceive signers into approving a malicious transaction.

Bybit had engaged third-party forensic experts, including Verichains and Sygnia Labs, to conduct an independent review. Both forensic experts have found no indications of any compromise within Bybit’s infrastructure as confirmed in SAFE’s own statement relating to the compromise of its own environment.

Full report can be downloaded here: https://docsend.com/view/s/rmdi832mpt8u93s7

Bybit’s Immediate Response and Future Measures

Bybit had moved the majority of funds out of its Safe Wallet administered addresses on the  day of the incident. Ensuring the safety and security of our users remains our top priority.  We actively evaluate alternative wallet solutions for custody that meet the highest security standards.

Bybit is and remains 100% secure. Our preliminary forensics experts have concluded that our infrastructure was not compromised. We will continue to enhance our security measures and collaborate with top security experts to uphold our commitment to user safety.

Statement from Ben Zhou, Co-founder and CEO of Bybit:

“Bybit remains steadfast in our commitment to security and transparency. The preliminary forensic review finds that our system was not compromised. While this incident underscores the evolving threats in the crypto space, we are taking proactive steps to reinforce security and ensure the highest level of protection for our users.”

#Bybit / #TheCryptoArk 

About Bybit

Bybit is the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, serving a global community of over 60 million users. Founded in 2018, Bybit is redefining openness in the decentralized world by creating a simpler, open and equal ecosystem for everyone. With a strong focus on Web3, Bybit partners strategically with leading blockchain protocols to provide robust infrastructure and drive on-chain innovation. Renowned for its secure custody, diverse marketplaces, intuitive user experience, and advanced blockchain tools, Bybit bridges the gap between TradFi and DeFi, empowering builders, creators, and enthusiasts to unlock the full potential of Web3. Discover the future of decentralized finance at Bybit.com.

For more details about Bybit, please visit Bybit Press

For media inquiries, please contact: media@bybit.com

For updates, please follow: Bybit’s Communities and Social Media

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Cision View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/bybit-confirms-security-integrity-amid-safe-wallet-incident–no-compromise-in-infrastructure-302386304.html

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