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What is Pepe Coin (PEPE) and why Ethereum Jumps to $2K

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Cryptocurrency 101: A Beginner’s Guide to Understanding Cryptocurrencies, and Their Advantages

Trends and Performance of Major Cryptocurrencies


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<p id="block-628f58bf-eba9-4ed1-ad45-e71ceff7394a">Welcome back to another weekly digest filled with exciting developments from the crypto world. This week, we&#8217;ve seen a new meme coin make a strong debut, a Telegram trading bot fall victim to a malicious attack, Bitcoin&#8217;s rally fueled by various factors, and a surprising twist in Sam Bankman-Fried&#8217;s criminal trial. Without further ado, let&#8217;s dive in and get a closer look at what has been happening.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="block-a54638cb-0574-44e4-951a-040d03e5b943">Meme Kombat ICO Hits $700K, Causes Hype&nbsp;</h2>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="1024" src="https://hodl.fm/wp-files/2023/10/image-5-5-1024x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-4516" style="aspect-ratio:1;width:392px;height:auto" srcset="https://hodl.fm/wp-files/2023/10/image-5-5-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https://hodl.fm/wp-files/2023/10/image-5-5-300x300.jpg 300w, https://hodl.fm/wp-files/2023/10/image-5-5-150x150.jpg 150w, https://hodl.fm/wp-files/2023/10/image-5-5-768x768.jpg 768w, https://hodl.fm/wp-files/2023/10/image-5-5-260x260.jpg 260w, https://hodl.fm/wp-files/2023/10/image-5-5-10x10.jpg 10w, https://hodl.fm/wp-files/2023/10/image-5-5.jpg 1080w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Source: <a href="https://twitter.com/Meme_Kombat/status/1712184793327423706">X.com</a></figcaption></figure></div>


<p id="block-8eed4415-d759-4df5-8add-151e554da32a">Meme coins, anyone? We kinda missed seeing a meme coin take the world by storm, to be honest, and if you think the same, lucky you! Launched earlier this month, Meme Kombat ($MK) re-ignited the meme coin hype, and rightly so. The new entrant in the beloved meme coin sector has turned heads with a substantial <a href="https://coinmarketcap.com/community/articles/6539400898bfac5636ba3159/&amp;sa=D&amp;source=docs&amp;ust=1698421848974501&amp;usg=AOvVaw3v4oJtfZoVo7FJ9-f5dHU7">$700,000 raised</a> in its initial coin offering (ICO). The project distinguishes itself with a limited supply of tokens, a seasoned team, and a play-to-earn game known as the Battle Arena, alongside staking opportunities, some of the hodlers may find, how do we put it, “potentially lucrative”. Feel free to give their website a look to learn more.</p>



<p id="block-bbaa44df-dd56-4c03-9740-183fd48e5299"><strong>Investors can acquire $MK tokens at a fixed price of $0.1667 during the ongoing presale.&nbsp;</strong></p>



<p id="block-fa7aacda-71bd-4b13-a102-d82a6e14eff0">$MK is currently priced at $0.1667 but will be rising 10% to $0.183 in Stage 2, which starts on November 2, <a href="https://coinmarketcap.com/community/articles/6539400898bfac5636ba3159/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">according to CoinMarketCap.</a> As the presale progresses, Meme Kombat continues to be a topic of discussion in the crypto space, demonstrating the ongoing interest in innovative and community-driven projects.</p>



<p id="block-32dbfc52-238f-4332-a1e6-5cd750823f62">Back to the Battle Arena, a nicely done love-child of blockchain and AI introduces a unique play-to-earn experience where participants can wager on battles between popular meme coin characters. Additionally, it offers player versus player and player versus game betting options to further spice things up. Players are encouraged to utilize their knowledge of the characters&#8217; abilities to make strategic bets and engage more deeply with the game.</p>



<p id="block-3a94f8c1-3f96-48be-a861-22bd3e14e281">The crypto community has taken note of Meme Kombat, with several influencers mentioning the project. However, it&#8217;s crucial for hodlers to conduct thorough research and exercise caution. Meme coins are unpredictable in nature and you must do your homework when investing in such coins.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="block-6f36b04f-26c5-4935-a567-d030e686db29">Telegram Bot Maestro Funds Falls Victim to $500K Attack</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="512" src="http://hodl.fm/wp-files/2023/10/1-1024x512.jpg" alt="Bitcoin Bull Run, Telegram Trading Bot Hack, Bankman-Fried’s New Approach, and A New Meme Coin Under the Spotlight" class="wp-image-4513" srcset="https://hodl.fm/wp-files/2023/10/1-1024x512.jpg 1024w, https://hodl.fm/wp-files/2023/10/1-300x150.jpg 300w, https://hodl.fm/wp-files/2023/10/1-768x384.jpg 768w, https://hodl.fm/wp-files/2023/10/1-1536x768.jpg 1536w, https://hodl.fm/wp-files/2023/10/1-340x170.jpg 340w, https://hodl.fm/wp-files/2023/10/1-10x5.jpg 10w, https://hodl.fm/wp-files/2023/10/1-1568x784.jpg 1568w, https://hodl.fm/wp-files/2023/10/1.jpg 1600w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p id="block-6aa8a164-aff9-41ba-9069-b3d801bc2797">It’s always sad news to see a project get attacked by hackers. The Maestro trading bot, operating on Telegram, found itself under siege as hackers exploited a vulnerability in its smart contract. The attackers made off with <a href="https://beincrypto.com/price/ethereum/">280 ETH</a>, translating to roughly $500,000. This breach not only resulted in financial loss but also sent shockwaves through the market, causing a 30% drop in JOE tokens’ value due to a sudden liquidity squeeze.&nbsp;</p>



<p id="block-4c38a3d0-0ea1-41f2-926d-1755ad3cdc66">This attack has put the spotlight on the risks associated with Telegram trading bots, which necessitate users to share their private keys for automated trading and farming. Not a great idea, isn’t it? Though Maestro offers a convenient way to engage in crypto trading, this attack serves as a reminder of the potential pitfalls of such conveniences. Think twice before sharing your keys with third parties. Hell, don’t do it even.&nbsp;</p>



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<p id="block-dba47ca8-c844-42e3-8de7-2553db712b64">Blockchain security firms <a href="https://twitter.com/PeckShieldAlert/status/1717084431242887603/photo/4">Beosin and PeckShield </a>were quick to analyze the situation. The duo uncovered the external call vulnerability that led to the exploit and tracking of the stolen ETH’s movement to Railgun, a crypto privacy tool allowing users to “hide” their tracks. Note that crypto hackers often use such tools to withdraw the stolen funds to multiple wallets.&nbsp;</p>



<p id="block-79adaac4-3ad1-4171-8d41-d33ba3f8c10b"><a href="https://twitter.com/MaestroBots/status/1716995712498426061">Maestro acted swiftly to refund all affected users</a>, ensuring that the financial blow was mitigated. They even went the extra mile, purchasing and returning the lost tokens to the users’ wallets.&nbsp;</p>



<p id="block-698eea67-b899-4e67-8147-2fc8cdb666b5">The bot has generated an impressive $20 million in fees this year alone. Take it as an indicator of its popularity and utility in the crypto trading world. However, this hack also underscored a valuable lesson: the importance of maintaining vigilance and prioritizing security in crypto trading. Sharing private keys, even with “secure” bots, exposes users to unnecessary risks and potential losses. Let this unfortunate incident be a reminder to us all of the old adage: &#8220;Not your keys, not your coins.” We can revise it as “Don’t share your damn keys.”</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="512" src="https://hodl.fm/wp-files/2023/10/3-min-1024x512.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-4515" srcset="https://hodl.fm/wp-files/2023/10/3-min-1024x512.jpg 1024w, https://hodl.fm/wp-files/2023/10/3-min-300x150.jpg 300w, https://hodl.fm/wp-files/2023/10/3-min-768x384.jpg 768w, https://hodl.fm/wp-files/2023/10/3-min-1536x768.jpg 1536w, https://hodl.fm/wp-files/2023/10/3-min-340x170.jpg 340w, https://hodl.fm/wp-files/2023/10/3-min-10x5.jpg 10w, https://hodl.fm/wp-files/2023/10/3-min-1568x784.jpg 1568w, https://hodl.fm/wp-files/2023/10/3-min.jpg 1600w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="block-0e646914-e8f3-4c63-a013-a74bccba9ce7">Bitcoin Rally We All Missed Dearly and the Hidden Factors Behind It</h2>



<p id="block-dc5cb34f-ea4b-4f1a-a2dd-d810da7c98ab">Look who is back! This week, Bitcoin demonstrated an exceptional performance. Basically skyrocketed to put it simply <a href="https://coinmarketcap.com/currencies/bitcoin/">by hitting the $35,000 mark.</a> While the hype around the potential approval of a spot Bitcoin ETF played a part in this partial mooning, it&#8217;s crucial to delve deeper to understand the complex drivers behind this rally.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image" id="block-72266f28-32b6-42ec-a82f-b85db26f6d79"><img decoding="async" src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/W5HkquXoiRY4QpFvl4xqF4ymSeMG3DnFqrKmbJULx-FWh3QPHZRy3pz5MEc0coNnYmobDBukoF5JELtYWtB-okShbV5NLdSZqb2W4C3Yuortot7D9xbnTDrVpccFD6CF80OzdRJrHHKcAfqGEYifmO8" alt="This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is W5HkquXoiRY4QpFvl4xqF4ymSeMG3DnFqrKmbJULx-FWh3QPHZRy3pz5MEc0coNnYmobDBukoF5JELtYWtB-okShbV5NLdSZqb2W4C3Yuortot7D9xbnTDrVpccFD6CF80OzdRJrHHKcAfqGEYifmO8"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Source: <a href="https://coinmarketcap.com/currencies/bitcoin/">https://coinmarketcap.com/currencies/bitcoin/</a></figcaption></figure>



<p id="block-e8be55d2-aa59-4cf9-b5c3-df1dad9e7be9">Two instances involving <a href="https://twitter.com/Cointelegraph/status/1713925876969017792">false information about spot ETFs</a> caused significant market movements, yet Bitcoin’s price remained robust even after the rumors were debunked. This stability indicates other factors are contributing to Bitcoin’s resilience and appeal.</p>



<p id="block-d5a50087-c763-4e51-94dd-ef26c13315a1">Analysts point towards <a href="https://capriole.com/update-7/">a constrained Bitcoin supply</a>, which makes it “an underinvested market”. Bitcoin’s re-emerging role has been seen as a safe haven against unstable traditional markets and global unrest. The world’s largest asset managers are now recognizing Bitcoin as a &#8216;flight to quality&#8217;, making our hearts beat a bit faster than usual.</p>



<p id="block-79b76772-f219-41bd-bb49-50113ba1c70d"><a href="https://twitter.com/1CoastalJournal/status/1716947500324823156">The recent turmoil in the U.S. banking sector</a> marked by the downfall of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank, and the crisis in China&#8217;s shadow banking system, have led investors to seek refuge in Bitcoin. In times of financial instability, Bitcoin has proven itself as a reliable hedge, reinforcing its position as a digital safe haven. <strong>Bitcoin is the new gold? Think bigger.</strong></p>



<p id="block-60bb41cd-c034-4c41-84bf-6dbefa8677ad">Despite the <a href="https://hodl.fm/crypto-etf-approval-saga">unresolved status of a spot Bitcoin ETF</a>, many market participants seem to have underestimated Bitcoin&#8217;s potential for an upward move. The market’s illiquidity, coupled with a substantial amount of Bitcoin held by long-term investors, sets the stage for a supply shock, adding another layer to Bitcoin&#8217;s impressive performance.</p>



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="block-66c317a3-0c77-44bc-bed7-22f905a93d2b">FTX Founder Sam Bankman-Fried Decides to Testify</h2>



<p id="block-3f34b96a-aeca-4115-bc56-3d38318602a7"><a href="https://hodl.fm/rise-and-fall-sam-bankman-fried-ftx-founder">Sam Bankman-Fried</a> just can’t get enough of hitting the headlines every week. The founder of the dead and dusted crypto exchange FTX, has chosen to testify in his ongoing criminal trial. Announced by his attorneys, the ex-CEO aims to directly address the jury in an attempt to prove his innocence against fraud charges.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image" id="block-90103abb-6df7-4eb0-a081-e6b8e2850eea"><img decoding="async" src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/lWTtC1ZCAwH3gWfrziucxLunPrPre3y9L2w9RXLcAaQSpBwcgW5p521ugT3YI_z9lTNGkOhVxlIa_8KHdoTDManO7PvfakUt3D_RPi5Xc15IyhmsyZMfC68itpPJm6MvYyvWgkLpiLwHUkfQU-H8rBU" alt="sbf"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image source: <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/oct/06/trump-sam-bankman-fried-trial-fraud-crypto">TheGuardian</a></figcaption></figure>



<p id="block-9bf89d60-b8f6-4384-a413-e75463b38d47">This is a major development that follows Bankman-Fried’s active media engagement post-FTX’s bankruptcy, where he consistently <a href="https://www.coindesk.com/business/2022/12/01/former-ftx-ceo-sam-bankman-fried-i-didnt-knowingly-commingle-funds/">maintained his innocence</a>. Testimonies from FTX insiders have portrayed him as the orchestrator of the alleged fraudulent activities despite his words that suggest otherwise.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Related news: </h4>



<p><a href="https://hodl.fm/crypto-audit-scandal-ftx-sec"><strong>SEC Takes On Prager Metis Over FTX Audit Scandal</strong></a></p>



<p><a href="https://hodl.fm/ftx-buys-island-nauru-builds-bunker-mass-extinction"><strong>The Crypto Bunker: FTX&#8217;s Bold Plan for Surviving the Apocalypse</strong></a></p>



<p id="block-d92ac5e9-ffc2-4ae6-91f3-f617e9863519">The defense plans to present a handful of witnesses, including financial expert Joseph Pimbley, to bolster Bankman-Fried’s case. As the prosecution nears the end of its three-week argument, detailing how Bankman-Fried defrauded customers and investors, and conspired to hide his actions, the focus now shifts to the defense.</p>



<p id="block-490a00f1-54fc-44cd-be78-2a787b23ddb8">Bankman-Fried’s decision to testify reflects a growing trend in high-profile white-collar crime cases, with defendants increasingly taking the stand in their own defense. As the trial progresses, the cryptocurrency community and the broader public await the outcome, understanding its potential implications for the future of the crypto industry.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="block-f15528da-3416-434c-810c-9fcc84c7f5a1">Word of Caution</h2>



<p id="block-a89fbf5b-459c-4fdb-b23f-2727ef5a5387">As we wrap up this week&#8217;s updates, it&#8217;s crucial to remember the importance of due diligence, security, and a careful approach when navigating the crypto landscape. See you next week, hodlers, stay safe!</p>
