Blogs

Below are blogs that I've written on topics covering blockchain technologies and cybersecurity. I look into how these technological advancements will change our lives today and what it means for all of us in the future.

Interested in possibly working together? Feel free to reach out via my contact page and let's chat!

For Some in the Record Label Space, Web3 and NFTs are Bringing Panic

Michael Paulyn

2 days ago
1 min

For Some in the Record Label Space, Web3 and NFTs are Bringing Panic

There was a time when web3 creators felt confident enough to take Spotify head-on, possibly. Although such grand ambitions deserve recognition and applause, these projects and initiatives were never likely to stand the test of time. But there is a quiet revolution going on in the music industry, and it involves NFTs. As luck would have it, the record label space is embracing NFTs significantly and leading the charge on real-world use cases for these digital assets. Some emerg

1 view0 comments

Devastatingly Effective Ad Fraud Campaign Targets 11 Million Devices with 1,700 Malicious Apps

Michael Paulyn

3 days ago
1 min

Devastatingly Effective Ad Fraud Campaign Targets 11 Million Devices with 1,700 Malicious Apps

Cybersecurity experts have recently discovered and shut down a massive ad fraud campaign targeting over 11 million devices using 1,700 malicious applications from 120 publishers. In a statement from the fraud prevention company known as HUMAN, they share that "VASTFLUX was a malvertising attack that injected malicious JavaScript code into digital ad creatives, allowing the fraudsters to stack numerous invisible video ad players behind one another and register ad views." This

4 views0 comments

As the Saying Goes, All Good Things Come to an End, and the Same Goes for Bitcoin's Streak

Michael Paulyn

4 days ago
1 min

As the Saying Goes, All Good Things Come to an End, and the Same Goes for Bitcoin's Streak

As the saying goes, "all good things come to an end," and Bitcoin's two-week winning streak is coming to an end; this is proving true. The last occurrence like this was in November 2013, when the cryptocurrency saw 15 straight days of upward price growth, its longest streak on record. As of January 18, 2023, it's felt that the main reason for Bitcoin's overall decline is partly from the US Department of Justice's arrest of Bitzlato's founder and the exchange's complete shutdo

4 views0 comments

Bitzlato Founder Arrested for Assisting Cybercriminals to Launder $700 Million

Michael Paulyn

6 days ago
2 min

Bitzlato Founder Arrested for Assisting Cybercriminals to Launder $700 Million

On Wednesday, the United States Department of Justice (DoJ) announced Anatoly Legkodymov, who also goes by the alias Gandalf and Tolik. Legkodymov, the co-founder of Bitzlato, a Hong Kong-registered cryptocurrency exchange, is allegedly responsible for laundering over $700 million. Legkodymov, a 40-year-old Russian national, was arrested in Miami and was officially charged by a U.S. federal court with "conducting a money transmitting business that transported and transmitted

2 views0 comments

Hollywood and the Film Industry are Beginning to take a Strong Liking to Blockchain Technology

Michael Paulyn

Jan 23
1 min

Hollywood and the Film Industry are Beginning to take a Strong Liking to Blockchain Technology

Thanks to many traditional type businesses, blockchain technology is beginning to make an impression on Hollywood and the wider film industry. As luck would have it, this isn't limited to television and movies. The music industry is also becoming engulfed in the entertainment sector's newfound love for blockchain technology. A great example of these changing tastes is the new film "Fuzzy Head," which is making its debut later this year at the Slamdance Film Festival, an Oscar

5 views0 comments

Git Users Need to Update Software to Prevent Frequent Remote Code Execution Attacks from Occurring

Michael Paulyn

Jan 22
1 min

Git Users Need to Update Software to Prevent Frequent Remote Code Execution Attacks from Occurring

Those responsible for maintaining the Git source code version control system have recently shared essential updates for all users. This announcement aims to fix any potential vulnerabilities that cybercriminals could use for an attack to achieve remote code execution. The crucial flaws are recorded as the following CVE-2022-23521 and CVE-2022-41903, which is affecting the following versions of Git: v2.30.6, v2.31.5, v2.32.4, v2.33.5, v2.34.5, v2.35.5, v2.36.3, v2.37.4, v2.38.

4 views0 comments

In the Ever-Growing Web3 Industry, NFTs are Becoming More of a Vital Ingredient

Michael Paulyn

Jan 21
2 min

In the Ever-Growing Web3 Industry, NFTs are Becoming More of a Vital Ingredient

The last year has proven that NFTs, non-fungible tokens, are a vital ingredient in the ever-growing web3 infrastructure. Initially, the introduction of NFTs sparked a frenzy of various get-rich schemes and gimmicks, resulting in these digital tokens earning a reputation of being nothing more than a hype-based trend soon to burn out. In reality, NFTs have tremendous potential for long-term growth, specifically in the web3 space. DappRadar's 2022 report on the market for dApps

5 views0 comments

Here are the Top 4 SaaS Cybersecurity Threats for 2023

Michael Paulyn

Jan 19
2 min

Here are the Top 4 SaaS Cybersecurity Threats for 2023

It's only the first month of 2023, but cybercriminals from all over are hard at work. For any SaaS business, staying safe online and ensuring sensitive data doesn't fall into the wrong hands is never more crucial. Here are four key areas to remember as we move into a new calendar year. 1. Weak Points of Web Application At the heart of every SaaS business lies dozens of web applications used daily in and out to ensure business transactions run smoothly. The truth is that web

4 views0 comments

Changing the NFT Game: Phygitals, Blending the Physical and Digital World Part 3

Michael Paulyn

Jan 15
2 min

Changing the NFT Game: Phygitals, Blending the Physical and Digital World Part 3

In part three on phygitals, it might be unsurprising to know that these digital assets come in various forms, including art, collectibles, designer clothing, and jewelry. Below are several of the most common examples that phygitals typically appear as: Timepieces Wristwatches and timepieces are some of the most popular assets in the real world, so some companies and creators would develop digital assets for the decentralized space. For example, the luxury watch brand Rolex is

4 views0 comments

Several API Vulnerabilities Uncovered, Putting Millions of Vehicles at Risk

Michael Paulyn

Jan 15
1 min

Several API Vulnerabilities Uncovered, Putting Millions of Vehicles at Risk

Millions of vehicles from sixteen of the industry's leading automotive manufacturers are at risk due to API vulnerabilities. These units are at risk of being hacked and tracked, and the owners' privacy is also potentially at risk due to several recently uncovered bugs. These specific security weak points in vehicle APIs in brands ranging from Acura, BMW, Ferrari, Ford, Genesis, Honda, Hyundai, Infiniti, Jaguar, Kia, Land Rover, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Porsche, Rolls Royce, Toy

5 views0 comments

Changing the NFT Game: Phygitals, Blending the Physical and Digital World Part 2

Michael Paulyn

Jan 14
1 min

Changing the NFT Game: Phygitals, Blending the Physical and Digital World Part 2

The way phygitals works is by allowing blockchain developers to blend virtual and real-world assets, resulting in the functionality of NFTs and giving them exponential potential. Phygitals act as the bridge needed by making it possible to seamlessly combine digital assets into more tangible objects and possibly exciting experiences. In the blockchain, a phygital uses a digital format minted on the blockchain network via a smart contract. A unique identifier, such as a QR code

6 views0 comments

17-Year-Old Hacker Arrested By London Police for Allegedly Breaching Uber and GTA 6

Michael Paulyn

Jan 11
1 min

17-Year-Old Hacker Arrested By London Police for Allegedly Breaching Uber and GTA 6

The City of London police have shared they arrested a 17-year-old boy for allegedly hacking and breaching Uber and GTA 6. The agency states that "on the evening of Thursday, 22 September 2022, the City of London Police arrested a 17-year-old in Oxfordshire on suspicion of hacking, and he remains in police custody." This arrest was made in partnership with the UK National Crime Agency's cybercrime unit. Although the police agency didn’t release any additional details, there ar

3 views0 comments

Changing the NFT Game: Phygitals, Blending the Physical and Digital World Part 1

Michael Paulyn

Jan 9
1 min

Changing the NFT Game: Phygitals, Blending the Physical and Digital World Part 1

For some, the world of NFTs has been a gold mine, while for others, NFTs seem to be one of the biggest Ponzi schemes ever. Whatever side you find yourself on, the truth is that NFTs don't appear to be going away anytime soon, with many seeing these digital tokens as a new outlet for their creative expression. One of the newest types of phygitals; for more, read on. What is Phygital? A phygital is when an NFT, a digital token, is backed by a physical, real-world asset. It's a

8 views0 comments

Experts find Potential Wiretapping Bugs in Google Smart Speakers

Michael Paulyn

Jan 8
1 min

Experts find Potential Wiretapping Bugs in Google Smart Speakers

Recently a cybersecurity researcher was awarded $107,500 for finding some critical security issues in Google smart speakers, preventing hackers from inputting wiretapping devices into the units. These findings uncovered what experts state would have "allowed an attacker within wireless proximity to install a 'backdoor' account on the device, enabling them to send commands to it remotely over the internet, access its microphone feed, and make arbitrary HTTP requests within the

5 views0 comments

The US House Committee Chairman Investigates More into the Idea of Crypto Retirement Plans

Michael Paulyn

Jan 7
1 min

The US House Committee Chairman Investigates More into the Idea of Crypto Retirement Plans

The head chairperson for the US House Ways and Means Committee is now looking into requesting if the Government Accountability Office (GAO) can investigate cryptocurrencies as a possible investment. This campaign examines whether crypto is viable for various defined contribution (DC) plans, including 401k pension plans. Richard Neal, Democrat from Massachusetts, sent a letter to the GAO Comptroller Gene L. Dodaro sharing his concerns about investing pension plans into cryptoc

5 views0 comments

3 Major Hacktivist Groups Found to be Assisting Russian Efforts

Michael Paulyn

Jan 5
1 min

3 Major Hacktivist Groups Found to be Assisting Russian Efforts

According to experts within the cybersecurity realm, three supposed hacktivist groups are assisting and collaborating with Russian efforts. This revealing information now provides a glimpse into the extent of Russian cyber interest and the capabilities of these various government entities. Mandiant, the Google-owned and operated cybersecurity threat intelligence and incident response branch, shares that "moderators of the purported hacktivist Telegram channels 'XakNet Team,'

5 views0 comments

Mark Cuban Feels that the Crypto Start-ups with Solid Foundations Will Find Success

Michael Paulyn

Jan 2
1 min

Mark Cuban Feels that the Crypto Start-ups with Solid Foundations Will Find Success

While the combined cryptocurrency market capitalization is still well below the $1 trillion mark, it doesn’t seem like that will change anytime soon, with companies like FTX paint this brand-new sector in a bad light. Some out there, such as Mark Cuban, feel otherwise about the crypto industry. Cuban recently shared that he believes that the companies that are falling apart and crumbling before our eyes are the ones that lack a proper foundation and the vital elements to be s

4 views0 comments

Infamous North Korean Hacker Group, Focusing on Mac Users Interested in Crypto Jobs

Michael Paulyn

Jan 1
1 min

Infamous North Korean Hacker Group, Focusing on Mac Users Interested in Crypto Jobs

The infamous North Korean hacker group, Lazarus Group, is focused on using malware against unsuspecting mac users interested in applying for crypto jobs. This recent campaign by the state-sponsored unit works to use decoy job advertisements for positions with the cryptocurrency-exchange firm Crypto dot com. This "project' has been allegedly named Operation In(ter)caption, part of a much larger campaign dubbed Operation Dream Job. At the moment, the precise distribution vector

3 views0 comments

The App WeChat Looks to Permanently Ban All Crypto and NFT-Linked Accounts, Due to Updated Terms

Michael Paulyn

Dec 30, 2022
1 min

The App WeChat Looks to Permanently Ban All Crypto and NFT-Linked Accounts, Due to Updated Terms

The popular app used by millions in China and across the globe has announced that it plans to ban any accounts that are connected to cryptocurrencies and NFTs. The move comes after Tencent, WeChat's parent company, looks to update its terms of use by adding conditions that prevent users involved in the digital asset sector from using the communication application. These updates state that any account "involves the issuance, transaction, and financing related to virtual curren

4 views0 comments

Here’s Why Consistent Security Testing is a Necessity for Companies Today

Michael Paulyn

Dec 28, 2022
2 min

Here’s Why Consistent Security Testing is a Necessity for Companies Today

As more companies become more digitalized, top-notch cybersecurity is increasingly necessary in today’s business world. Some experts predict that the information security and risk management market will grow from $172.5 billion in 2022 to $267.3 billion in 2026. As these trends continue to grow, one of the most significant needs many firms will need to consider is hiring experts capable of testing a firm’s cybersecurity defenses, vulnerabilities, and weak points. Below are th

3 views0 comments