Categories: CryptoNews

State-sponsored Attackers May Compromise Bitcoin 0.13.0 Binaries

There is hardly ever a dull day in Bitcoin, and today will be no different. The Bitcoin.org website currently displays a message saying how upcoming Bitcoin Core binaries may be targeted by state-sponsored attackers. Since the website cannot defend itself from attackers, everyone who downloads a wallet from the site needs to tread with caution.

Bitcoin 0.13.0 Creates More Drama

The upcoming Bitcoin 0.13.0 release is triggering a warning on the Bitcoin.org internet site. Since most people download the wallet software from this

website, there is a big incentive for anyone who managed to sneak in malicious binary files. While the talk about state-sponsored attackers may be slightly exaggerating, it is not unlikely someone will try to do some damage.

Downloading the wrong binaries can lead to losing all of the funds stored in the Bitcoin wallet. Since bitcoin is non-refundable, that would mean the coins are gone forever. Moreover, there is no telling what other damage these malicious files may cause moving forward. It is not unlikely computers would be used to turn against the Bitcoin network as a whole.

The only way to verify the integrity of upcoming Bitcoin 0.13.0 binaries is by verifying the signature key and hashes. This process is far from straightforward, and most people will not even bother to do so. If people can’t even trust the official Bitcoin.org website anymore, things are not looking overly positive for Bitcoin right now.



Related Post

The Bitcoin community is rather divided over this message, as it is not certain this is a legitimate posting either. Since no particular people or groups were named as potential state-sponsored hackers, there will be plenty of speculation among community members.  In fact, there is zero indication of anyone attempting to mess with the binaries either.

What is even more worrisome is how one person with access to the Bitcoin.org website can discredit the entire ecosystem if he wants to. Posting this message will scare off novice users who want to get involved in cryptocurrency. It is safe to say this notice will cause an even bigger debate as to which clients people should use.

Image credit 1

If you liked this article follow us on Twitter @themerklenews and make sure to subscribe to our newsletter to receive the latest bitcoin and altcoin price analysis and the latest cryptocurrency news.

JP Buntinx

JP Buntinx is a FinTech and Bitcoin enthusiast living in Belgium. His passion for finance and technology made him one of the world's leading freelance Bitcoin writers, and he aims to achieve the same level of respect in the FinTech sector.

Share
Published by
JP Buntinx

Recent Posts

TRX Price Prediction: Tron Network Fee Cut to Spark New ATH?

Back into Spotlight: Tron Network Fee Cut Could Push TRX to ATH, But This DeFi…

8 hours ago

Altcoin Alert: Crypto Market Cap Breaches Key Level Hinting at an 8000x Rally for this Shiba Inu Killer

Shiba Inu (SHIB) gave enormous returns in 2021, making many early holders millionaires. After the…

12 hours ago

XRP Crash? XRP Falls Below $0.5 Resistance Level as Next Gen Altcoin JetBolt Takes Over

Spooky season might be over but doom is still looming as Ripple’s XRP falls below…

15 hours ago

This New Exchange Token Is Poised for a Price Surge Alongside Cardano and Avalanche – Analysts Predict Huge Gains This November

Three promising altcoins are causing a stir among investors this November: Avalanche (AVAX), Cardano (ADA),…

15 hours ago

With Dogecoin Dipping and TRON Holding, Is Lunex the Hottest Crypto Now?  

Everyone knows what the hottest crypto can do. When it was so hot it was…

15 hours ago

Tron Fees To Be Cut In Half Through Proposal 95, Cutoshi Surpasses $600k As TRX Investors Join CUTO Presale

The Tron network has witnessed incredible growth in several areas, especially in its adoption, which…

16 hours ago