A security incident involving the Trust Wallet browser extension has resulted in the loss of nearly $6 million worth of cryptocurrency, triggering concern across the crypto community during the holiday period. The breach highlights ongoing risks tied to browser-based wallets and the importance of rapid updates when vulnerabilities emerge.

According to Trust Wallet, the issue is limited to version 2.68 of its browser extension. Users of the Trust Wallet mobile application and those running other extension versions are not affected.

What happened with the Trust Wallet hack?

The vulnerability was first identified on December 24, when abnormal wallet activity began appearing on-chain. By December 25, blockchain analysts observed funds being drained from multiple wallets operating on Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana networks.

Independent investigator ZachXBT reported receiving messages from hundreds of users whose balances dropped suddenly without any outgoing transactions initiated by them. Community researchers later identified suspicious code within version 2.68 of the extension. The code allegedly redirected sensitive wallet data to a fake external website, giving attackers unauthorized access to user funds.

On-chain analysis suggests the stolen funds were routed through numerous addresses, making the total scope difficult to track precisely. Current estimates place losses at a minimum of $6 million.

Trust Wallet confirms extension vulnerability

Trust Wallet has acknowledged the incident and confirmed that only the 2.68 browser extension was compromised. The company instructed users to immediately stop using that version and upgrade to version 2.69, which it says resolves the issue.

The wallet provider stated that its security and support teams are actively investigating the breach and reaching out to affected users. While Trust Wallet has not yet confirmed whether compensation will be offered, it says impacted users are being guided through recovery and reporting steps.

What users should do immediately

Anyone who used the Trust Wallet browser extension is advised to take action without delay:

First, do not open the Trust Wallet extension on desktop devices if it is still enabled. This reduces the risk of further exposure.

Second, disable the extension immediately via the browser’s extensions settings.

Third, update only to version 2.69 and ensure the update is downloaded exclusively from the official Chrome Web Store. Users should double-check the version number after installation.

Finally, contact Trust Wallet support if any funds are missing. Providing transaction history and wallet details may help ongoing investigations.

Why this incident matters for crypto users

The Trust Wallet hack underscores the unique risks associated with browser extensions. Unlike hardware wallets or isolated mobile environments, browser-based wallets operate in a space frequently targeted by malicious code injections, phishing scripts, and supply-chain attacks.

Even well-established wallet providers can be exposed if a compromised update slips through. This incident reinforces the need for users to monitor wallet updates closely, limit hot wallet balances, and consider additional security measures for long-term holdings.

As investigations continue, Trust Wallet has stated it will release further updates. For now, the breach serves as a reminder that security hygiene — including timely updates and cautious extension use — remains critical in the crypto ecosystem.

Ethereum founder Vitalik Buterin sold STRAYDOG tokens over the past twenty four hours according to on chain data. The tokens were originally received via airdrop from community and team nearly four months ago.

The sale occurred near recent price lows during a broader period of market weakness. Similar sales by Buterin in past cycles have often coincided with shifts in market attention rather than extended downside.

Following the transaction STRAYDOG team began purchasing tokens on the open market. The team confirmed that purchased tokens will be allocated toward a future burn.

According to the team two hundred thousand dollars worth of bought STRAYDOG tokens will be burned once the token reaches a ten million dollar market capitalization reducing circulating supply.

Market participants are now watching on chain activity as the project approaches the announced milestone.

The project maintains a fat treasury valued at hundreds of thousand of dollars, enabling the development team to continue conducting ongoing buybacks rather than a one time purchase. The team also stated that it plans to burn $200,000 worth of bought STRAYDOG tokens at every additional $10 million increase in market capitalization, further reducing circulating supply over time.

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Telegram – t.me/StrayDogETH

Website –www.straydogcoin.com

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The Republic of the Marshall Islands is taking a major step toward digital transformation, piloting a blockchain-based system to distribute universal basic income (UBI). The initiative aims to reduce the nation’s dependence on physical cash and address long-standing financial access issues across its remote island communities.

A move from paper checks to digital wallets
During the latest payout cycle, Marshallese citizens received their UBI in two different ways. Some continued using traditional paper checks issued through the Economic and Natural Resources Authority. Others, however, received funds digitally through Lomalo, a citizen wallet built on the Stellar blockchain.

The digital payments were delivered in USDM1, a government-designed token intended to act as a sovereign financial instrument rather than a typical stablecoin. Unlike most stablecoins—where yield flows to the issuer—USDM1 functions similarly to a government-backed money market asset, generating returns directly for the holder.

This structure is meant to stabilize the token’s value and distance it from the volatility seen in assets such as Bitcoin, while still enabling everyday payments.

A wallet built for mass adoption
Despite improvements in internet connectivity through satellite providers such as Starlink, daily commerce in the Marshall Islands still depends heavily on physical cash. Cash shipments arrive by boat, and delays can lead to temporary shortages, limiting residents’ ability to transact or access money.

Digital delivery through Lomalo is designed to change that. Payments can be sent instantly across the islands without relying on cash deliveries or a fragile physical banking network. The wallet also strips away the typical technical complexity associated with crypto applications. Crypto infrastructure firm Crossmint manages the onboarding process, enabling citizens to use digital funds without understanding private keys or blockchain mechanics.

The broader push toward digital assets also reflects the country’s challenging financial reality. In the years following the 2008 global financial crisis, many foreign banks exited the region over compliance and risk concerns. That exodus left the Marshall Islands with just one correspondent banking partner—creating a vulnerability for everything from international transfers to local business operations.

USDM1 offers an alternative pathway by reducing reliance on traditional bank channels and giving residents an additional method to store and access funds.

Part of a wider global strategy
The Marshall Islands pilot is one component of a larger effort led by the Stellar Development Fund to expand financial access in underserved regions. The organization has allocated several million dollars to support the USDM1 initiative.

The approach builds on previous projects that facilitated humanitarian payments, including salary distributions for healthcare workers in conflict zones and cash-assistance programs run with NGOs. Lessons learned from partnerships with the Ukrainian government and international aid groups helped refine the system now being tested in the Marshall Islands.

Across all these programs, the core goal remains the same: ensuring individuals—not intermediaries—have direct control over their digital assets, while improving access to reliable financial infrastructure.