The crypto market continues to face both challenges and innovation. From a newly detected malware targeting wallets to rising metaverse-related NFT sales and BlackRock’s reported exploration of tokenised ETFs, today’s developments highlight the diverse forces shaping the industry.
New Malware Targets Crypto Wallets Across Systems
Security firm Mosyle has uncovered a new malware strain called ModStealer, which is targeting users across macOS, Windows and Linux. The malware threatens crypto wallets and access credentials by extracting private keys, certificates, credential files and browser-based wallet extensions.
According to 9to5mac, ModStealer went undetected for almost a month after being uploaded to VirusTotal, an online malware detection service. Mosyle researchers noted that it disguises itself on macOS as a background agent to ensure persistence.
The firm added that the malware appears to be routed through Germany, although its server is hosted in Finland. It is reportedly spread through fake job recruitment adverts, a tactic increasingly used against Web3 developers.
NFT Sales in the Metaverse Show Signs of Recovery
The metaverse has shown signs of revival as NFT sales linked to virtual worlds rose by 27 per cent in August, according to data from DappRadar. Sales volumes reached 13,927 in August, up from 10,900 in July. Trading volume fell slightly to 6.5 million US dollars compared to July’s 6.7 million.
DappRadar analyst Sara Gherghelas commented that the metaverse “isn’t dead yet”, although user activity and trading remain far below the 2021 and 2022 boom period. The Sandbox, Mocaverse, Otherside and Decentraland were among the top platforms contributing to the growth.
Major players in the space are focusing on infrastructure and long-term development. Recent announcements of upgrades by The Sandbox, Otherside and Decentraland indicate continued investment in building sustainable ecosystems.
BlackRock Considers Tokenisation of ETFs
BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager, is reportedly considering tokenising exchange-traded funds on blockchain networks. Bloomberg cited sources who said the company is evaluating tokenised funds with exposure to real-world assets. Any such move would face significant regulatory scrutiny.
ETFs are among the most popular investment vehicles globally and now outnumber listed stocks, according to Morningstar. Tokenisation could extend their usability by allowing trading outside market hours and enabling collateralisation within decentralised finance applications.
BlackRock already operates the world’s largest tokenised money market fund, the USD Institutional Digital Liquidity Fund, which manages 2.2 billion US dollars across blockchains such as Ethereum, Avalanche, Aptos and Polygon.
Industry Sees Tokenisation as a Major Shift
JPMorgan has described tokenisation as a “significant leap” for the seven trillion US dollar money market fund sector. Goldman Sachs and Bank of New York Mellon have launched initiatives to allow clients to access money market funds directly on private blockchains. BlackRock is expected to join this effort.
The move signals a shift in how traditional finance may integrate blockchain technology. Tokenised funds could bridge institutional investors with decentralised platforms, combining regulatory frameworks with blockchain efficiency.
