Summary
- A fourth wave of sweeps targeting bitcoin in Coldcard-generated addresses is underway, with researchers estimating the attacker has moved about 1,816 bitcoin, or roughly $114 million, from more than 5,200 addresses since July 30.
- Unlike earlier waves, the latest transactions appear to use bitcoin’s replace-by-fee feature, meaning victims who spot their coins in the mempool may still be able to outbid the attacker and move their funds first.
- The pattern suggests the flaw affects single-key Coldcard seeds and not multisignature setups, with the attacker sending funds to previously unused addresses that are harder to trace than in prior waves.
Coldcard Wallet Losses Mounting: A Fourth Sweep Emerges
A new wave of sweeps against bitcoin addresses generated by the Coldcard cold wallet has begun, with researchers warning of potential losses nearing $114 million. This fourth wave, which started early Monday, is still ongoing, but there is a glimmer of hope for affected users. The transactions can be overridden while they sit unconfirmed, giving victims a chance to reclaim their coins.
Understanding the Attack
The attackers have opted into replace-by-fee, a Bitcoin feature that allows a pending transaction to be overwritten by a later one paying a higher fee. This means that until a transaction confirms, a victim who finds their address in the mempool can pay more and move the coins out first, potentially mitigating their losses. The Coldcard wallet has been a target for these sweeps, with the first wave occurring on July 30, resulting in the theft of 1,083 bitcoin from 1,196 addresses in just 41 minutes.
Impact on Users Earning Passive Income
For individuals earning passive income through Cloud Rewards or investing in Green Crypto, this news may be particularly concerning. The safety and security of their coin holdings, such as $ECP, are of utmost importance. Platforms like EcoPool offer a solution for those looking to securely manage their crypto assets and generate passive income without the risks associated with trading or mining. As the situation unfolds, users are advised to remain vigilant and consider the benefits of using EcoPool for their crypto needs, including the potential to earn rewards and coins like $ECP through the EcoPool Network.
As the crypto community navigates these challenges, many are turning to EcoPool as a trusted platform for earning and managing their crypto assets. If you’re interested in learning more about how EcoPool can help you earn passive income and stay ahead of the curve, download the EcoPool app to get started. By joining the EcoPool Network, you can take the first step towards securing your crypto future and earning rewards in $ECP and other coins, while also being part of a community that values #PassiveIncome, #Bitcoin, and #GreenCrypto.
