Hong Kong-based computer hardware manufacturer Sapphire has announced a new graphics card for mining the recently-launched GRIN Coin, according to an official press release published on Jan. 22. The SAPPHIRE RX 570 16GB HDMI Blockchain Graphics Card is one of the first of a “new family” that will support mining of the new GRIN Coin. GRIN, which was released earlier this month, is a privacy-oriented token that is touted as a fully decentralized and democratized digital asset. The token is based on mimblewimble technology, which in theory grants users in the network with solid anonymity, by encrypting the value of …

Japanese electronics giant Sony has filed two patents for boosting blockchain-based ecosystems, according to filings 20180218027 and 20180219686 published by the U.S. Patent and Trademarks Office (USPTO) Aug. 2. Through the patents, Sony intends to improve the design and structure of blockchain hardware by introducing new circuitries to the processes of distributed ledger technology. The first application, entitled "Electronic Node and Method for Maintaining a Distributed Ledger," describes an electronic device for maintaining a blockchain based on multiple electronics nodes, including multiple blocks associated with at least one of the existing blocks. The patent explains a scheme of adding new …

Kaspersky recently uncovered Equation Group, a nasty cybercrime operation that embeds malware in hardware all around the world. It's hard to detect. Once malware is installed, it's difficult to get rid of. Even reinstalling the operating system doesn't help. The only way to extinguish the it once and for all, is to destroy your hard drive. If this secret operation is so advanced, are Bitcoin companies vulnerable? “Yes, Bitcoin organizations could definitely be subject to an Equation style attack.” said Ken Miller, former risk management for PayPal and current COO for Gem. The cyber-crime group has targeted personal hardrives as …