Ethereum News: Sophisticated StilachiRAT Malware Targets Popular Crypto Wallets

A new threat has emerged in the cryptocurrency world, with Microsoft issuing a warning about a sophisticated malware named StilachiRAT that specifically targets popular crypto wallets. Here’s what you need to know.

Microsoft Warns of StilachiRAT Malware Targeting Coinbase and MetaMask Crypto Wallets

Microsoft has issued a warning about a sophisticated malware named StilachiRAT specifically targeting crypto wallets. The malware, capable of bypassing security systems, threatens 20 of the most popular crypto wallets, including Coinbase and MetaMask. It operates as a remote access Trojan (RAT) and primarily targets users of the Google Chrome extension who own crypto wallets. The malware uses sophisticated techniques to evade detection, persist in the target environment, and exfiltrate sensitive data.

Ethereum to Discontinue Support for Holesky Testnet in September

Ethereum developers are discontinuing support for the Holesky testnet in September due to mass exit of validators following disruptions during the Pectra upgrade testing. According to the recent announcement on Ethereum Foundation blog, developer support for the Ethereum’s (ETH) Holesky testnet will be discontinued this September. Until then, developers can test deposits, consolidations, and other Pectra features on Holesky. However, they are advised not to use Holesky for testing validator exits due to a long exit queue slowing down the process. Instead, exit validator testing should be done on the new Hoodi testnet, which will activate the Pectra upgrade on March 26.

Standard Chartered Lowers Ether Forecast to $4K, Cites L2 Fees Imbalance

Standard Chartered released a report reducing its price estimates for ETH from $10,000 to $4,000. The downgrade is attributed to Layer-2 leakage, such as the Base blockchain developed by Coinbase, which retains 80% of its fee revenue instead of enriching the Ethereum network. Base is estimated to drain around $50 billion from Ethereum’s market capitalization. Ethereum is described as going through a midlife crisis, and the problem could worsen with the Converge blockchain. Ethereum investors will have to contend with these less-than-positive estimates on the digital token’s 10th anniversary.

Ethereum News: Pectra Upgrade and New Hoodi Testnet Timeline

Ethereum’s Sepolia and Holesky testnets have faced issues preventing the Pectra upgrade. To address this, a new Hoodi testnet has been introduced. Ethereum developers will meet on March 20, 2025, to discuss the Hoodi testnet launch, PeerDAS, blob scaling upgrades, and the timeline for the Pectra mainnet upgrade. Hoodi is set to undergo the Pectra fork on March 26, 2025.