Ervin Zubic

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Ervin Zubic

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Decoding Meme Coin Chaos: Tracing the Masterminds Behind Crypto Pump-and-Dumps

PERSEUS exposes how masterminds manipulate meme coins in pump-and-dump schemes using AI and social networks like Telegram. The wild world of cryptocurrency is no stranger to chaos, speculation, and, unfortunately, manipulation. One of the most infamous tactics? The age-old “pump-and-dump” scheme — reimagined for the digital age. In their 2025 paper, “PERSEUS: Tracing the Masterminds Behind Cryptocurrency Pump-and-Dump Schemes,” authors Honglin Fu, Yebo Feng, Cong Wu, and Jiahua Xu go beyond m...

Ervin Zubic

Writing about blockchain security and blockchain forensics. Follow me on Twitter for the latest insights.

Most popular by Ervin Zubic

ICS 206–01: The New Standard Every OSINT Professional Must Know

Python for Dark Web OSINT: Automate Threat Monitoring

Point-and-Click OSINT: Dark Web Scraping with GUI Tools

IRS Broker Rule Finalized: Impact on DeFi, Privacy, and Non-Custodial Innovation

Smart Contract Auditing Gets Smarter: Introducing AuditGPT with ChatGPT

Using Blockchain to Track Ransomware Threat Actors

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DeFi Explained: Fundamentals, Categories, and Risks

Understand the building blocks, categories, and vulnerabilities of DeFi. This article summarizes expert research for investors, enthusiasts, and regulators. This article is also published on my Medium page. In their scholarly article “SoK: Decentralized Finance (DeFi) — Fundamentals, Taxonomy and Risks,” authors Krzysztof Gogol, Christian Killer, Malte Schlosser, Thomas Bocek, Burkhard Stiller, and Claudio Tessone offer a compelling glimpse into the intricate world of Decentralized Finance. T...

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Smart Contract Auditing Gets Smarter: Introducing AuditGPT with ChatGPT

AuditGPT employs cutting-edge AI to identify smart contract vulnerabilities that standard tools miss. Enhance your blockchain project’s security. You can also find this article on my Medium page. In the ever-evolving world of blockchain technology, verifying smart contracts presents a significant challenge. Why? Once deployed, they’re immutable. This review dives into “AuditGPT: Auditing Smart Contracts with ChatGPT,” a 2024 paper by Shihao Xia and colleagues from prestigious institutions. Th...

Discover card cover image

DeFi Explained: Fundamentals, Categories, and Risks

Understand the building blocks, categories, and vulnerabilities of DeFi. This article summarizes expert research for investors, enthusiasts, and regulators. This article is also published on my Medium page. In their scholarly article “SoK: Decentralized Finance (DeFi) — Fundamentals, Taxonomy and Risks,” authors Krzysztof Gogol, Christian Killer, Malte Schlosser, Thomas Bocek, Burkhard Stiller, and Claudio Tessone offer a compelling glimpse into the intricate world of Decentralized Finance. T...

Discover card cover image

Smart Contract Auditing Gets Smarter: Introducing AuditGPT with ChatGPT

AuditGPT employs cutting-edge AI to identify smart contract vulnerabilities that standard tools miss. Enhance your blockchain project’s security. You can also find this article on my Medium page. In the ever-evolving world of blockchain technology, verifying smart contracts presents a significant challenge. Why? Once deployed, they’re immutable. This review dives into “AuditGPT: Auditing Smart Contracts with ChatGPT,” a 2024 paper by Shihao Xia and colleagues from prestigious institutions. Th...

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Python for Dark Web OSINT: Automate Threat Monitoring

Enhance your OSINT toolkit! Learn how to use Python to automate monitoring of dark web forums, leak sites, and marketplaces for actionable threat intelligence. This article is also published on my Medium page. In my previous article, “OSINT: Persistent Threat Monitoring with Google Programmable Search Engines,” I explored the value of open-source intelligence (OSINT) techniques for tracking threats. Since then, I’ve received many questions about how to apply similar methods to the dark web. W...

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MEV Bots: The Hidden Threat to Crypto Trading Fairness

Learn about MEV bots, the lurking programs exploiting Ethereum, and how new research fights back for trader safety. You can also find this article on my Medium page. As blockchain technology continues to evolve, bots within decentralized financial systems offer both efficiency gains and risks to market fairness. The study “Detecting Financial Bots on the Ethereum Blockchain” by Thomas Niedermayer, Pietro Saggese, and Bernhard Haslhofer (2024) delves into this dual-edged phenomenon. The resear...

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Python for Dark Web OSINT: Automate Threat Monitoring

Enhance your OSINT toolkit! Learn how to use Python to automate monitoring of dark web forums, leak sites, and marketplaces for actionable threat intelligence. This article is also published on my Medium page. In my previous article, “OSINT: Persistent Threat Monitoring with Google Programmable Search Engines,” I explored the value of open-source intelligence (OSINT) techniques for tracking threats. Since then, I’ve received many questions about how to apply similar methods to the dark web. W...

Discover card cover image

MEV Bots: The Hidden Threat to Crypto Trading Fairness

Learn about MEV bots, the lurking programs exploiting Ethereum, and how new research fights back for trader safety. You can also find this article on my Medium page. As blockchain technology continues to evolve, bots within decentralized financial systems offer both efficiency gains and risks to market fairness. The study “Detecting Financial Bots on the Ethereum Blockchain” by Thomas Niedermayer, Pietro Saggese, and Bernhard Haslhofer (2024) delves into this dual-edged phenomenon. The resear...

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Phishing Attacks Exposed: Essential OSINT Investigation Tactics

Protect against phishing attacks. Master practical OSINT investigation techniques and discover easy-to-use tools for uncovering phishing schemes. You can also find this article on my Medium page. Phishing attacks are an old threat, but they remain shockingly effective. With attackers becoming more sophisticated every year, knowing how to delve into a phishing campaign is a crucial skill for every OSINT analyst. This article will equip you with a well-rounded methodology to guide your investig...

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Phishing Attacks Exposed: Essential OSINT Investigation Tactics

Protect against phishing attacks. Master practical OSINT investigation techniques and discover easy-to-use tools for uncovering phishing schemes. You can also find this article on my Medium page. Phishing attacks are an old threat, but they remain shockingly effective. With attackers becoming more sophisticated every year, knowing how to delve into a phishing campaign is a crucial skill for every OSINT analyst. This article will equip you with a well-rounded methodology to guide your investig...

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Transforming Dark Web Data into Cybersecurity Intelligence

How can raw dark web data be turned into actionable cybersecurity plans? Learn essential monitoring locations, the path from data to intelligence, and key tools. This article is also published on my Medium page. In previous articles, we discussed techniques for monitoring and scraping data from the dark web. We also reviewed the legal ramifications and Department of Justice guidelines to ensure that these activities remain within the law. Building on that foundation, this article delves into ...

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Transforming Dark Web Data into Cybersecurity Intelligence

How can raw dark web data be turned into actionable cybersecurity plans? Learn essential monitoring locations, the path from data to intelligence, and key tools. This article is also published on my Medium page. In previous articles, we discussed techniques for monitoring and scraping data from the dark web. We also reviewed the legal ramifications and Department of Justice guidelines to ensure that these activities remain within the law. Building on that foundation, this article delves into ...

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Data Breaches on the Rise: NYSE and NASDAQ Companies Hit Hard

New study reveals shocking trends in data breaches for publicly traded companies. Learn the most common threats and how your investments could be at risk. You can also find this article on my Medium page. “Mapping of Data Breaches in Companies Listed on the NYSE and NASDAQ: Insights and Implications” by Gabriel Arquelau Pimenta Rodrigues et al. (2024) is a comprehensive study published in Results in Engineering. The paper explores the pervasive issue of data breaches among publicly traded com...

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Data Breaches on the Rise: NYSE and NASDAQ Companies Hit Hard

New study reveals shocking trends in data breaches for publicly traded companies. Learn the most common threats and how your investments could be at risk. You can also find this article on my Medium page. “Mapping of Data Breaches in Companies Listed on the NYSE and NASDAQ: Insights and Implications” by Gabriel Arquelau Pimenta Rodrigues et al. (2024) is a comprehensive study published in Results in Engineering. The paper explores the pervasive issue of data breaches among publicly traded com...

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Point-and-Click OSINT: Dark Web Scraping with GUI Tools

Discover how to gather OSINT data from the dark web without coding. Learn point-and-click scraping tools, techniques, & essential privacy tips. This article is also published on my Medium page. You guys seemed to have enjoyed the last article — Python, dark web OSINT, the whole nine yards! Setting up those scripts, digging into the code… it’s the kind of stuff that makes a cybersecurity geek’s heart sing. But hey, I get it — not everyone wants to get their hands quite so dirty with code. A fe...

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Point-and-Click OSINT: Dark Web Scraping with GUI Tools

Discover how to gather OSINT data from the dark web without coding. Learn point-and-click scraping tools, techniques, & essential privacy tips. This article is also published on my Medium page. You guys seemed to have enjoyed the last article — Python, dark web OSINT, the whole nine yards! Setting up those scripts, digging into the code… it’s the kind of stuff that makes a cybersecurity geek’s heart sing. But hey, I get it — not everyone wants to get their hands quite so dirty with code. A fe...

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The Devil Behind the Mirror: Tracking the Campaigns of Cryptocurrency Abuses on the Dark Web

Uncover the hidden world of the dark web and cryptocurrency abuses. Explore the 2024 research review for an eye-opening journey into cybercrime. You can also find this article on my Medium page. In a groundbreaking study titled “The Devil Behind the Mirror: Tracking the Campaigns of Cryptocurrency Abuses on the Dark Web,” Pengcheng Xia’s team delves into the internet’s underbelly. Published in January 2024, this paper offers a meticulous exploration of how cryptocurrencies fuel criminal activ...

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Why NEAR and SKALE Could Drive Mass Blockchain Adoption

Blockchain is evolving, and NEAR and SKALE are at the forefront. See how they compare to Ethereum and why their disruption is worth watching. You can also find this article on my Medium page. Two blockchain networks, NEAR and SKALE, are making waves as significant disruptors within the ever-changing industry. These innovative platforms challenge the norms and push the boundaries of what’s possible, making them worthy of our undivided attention. By offering unique value propositions and tackli...

Discover card cover image

The Devil Behind the Mirror: Tracking the Campaigns of Cryptocurrency Abuses on the Dark Web

Uncover the hidden world of the dark web and cryptocurrency abuses. Explore the 2024 research review for an eye-opening journey into cybercrime. You can also find this article on my Medium page. In a groundbreaking study titled “The Devil Behind the Mirror: Tracking the Campaigns of Cryptocurrency Abuses on the Dark Web,” Pengcheng Xia’s team delves into the internet’s underbelly. Published in January 2024, this paper offers a meticulous exploration of how cryptocurrencies fuel criminal activ...

Discover card cover image

Why NEAR and SKALE Could Drive Mass Blockchain Adoption

Blockchain is evolving, and NEAR and SKALE are at the forefront. See how they compare to Ethereum and why their disruption is worth watching. You can also find this article on my Medium page. Two blockchain networks, NEAR and SKALE, are making waves as significant disruptors within the ever-changing industry. These innovative platforms challenge the norms and push the boundaries of what’s possible, making them worthy of our undivided attention. By offering unique value propositions and tackli...

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Data-Driven Crypto Investigations: Study Reveals 96% Case Connection Rate

Learn how law enforcement can tackle crypto asset crimes more effectively. New study uncovers surprising case links and offers tools for success. You can also find this article on my Medium page. Law enforcement faces unprecedented hurdles as cybercrimes involving cryptocurrencies surge. The research paper “*Increasing the Efficiency of Cryptoasset Investigations by Connecting the Case*s,” authored by Bernhard Haslhofer and colleagues from various institutions, delves into these issues, focus...

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Data-Driven Crypto Investigations: Study Reveals 96% Case Connection Rate

Learn how law enforcement can tackle crypto asset crimes more effectively. New study uncovers surprising case links and offers tools for success. You can also find this article on my Medium page. Law enforcement faces unprecedented hurdles as cybercrimes involving cryptocurrencies surge. The research paper “*Increasing the Efficiency of Cryptoasset Investigations by Connecting the Case*s,” authored by Bernhard Haslhofer and colleagues from various institutions, delves into these issues, focus...

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A Boring (But Essential) Article Every Cybersecurity Pro Must Read: DOJ on Dark Web Law

This 'boring' article could save you from legal trouble in dark web investigations. Get the U.S. DOJ's legal insights on safe cyber threat research. This article is also published on my Medium page. In the last two articles, we have covered how to automate threat intelligence monitoring on the dark web using Python, and we have talked about how to monitor activity on the dark web without any coding requirements. It's only prudent that we now discuss the legal consideration...

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A Boring (But Essential) Article Every Cybersecurity Pro Must Read: DOJ on Dark Web Law

This 'boring' article could save you from legal trouble in dark web investigations. Get the U.S. DOJ's legal insights on safe cyber threat research. This article is also published on my Medium page. In the last two articles, we have covered how to automate threat intelligence monitoring on the dark web using Python, and we have talked about how to monitor activity on the dark web without any coding requirements. It's only prudent that we now discuss the legal consideration...