- Trump Signs Executive Order to Explore a U.S. Strategic Bitcoin Reserve - Bitcoin Magazine (2025-01-23)
- Confessions of a Bitcoin Believer: One Former Miner’s Journey from Zealot to Skeptic - Fortune (2021-02-07)
- They Cracked the Code to a Locked USB Drive Worth $235 Million in Bitcoin. Then It Got Weird - Wired (2023-09-24)
- Record $3.8 Billion Stolen in Crypto Hacks Last Year, Report Says - CNN (2023-02-01)
- Report: $1.9 Billion Stolen in Crypto Hacks So Far This Year - CNN (2022-08-16)
- Feds Arrest Founders of Bitcoin Mixer Samourai Wallet
- Founders And CEO Of Cryptocurrency Mixing Service Arrested And Charged With Money Laundering And Unlicensed Money Transmitting Offenses - US (2024-05-24)
- Monero Founder Refutes Allegations of Helping Interpol Trace Funds - Beincrypto (2023-03-22)
- The Impact of Throwing Russia out of Swift - Financial Times (2022-02-25)
- BRICS to Develop Blockchain-Based Payment System to Bypass the Dollar - Money Metals (2024-03-07)
- Venezuela Rushes to Mend Iran Relationship as US Sanctions Loom - Reuters (2024-03-12)
- North Korea's Lazarus Group Launders $900 Million in Cryptocurrency - The Hacker News (2023-10)
- Justice Department Announces Court-Authorized Action to Disrupt Illicit Revenue Generation Efforts of Democratic People’s Republic of Korea Information Technology Workers - U.S. Department of Justice (2023-09-18)
Flag Theory - https://flagtheory.com
Comparison of Custodial and Non-Custodial Wallets
Feature | Custodial Wallet | Non-Custodial Wallet |
---|---|---|
Control of Private Keys | Third-party service provider (e.g., exchange) holds your keys | You control your own private keys |
Security | Dependent on the service provider's security (can be a target for hacking) | You are responsible for securing your private keys (can be lost and be hacked) |
Ease of Use | Generally more user-friendly with features like recovery and customer support | Can be more complex, requiring the user to manage their own private keys, operational security and backups |
Backup and Recovery | Typically easier (support from the service provider if you lose access) | Requires manual backup and recovery of the private keys or seed phrase |
Privacy | Requires trust in the provider (often involves KYC and AML procedures) | Higher privacy since transactions are not tied to personal information |
Transaction Speed and Fees | Transactions may be faster or cheaper, depending on the service's structure | Depends on the blockchain's current load and network conditions |
Risk of Loss | If the service provider is hacked or goes out of business, you may lose access to funds | If you lose your private keys or seed phrase, you lose access to your funds permanently |
Examples | Coinbase, Binance, Kraken | MetaMask, Trust Wallet, Ledger (hardware wallet) |
Comparison of Hot Wallets and Cold Wallets
Wallet Type | Description | Security | Examples |
---|---|---|---|
Hot Wallets | Internet-connected, easy to access for frequent transactions, but vulnerable to hacking. | Low to Medium (exposed to online risks) | MetaMask, Trust Wallet, Coinbase Wallet |
Desktop Wallets | Installed on a computer. You control the keys, but vulnerable to malware and physical damage. | Medium (controlled by user but exposed to local threats) | Electrum, Exodus |
Web Wallets | Accessed via a web browser. Easy to use but the website controls the keys, making them less secure. | Medium (website controls keys) | MyEtherWallet (MEW), Blockchain.info |
Mobile Wallets | Installed on mobile phones. Convenient but subject to theft or malware. | Medium (subject to mobile security risks) | Monerujo, Trust Wallet, Coinomi, Edge Wallet |
Cold Wallets | Offline storage, providing high security for long-term storage. | High (offline and immune to online threats) | Ledger, Trezor, Paper Wallets |
Paper Wallets | A physical printout of private keys. Highly secure when stored safely but vulnerable to physical loss or damage. | High (offline, but physical risk) | Generated via bitaddress.org or similar tools |
Hardware Wallets | Physical devices storing private keys offline. Offers the highest security even when connected to a computer. | High (offline, never exposes private keys online) | Ledger Nano S, Trezor Model T, KeepKey |
Comparison of Wallet Types and Their Recovery Methods
Wallet Type | Recovery Method | Advantages | Disadvantages |
---|---|---|---|
Software Wallet (Desktop/Mobile) | Seed Phrase (12-24 words), Backup File, Private Key | Easy access, can be used for transactions, user controls keys | Vulnerable to hacking if not properly secured (malware, phishing, device theft) |
Web Wallet | Backup File, Email/Account Recovery, Some use Seed Phrase | Accessible from anywhere, no need for physical device | Risk of hacking, dependent on service provider, service can be compromised |
Hardware Wallet | Seed Phrase (12-24 words), Backup File | Offline, highly secure, resistant to online attacks | Requires physical device, risk of loss, theft, or damage to the device |
Exchange Wallet (Custodial) | Account Recovery via Service Provider (e.g., email, 2FA, KYC) | Convenient, no need to manage private keys, easy to use | Trusting third party with your funds, exchange can be hacked, limited control over funds |
Crypto Payment Apps (Custodial) | Account Recovery via Service Provider (e.g., email, 2FA, KYC) | Easy to use, user-friendly, convenient for daily transactions | Service provider holds the private keys, potential for service downtime or issues, custodial control |
Paper Wallet | Private Key or Public Key written down | No internet exposure, highly secure against online threats, offline storage | Risk of physical damage or theft, no recovery option if lost, cumbersome for frequent transactions |
- Kicksecure Xfce ISO - Live USB
- Tails - Additional Software
- Whonix Live Mode
- Bails
- Bitcoin Core on Tails
- DTails
- Haveno in Tails
- Jade DIY Cold Storage
- YetiCold
- Independent Custody Guide
- CryptoDad YouTube Channel
Comparison of Centralized Exchanges (CEX), Decentralized Exchanges (DEX), and CBDCs
Feature | Centralized Exchange (CEX) | Decentralized Exchange (DEX) | Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) |
---|---|---|---|
Control | Controlled by a central authority (e.g., Binance, Coinbase) | Peer-to-peer, no central authority | Issued and controlled by the central bank of a country |
Transaction Speed | Fast transactions, typically settled instantly | Slower, depends on blockchain network congestion | Fast, depending on the central bank's infrastructure |
Privacy | Users must submit personal information (KYC, AML) | More private, no KYC requirements, but still on-chain transactions | Transactions are traceable, government-controlled, can be monitored |
Security | Centralized risk, vulnerable to hacks and fraud | More secure in terms of hacking (no central point of attack), but prone to smart contract bugs | High security, government-backed, but can be susceptible to centralized risks and government control |
Liquidity | High liquidity due to large user base | Lower liquidity, but increasing with popular protocols | Very high liquidity due to government backing |
Transaction Fees | Fees depend on the exchange, often relatively low | Generally low fees, but can be high during network congestion | No or very low fees, as controlled by the central bank |
Asset Types | Supports a wide range of cryptocurrencies and tokens | Supports a range of tokens based on decentralized protocols (e.g., Ethereum, Uniswap) | Digital versions of fiat currencies, typically limited to the national currency |
Regulation | Regulated by government financial authorities | Less regulated, operates in a decentralized manner (but can face regulatory scrutiny) | Regulated and controlled by the central bank and government financial authorities |
Ownership | Users don’t hold private keys, the exchange does | Users retain control of their private keys | Government retains control of the digital currency |
Comparison of Decentralized Exchange (DEX) Trading, Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Trading, and Over-the-Counter (OTC) Trading
Comparison of Decentralized Exchange (DEX) Trading, Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Trading, and Over-the-Counter (OTC) Trading
Aspect | DEX Trading | P2P Trading | Swappers | OTC Trading |
---|---|---|---|---|
Definition | A blockchain-based platform where trades occur directly between users using smart contracts. | Direct trade between two individuals, often facilitated by a platform with escrow services. | Platforms that allow users to exchange one cryptocurrency for another, often without the need for an account. | Direct trading of assets between two parties, typically involving larger transactions without a centralized exchange. |
Automation | Fully automated using smart contracts. | Often manual or semi-automated, depending on the platform. | Generally automated, allowing for quick exchanges between cryptocurrencies. | Generally manual negotiation between parties, often facilitated by brokers or dealers. |
Custody of Funds | Non-custodial: Users retain full control of their funds. | May involve escrow or custodial services for added security. | Non-custodial: Users retain control of their funds until the swap is executed. | Funds are typically held by the parties involved until the transaction is completed. |
Intermediary | No intermediary; transactions occur directly via the blockchain. | Platform acts as a facilitator but does not control funds (except during escrow). | No intermediary; swaps occur directly between users on the platform. | Often involves brokers or dealers who facilitate the trade between parties. |
Payment Methods | Crypto only (e.g., ETH, BTC). | Supports fiat, PayPal, gift cards, and other non-crypto payment methods. | Crypto only, typically allowing swaps between various cryptocurrencies. | Typically involves fiat currencies or other assets, negotiated directly between parties. |
Use Case | Quick, decentralized crypto-to-crypto trades. | Trading crypto for fiat or fiat for crypto, often across different payment methods. | Quick exchanges between different cryptocurrencies without the need for a centralized exchange. | Facilitating large trades, often for institutional investors or high-net-worth individuals. |
Examples | Haveno, Bisq. | LocalBitcoins, Hodl Hodl. | SimpleSwap, StealthEX. | Kraken, DV Chain. |
- KYC? Not me - A directory of platforms that do not require Know Your Customer (KYC) verification, focusing on privacy.
- Monero Merchants - Stores, merchants and exchanges that accept or trade Monero.
- Bisq - A decentralized Bitcoin exchange enabling private and peer-to-peer trading without intermediaries.
- Haveno - A privacy-focused decentralized exchange for Monero (XMR) and other cryptocurrencies, using multisig escrow.
- StealthEx - A non-custodial cryptocurrency exchange for quick and anonymous swaps without registration.
- DEX Protocols (GitHub) - A repository offering tools and information on decentralized exchange protocols.
- Uniswap - A leading automated market maker (AMM) for decentralized token trading on the Ethereum blockchain.
- SushiSwap - A community-driven DEX offering swaps, staking, and yield farming features.
- 1inch - A decentralized aggregator that sources liquidity from multiple DEXs for the best trading rates.
- Curve Finance - A DEX optimized for stablecoin and low-slippage token swaps.
- Bisq - Decentralized P2P exchange based on Bitcoin and Tor.
- Hodl Hodl - P2P trading platform with non-custodial escrow.
- Paxful - The largest P2P marketplace to buy, sell, send, and receive crypto and local currencies.
- Binance P2P - Binance’s dedicated P2P platform for trading cryptocurrencies using various fiat payment methods.
- Remitano - A P2P trading platform with escrow services for secure trades.
- LocalBitcoins - One of the earliest P2P trading platforms, primarily for Bitcoin transactions.
- P2P Trading (GitHub) - Best practices for P2P trading groups.
Swappers let users exchange XMR for other cryptocurrencies.
Atomic swaps allow users to exchange cryptocurrencies directly without intermediaries.
- BasicSwap - Decentralized P2P atomic swaps with a strong focus on user experience.
OTC trading allows users to buy and sell cryptocurrencies directly, often in larger quantities, without affecting the market price.
- Kraken - Offers OTC trading services for large volume transactions (USD¹, EUR¹², CAD, AUD, CHF).
- DV Chain (OTC) - Provides OTC trading services for various fiat currencies (USD¹, CAD¹, GBP¹, EUR¹, JPY¹, ...).
- Bitfinex - Offers OTC trading options for larger trades (USD¹).
- BitcoinVN - OTC trading for Vietnamese Dong (VND¹).
- TradeOgre - A platform that supports OTC trading for various cryptocurrencies.
¹ Fiat currency to Monero trading pair (e.g. XMR/USD, XMR/EUR)
² XMR Unavailable for EEA Users
Comparison of Cryptocurrency, Fiat Currency, and Digital Currency
s
Feature | Cryptocurrency | Fiat Currency | Digital Currency |
---|---|---|---|
Definition | Decentralized digital assets secured by cryptography | Government-issued currency that has physical and digital forms (e.g., USD, EUR) | Digital money that represents a traditional currency, can be issued by government or private entities |
Centralization | Decentralized, not controlled by any central authority | Centralized, controlled by the government or central bank | Can be centralized (e.g., CBDC) or decentralized (private digital currencies) |
Examples | Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, etc. | USD, EUR, GBP, JPY, etc. | Digital USD (e.g., FedCoin), Digital Euros, Private digital currencies like stablecoins |
Regulation | Less regulated, with some countries imposing bans or restrictions | Highly regulated by governments and financial authorities | Regulation depends on the issuer, with CBDCs being heavily regulated by governments |
Security | Highly secure via cryptography, but susceptible to exchange hacks, fraud, and wallet theft | Security relies on financial institutions, central banks, and physical currency infrastructure | Security depends on the issuer, but can be as secure as the underlying technology (e.g., blockchain, encryption) |
Transaction Speed | Varies (can take minutes to hours depending on network congestion and blockchain used) | Instant within countries, but can take longer for international transfers (e.g., wire transfers) | Varies depending on the system used, but can be fast for domestic digital transactions |
Transaction Costs | Variable, often depends on network congestion and transaction size | Usually low or none, but fees exist for certain services like international transfers | Can vary based on the platform or the type of digital currency (e.g., CBDCs may have no fees, stablecoins may have low fees) |
Ownership | Ownership is through private keys, and users are responsible for their security | Ownership is recognized through legal tender and financial systems (banks, cash) | Ownership depends on the system; CBDCs are controlled by governments, while private digital currencies can be user-owned |
Volatility | Highly volatile, with prices fluctuating significantly in short periods | Relatively stable, influenced by inflation rates, interest rates, and government policy | Depends on the type; CBDCs are stable, but private digital currencies can be volatile (e.g., stablecoins, tokens) |
Physical Form | Purely digital, no physical counterpart | Has physical (cash) and digital (bank account) forms | Purely digital, no physical counterpart (except for fiat-backed digital currencies like CBDCs) |
Global Usage | Global use, but adoption varies by country and region | Widely accepted globally, with the exception of some countries (e.g., hyperinflation or bans) | Limited to regions where issued (e.g., CBDCs within a specific country or currency zone) |
- Monero (Official Site)
- Monero (Official Onion)
- Monero User Guides (Official Resources)
- Monero (Official Community Forum)
- Monero Project (GitHub)
- Cryptwerk - Find where Monero is accepted as a payment method.
- Domestic Monero Chan (Onion)
- eXch (Onion)
- Orange Fren Exchange (Onion)
- FairTrade (Onion)
- Haveno Exchange
- Haveno RetoSwap
- Feather Desktop Wallet (Onion)
- MMGen Wallet (Onion)
- Monero.fail - Monero public node aggregator
- Monero Churn Timer
- xmrchain
- XMR Nodes
- Monero Explorer
- Monero Observer Blitz
- Monero Observer (Onion)
- Revuo Monero
- Revuo Monero (Onion)
- The Monero Standard
- The Monero Moon
- MoneroResearch.info
- MoneroResearch.info (Onion)
- Moneromaster - Guide to Encrypt Your Monero Seed
- Monero.how
- Monero Wallet Security
- Monero Policy Working Group
- Monero RCT Report - GitHub
- Chainalysis Report on Monero
- Solar Optimal mining of XMR
- The Monera - Monero Posters and art
- Libereco Mono
- Monero Garden
- Monero Bahçesi (Turkish)
- Zcash - Encrypted electronic money.
- Zcash Project - GitHub
- Flyp.me
- Firo - A privacy preserving cryptocurrency and ecosystem.
- Dash - Instant transactions and micro-fees.
- Cryptwerk - Find where Monero is accepted as a payment method.
- Monerica Project (GitHub) - A project promoting the adoption of Monero as a form of payment.
- XMRBazaar (beta) - Buy and sell products and services peer-to-peer with Monero.
- Monero Market - Monero Goods & Services Market.
- Monezon - Purchase items from Amazon anonymously using 800+ cryptocurrencies.
- XMR Directory - Directory for the Monero economy.
- Travala - Book travel services using cryptocurrency.
- Cake Pay - Purchase gift cards and debit cards.
- Trocador - Prepaid crypto cards.
- Coincards - Bridging the gap between retail and crypto consumers.
- Anon Shop - A quick and easy bridge between Monero and Amazon.
- Cryptwerk - Pay with XMR.
- Monero Marketplace (Telegram)
- Monero Jobs (Telegram)
- Galt Project - Core infrastructure for decentralized land ownership and tokenization.
- Bisq - Decentralized exchange.
- Haveno - Opening Monero to the world.
- LocalMonero - Buy or sell Monero anonymously.
- Moon - Pay with crypto.
- Privacy.com - Protect your payments and keep free trials free.
- Viabuy - Online account with personal IBAN and prepaid Mastercard.
- Samourai Wallet - A Bitcoin wallet for the streets.
- Anonymous Planet - The Hitchhiker’s Guide (PDF)
- XMRGuide (Onion)
- DNM Bible (Onion)
- Blockchain Dark Forest Selfguard Handbook
- Crypto-OpSec-SelfGuard-RoadMap
- Awesome Privacy on Blockchains
- Pseudonymity Guide
- Smart Custody
- Whonix Documentation
- EFF's Surveillance Self-Defense
- Burner Wallet - A simple, disposable wallet for small transactions.
- WalletConnect - Open protocol for connecting wallets to decentralized applications.
- Wasabi Wallet - A privacy-focused Bitcoin wallet.
- On-Chain Investigations Tools List
- Awesome OSINT Crypto Web3 Stuff
- BlockSherlock - Blockchain Explorers
- Mempool
- Blockchain.info
- TronScan
- Etherscan
- AlgoExplorer
- Solana Explorer
- Stellar Expert
- Snowtrace
- FlowScan
- Polygonscan
- On-Chain Investigations Tools List
- Awesome Cryptocurrency Security
- CryptoDeepTools
- BitcoinDigger
- Orbit
- Dao-Exploit
- Web3 Security Library - Blockchain Analysis Tools
- BTCscan
- Monero Mining Guide - GitHub Repository
- Monero Mining Overview
- Monero GitHub - Mining Resources
- Pleb Miners - GitHub Repository
- Immersion Plep Miner - GitHub Repository
- Official Monero Mining Guide
- Crypto Mining Blog - Monero Mining
Others Resources
- UNODC - Additional Teaching Tools on Cybercrime
- FATF - Financial Action Task Force - International body focused on combating money laundering and terrorist financing.
- Emerald Publishing - Journal of Money Laundering Control
- Emerald Publishing - Journal of Financial Regulation and Compliance
- MDPI - International Journal of Financial Studies
- Springer - Trends in Organized Crime
- Money Laundering - News and Analysis - Comprehensive coverage on money laundering and financial crime.
- ACAMS - Association of Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialists - Professional organization offering certifications and resources on AML.
- Financial Crime Academy - Educational resources and training related to financial crime and anti-money laundering (AML).
List of various American regulatory agencies
Financial Reporting Regulators
- SEC Division of Corporation Finance
- SEC Division of Corporation Finance: Comment Letters
- SEC Division of Enforcement
- SEC Division of Enforcement: Accounting Fraud Cases
- SEC Office of the Whistleblower
- SEC Press Releases
- SEC Litigation Releases
- PCAOB Auditing Standards
- PCAOB Audit Firm Inspection Reports
- PCAOB Enforcement Action Database
- PCAOB Press Releases
Enforcement Agencies
- Justice Department Fraud Section
- Justice Department FCPA Settlement Database
- Justice Department Press Releases
- Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC)
- FinCEN Press Releases
- Financial Fraud Task Force
- Bureau of Industry & Security
- Federal Trade Commission (Policy Page)
- Dept. of Health & Human Services Office of Civil Rights
- HHS Dept.: Database of Corporate Integrity Agreements
Banking & Financial Industry Regulators
- Federal Reserve Bank
- Federal Deposit Insurance Corp.
- Office of Comptroller of Currency
- FINRA Rule Filings
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
- National Credit Union Association
- International Monetary Fund Research Page
- Basel Committee on Banking Supervision
- Bank of International Settlements
Legislative Committees in Washington
- House Financial Services Committee
- House Oversight & Government Reform Committee
- House Judiciary Committee
- Senate Banking Committee
- Senate Commerce Committee
- Senate Judiciary Committee
- Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations
Databases to Explore
- Corporate Codes of Conduct - University of Houston Law School
- Stanford University Law School FCPA Enforcement Database
- TRACE Compendium - Database of bribery enforcement actions
- TRACE Matrix - A global bribery risk index
- Third Party Management System - Database of pre-vetted third parties for hire
Others Resources
- Wired - Technology and Business News - Broad technology news with sections on financial and cybersecurity topics.
- CoinDesk - Cryptocurrency News - News and analysis on cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology.
- Cointelegraph - Crypto News - In-depth articles and updates on cryptocurrency and blockchain developments.
- Fortune - Cryptocurrency Section - Coverage and news on cryptocurrency markets and trends.
- The Block - Cryptocurrency and Blockchain News - Analysis and reports on blockchain and crypto-related topics.
- Finextra - Financial Technology News
- https://coinbureau.com/category/guides/?category=guides&page=1
- https://www.whonix.org/wiki/Monero_Multisig
- https://law.stackexchange.com
Glossary of Terms
Term | Description | Term | Description |
---|---|---|---|
2FA | Two-Factor Authentication, an additional layer of security requiring a second verification step beyond the password. | ATH | All-Time High, the highest price ever reached by a cryptocurrency or asset. |
AML | Anti-Money Laundering regulations to prevent illegal money transfers and funding. | BTD | Buy the Dip, a strategy where investors buy assets after a market correction, believing the price will recover. |
CEX | Centralized Exchange, a cryptocurrency exchange where a centralized authority matches orders and holds customer funds. | dApp | Decentralized Application, an application that operates on a decentralized blockchain network without a central server. |
DeFi | Decentralized Finance, a system using blockchain to provide financial services without traditional intermediaries like banks. | DEX | Decentralized Exchange, a platform allowing users to trade cryptocurrencies without intermediaries. |
DYOR | Do Your Own Research, an important reminder to carefully investigate and evaluate a crypto asset before investing. | FOMO | Fear of Missing Out, the emotional urge to buy an asset out of fear that it will increase in value, typically leading to impulsive decisions. |
FUD | Fear, Uncertainty, and Doubt, a strategy used to spread negative rumors and misinformation to manipulate market sentiment. | GM | Good Morning, a greeting commonly used in crypto communities, particularly on platforms like Twitter. |
HODL | Hold On for Dear Life, a term used to describe holding assets through volatility instead of selling them during price dips. | ICO | Initial Coin Offering, a fundraising mechanism for crypto projects by selling their tokens to the public. |
KYC | Know Your Customer process, involving the verification of the identity of clients. | NGMI | Not Gonna Make It, used to refer to situations where poor decisions or lack of research lead to failure in crypto investments. |
NGU | Number Goes Up, referring to the phenomenon of asset prices increasing, especially during bull markets. | P2P | Peer-to-Peer, a system where transactions occur directly between users without intermediaries. |
PnD | Pump and Dump, a fraudulent scheme to artificially inflate the price of an asset and then sell it at a profit, leaving others with worthless assets. | PoA | Proof of Authority, a consensus mechanism where validators are selected by a central authority based on their reputation and identity. |
PoS | Proof of Stake, a consensus mechanism where users "stake" their tokens to validate transactions and secure the blockchain network. | PoW | Proof of Work, a consensus algorithm used to validate transactions and add blocks to the blockchain by solving complex mathematical puzzles. |
Rekt | A term used in crypto for someone who has lost a significant amount of funds due to poor decisions or market crashes. | WAGMI | We Are Gonna Make It, a motivational phrase used in the crypto community to stay positive during market volatility. |