Top Tech & Cybersecurity Headlines for August 7, 2025

It’s another busy day in tech and cybersecurity. From fake developer tools wiping machines to major crypto and AI breakthroughs, here are the biggest headlines to keep you in the loop. Let’s dive in.

Malicious WhatsApp Dev Tools Wipe Developer Machines

Two fake NPM packages pretending to be WhatsApp developer libraries were found to contain data-wiping malware. The packages, once installed, recursively deleted files from the victim’s computer. It’s a stark reminder to vet open-source dependencies and lock down your dev environment.

CISA Orders Emergency Patch for Microsoft Exchange Flaw

Federal agencies have until Monday morning to patch a critical Microsoft Exchange hybrid vulnerability (CVE-2025-53786). The flaw allows silent cloud API privilege escalations in hybrid setups. If you’re using Exchange Server, update immediately—even non-federal environments are at risk.

GPT-5 Officially Launches, With Microsoft Leak Confirmed

OpenAI released GPT-5 today, with GPT-5, GPT-5 Mini, and Nano variants confirmed by a Microsoft leak. Available to all ChatGPT users, paid tiers get expanded access to what’s now the most advanced AI model for text generation and automation. It marks a big leap in generative AI accessibility and performance.

New EDR Killer Tool Used by Eight Ransomware Groups

A next-gen EDR-busting tool, believed to be the evolution of EDRKillShifter, has been deployed by at least eight ransomware groups. Developed by RansomHub, the utility helps attackers bypass common defensive tools. Endpoint protection strategies need to be updated and diversified to stay effective.

Bouygues Telecom Confirms Data Breach of 6.4M Users

A cyberattack on French giant Bouygues Telecom exposed the personal data of 6.4 million customers. Details remain limited, but affected users should watch for phishing attempts. Enterprises should take note of how quickly telecom infrastructure can be compromised.

150 Malicious Firefox Extensions Drain $1M in Crypto

The “GreedyBear” campaign infiltrated Mozilla’s add-on store, uploading over 150 crypto-stealing extensions to Firefox. Users lost over $1M before removal. If you use Firefox for crypto, audit your extensions ASAP and avoid unknown add-ons.

Fake Ethereum Trading Bots Drain $900K via YouTube Scams

SentinelLabs has uncovered a scam involving fake Ethereum trading bots peddled via YouTube instructional videos. These smart contracts are designed to drain wallet funds directly. Be skeptical of DIY bot tutorials—validate what you deploy on-chain.

Paxos Fined $48.5M by NYDFS Over Binance-Linked Violations

Stablecoin issuer Paxos is paying $48.5M for compliance lapses tied to its former partnership with Binance, including weak KYC and oversight failures. This penalty continues a trend of regulatory enforcement in the crypto space. Firms dealing in digital assets must double down on compliance.

Trump Bans “Banking Blacklists” Against Crypto Industry

President Trump signed an executive order banning federal regulators from pressuring banks to avoid working with crypto firms based on “reputational risk.” The move targets so-called “Operation Choke Point 2.0.” It’s seen as a major win for digital asset adoption and regulatory clarity in the U.S.

Chainlink Reserves $1M+ in On-Chain LINK Treasury

Chainlink launched a new strategic reserve backed by its own LINK token, funded by service revenue. It’s designed to fund long-term development and incentivize usage. The move signals confidence in LINK’s network effects and price stability over time.

NFTs Flip DeFi in User Activity with $530M in Sales

The NFT market bounced back in July with $530 million in trading volume, even overtaking DeFi in active users. Although fewer tokens changed hands, average sale prices doubled. Solana, Ethereum, and the Base network saw strong growth in NFT platform activity.

SharpLink Boosts ETH Holdings with $200M Raise

SharpLink Gaming raised $200M to expand its Ethereum treasury, which now surpasses $2B in staked ETH. The company is positioning itself as a DeFi infrastructure heavyweight rather than just a gaming firm. Ethereum’s importance as a corporate reserve asset continues to grow.

Ripple Acquires Rail for $200M in Stablecoin Payments Push

Ripple bought enterprise payments company Rail in a $200M deal to boost its RLUSD stablecoin strategy. The acquisition is expected to bring real-time settlement across currencies and blockchains. With stablecoins heating up, Ripple wants to lead the pack in cross-border performance.

India Uncovers $72M in Hidden Crypto Income

India’s tax authorities uncovered $72 million in crypto-related tax evasion and have issued 44,000 notices as part of a sweeping compliance push. Meanwhile, tax revenue from reported gains reached $80M. Calls for a more balanced tax policy are growing as traders flee to offshore platforms.

Union Jack Oil Taps Bitcoin Mining with Natural Gas

UK energy company Union Jack Oil is entering Bitcoin mining by converting excess natural gas into onsite power. The initiative could be a model for monetizing unused energy. Their move comes amidst rising mining difficulty—but also opportunities due to lower miner competition in 2025.

Bitcoin’s Volatility Hits Record Lows—Is a Big Move Coming?

The Bitcoin Volatility Index (BVIV) is at record lows, despite BTC hovering near its all-time high above $115K. Historical precedent suggests we're due for serious price action—either direction. Options are currently underpriced, making this an interesting time for investors watching for breakout volatility.

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