Russia's central bank says the pandemic has accelerated regulators' interest in CBDCs

The pandemic-induced crisis is galvanizing new trends across all aspects of the global economy, including digital currencies. The COVID-19 pandemic has served both as an x-ray onto existing vulnerabilities in the global financial system, and as an accelerator for destabilizing tendencies, including higher sovereign and consumer debt in emerging markets.

Researchers Say Ransomware Attacks on the Rise As More People Work From Home

Proofpoint research shows that phishing-based ransomware attacks are on the rise amid the COVID-19 pandemic. A study published by cybersecurity firm, Proofpoint, shows an increase in email-based phishing attacks used to deliver ransomware over the last few months. According to the report, first-stage deployments of ransomware are reportedly on the rise and have mostly been targeting the United States, France, Germany, Greece, and Italy. The attacks appear to be capitalizing on the influx of people now working from home amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

New Zealand Police Seize $91 Million From Russian Bitcoin Exchange Operator

Police in New Zealand confiscated NZ$140 million ($91 million) from Russian bitcoin exchange operator Alexander Vinnik.