Lack of Funds Sees Multichain Cease Operations

OKX shores up App security following bug discoveryCryptocurrency exchange OKX has swiftly responded to a recently uncovered security flaw by releasing an updated version (v6.45.0) of its iOS app.User data and asset vulnerabilityThe flaw was identified by Web3 and blockchain security specialist CertiK. It posed a Remote Code Execution (RCE) vulnerability that had the potential to compromise sensitive user data and crypto assets. Notwithstanding that, no user assets were lost or security compromised.Taking to the X social media platform on Tuesday, CertiK wrote:”Attention! We urge users of OKX wallets to update their iOS app to the latest version immediately. Earlier this month, we identified and reported a critical Remote Code Execution (RCE) vulnerability in the OKX iOS App, leading to potential compromise of sensitive data and crypto assets.”Photo by FLY:D on UnsplashPrompt responseRecognizing the risk, OKX has acted promptly to rectify the issue and commit to protecting user assets. It too followed up on social media with its own announcement:”Thanks @Certik for the note. We’ve completed the relevant upgrade & this is no longer an issue. We have verified that this did not impact any customer assets. The fix has been deployed to iOS version 6.45.0 & we recommend you update the app asap.”Ongoing exploitsThis security incident has played out amid a backdrop that has seen a worrying number of hacks, exploits and vulnerabilities in the crypto space. In recent weeks, hacks at HTX (formerly Huobi), cross-chain bridge Heco and Poloniex have accounted for millions of dollars in losses.As recently as last week, users of the Ledger hardware wallet were told by the company not to connect to decentralized applications as it had discovered that a malicious version of its Ledger Connect software had been distributed.Industry collaborationThe collaboration between OKX and CertiK in addressing this security concern is demonstrative of how industry actors are having to cooperate in order to deal effectively with these vulnerabilities and threats.Transparent communication and a swift response in this instance are likely to have played a role in minimizing any potential loss. In a noteworthy development, OKX, in collaboration with Tether, has collaborated with the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) to freeze $225 million in USDT tokens.This unprecedented action primarily targeted a human trafficking syndicate in Southeast Asia, illustrating the increasing cooperation between crypto entities and law enforcement in addressing illegal activities involving digital currencies.The immediate resolution of the iOS app vulnerability in this instance resulted in no loss occurring. That outcome underscores the importance of the prioritization of user safety and data security.With the updated app version (v6.45.0) now available, users can proceed with their crypto transactions with renewed confidence in the platform’s security measures. As the cryptocurrency landscape evolves, crypto platforms and platform users will need to remain vigilant in order to safeguard and protect funds.

Momentica’s NFT Photo Cards Captivate K-Pop EnthusiastsMomentica, a fan-artist engagement platform, has been captivating K-pop enthusiasts with NFT photo cards featuring their favorite artists.Dunamu and HYBELevvels, the company behind Momentica, has garnered significant attention from both the tech and the entertainment industries, as it is a joint venture between Dunamu, the operator of Korea’s leading crypto exchange, and HYBE, the agency representing world-renowned boy band BTS.K-pop photo cardsOne of the primary goals of this promising company is to introduce the K-pop fandom culture to global audiences. K-pop fans enjoy collecting photo cards featuring their favorite singers or actors, and thanks to blockchain technology, these cards can now be transformed into non-fungible tokens (NFTs), ensuring their authenticity and preventing forgeries and counterfeits. Dunamu’s blockchain expertise has combined with HYBE’s intellectual property to create a range of collectible items for K-pop fans.In a recent interview with Donga Ilbo, Levvels CEO Cha Sang-hoon explained the company’s current status and future plans. Cha said that Levvels is primarily a blockchain-based Web3 company aiming to leverage various technological tools to offer a range of services.Levvels’ Momentica issues digital photo cards called TAKEs, which capture unique and memorable moments of artists, and the collection, appreciation, and trading of these cards are facilitated through the Momentica app. Fans can use Momentica to collect digital cards featuring artists such as Seventeen, Le Sserafim, and Fromis_9. The authenticity of TAKEs is verifiable, as they are recorded on the blockchain.© Pexels/Sebastian ErviPhysical to digitalMomentica transitions the fan experience from the physical world to the digital realm. Through the app, K-pop aficionados can now exchange photo cards, promote their favorite stars, and maintain a virtual album. Exclusive content, including pictures, videos, and handwriting from some artists, will be available only on Momentica.Cha mentioned that Momentica has users across 93 countries, with Koreans constituting 40% of the total. Japanese users represent over 30%, indicating the app’s strong presence in the Japanese market. Taiwan, Indonesia, and the US follow in the number of users. Overall, the app’s popularity aligns with regional interest in K-pop.Beyond HYBEWhile the current service focuses on limited collections of digital photo cards, Momentica plans to enhance the experience by allowing K-pop fans to personalize and directly exchange cards. The company is also working on collaborations with artists from labels beyond HYBE for them to participate in Momentica.

Lotte Data Communication launches NFT donation campaign for children’s rehab centerSouth Korean IT service company Lotte Data Communication is running an NFT donation campaign dedicated to building a children’s rehabilitation center on its NFT marketplace KottonSeed, according to local newspaper The Herald Business on Friday.Photo by Markus Winkler on UnsplashNFTs for charitySponsored by the South Korean Ministry of Health and Welfare, the Korea Disabled People’s Development Institute, the non-profit organization Todag Todag and Hanam City’s Disabled People Family Support Center, the donation campaign will run throughout this month, rewarding every participant with one free “Good Seed NFT”. For each NFT distributed, Lotte Data Communication vowed to donate KRW 1,004 ($0.77). In Korean, the number 1,004 has the same pronunciation as “angel.”The company explained that the project aims to go beyond using NFTs simply as a form of virtual assets, but rather inspire a spirit of giving by showcasing the various ways that NFTs can be used. KottonSeed will also partake in more donation campaigns incorporating Good Seed NFTs in the future to contribute to this objective.“Through this donation campaign, we wanted to demonstrate that there are no limits to the use of NFTs. We hope this becomes an opportunity for many people to feel that positive influences can reach even the places that tend to go unnoticed in our daily lives through NFTs.”Bringing NFTs to various sectorsKottonSeed — currently a beta service — offers NFT marketplace and wallet services that support blockchain networks like Ethereum, Polygon and Klaytn and a variety of payment methods, making it easy for anyone to buy, sell and own NFTs. Lotte Data Communication has been making strides to increase KottonSeed’s presence in the NFT market since its launch earlier this year. It has been incorporating NFTs into various sectors such as proof of participation in activities, product promotion, sports marketing and environmental, social and governance (ESG) efforts.