Japanese multinational cybersecurity firm Trend Micro has detected a new strain of crypto-mining malware that targets PCs running Linux, according to a report published Nov. 8. The new strain is reportedly able to hide the malicious process of unauthorized cryptocurrency-mining through users’ CPU by implementing a rootkit component. The malware itself, detected by Trend Micro as Coinminer.Linux.KORKERDS.AB, is also reportedly capable of updating itself. According to the report, the combination of hiding and self-upgrading capabilities gives the malware a great advantage. While the rootkit fails to hide the increased CPU usage and the presence of a running crypto-mining malware, it …

Rwanda has partnered with a U.K.-based blockchain startup to trace the mining of the conflict metal tantalum in the country, according to the startup’s press release, published Oct. 16. Rwanda is the world’s leading producer of tantalum, the mineral used in consumer electronics such as smartphones and computers. By using blockchain technology in partnership with startup Circulor, the Rwandan Mining, Petroleum and Gas Board plans to make the production of tantalum more transparent. The press release states that blockchain tech implementation will help “companies comply with the internationally mandated efforts to eradicate sources of funding for conflict minerals.” According to …

The Linux Foundation has opened enrollment for its new advanced training course for Hyperledger Fabric blockchain technology, according a press release published September 5. The new course, ‘Hyperledger Fabric Fundamentals,’ is a further addition to the Foundation’s enterprise-oriented blockchain education efforts, which already include an online self-paced “Blockchain for Business” course via the nonprofit online learning platform edX.org. According to today’s press release, Linux will release Certified Hyperledger Sawtooth Administrator exams later this year, specific to the Hyperledger Sawtooth modular blockchain platform. As the Foundation’s Clyde Seepersad notes, recent data from TechCrunch has suggested that blockchain engineering jobs are “the …

Leading global asset management company Northern Trust (Nasdaq: NTRS) has announced that audit firms can now access fund data stored on a private equity Blockchain to audit specific events in real time, according to a March 19 press release. Northern Trust launched the first commercial implementation of Blockchain technology for private equity on Feb. 21, which allowed a limited number of clients to manage ownership shares on a transparent Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) platform. Now audit firms can have their own Blockchain node, managing access to relevant fund data that enables real-time audit capabilities, says Northern Trust. The most recent …

Technology giant Oracle has officially become a member of the Hyperledger project as of August 2017. Hyperledger is a Blockchain-based project led by the Linux Foundation. Oracle intends to utilize the Hyperledger Fabric Blockchain code as the platform for its new cloud-based service. According to Oracle’s SVP for cloud platforms and middleware, Amit Zavery, the project is a vital component of their proposed Blockchain-based cloud platforms for commercial use. "As we develop our Blockchain cloud platform for enterprise use, we believe scalable cross-industry technologies, confidential transactions, and modular architecture promoted through initiatives like the Hyperledger Project, are critical components." Previous …

OpenBazaar has released beta version 0.4.0 for Linux and Mac users, with Windows users once again left waiting for executable binaries, which are promised to be released soon. OpenBazaar, previously known as DarkMarket, is a decentralized marketplace that expands on the libertarian ideals behind Deep Web services such as the Silk Road. OpenBazaar has dubbed the new version ‘Portobello,’ after the famous street market in London. The update includes some major additions. Security wise, the service now includes HD key signing and an internal messaging system. It gives notaries, essentially optional third-party arbitrators of the service, more features. They now …