CoinTalk

What Is Cryptojacking? A Guide to Safe Mining ?

Have you ever come across a website, browser extension, or a "crypto miner game" that promises you free cryptocurrency just for leaving it running? It sounds like an easy way to get started with digital assets. But sometimes, there’s a hidden cost that you don't see—and it's being paid by your device's performance.

Let's talk about a silent threat in the digital world called cryptojacking, and how you can pursue your interest in crypto without falling victim to it.

What Exactly Is Cryptojacking?

Think of cryptojacking as a digital parasite. It’s the unauthorized use of your computer, smartphone, or tablet to secretly mine for cryptocurrency.

A hacker infects a website or an application with a script. When you visit the site or run the app, that script hijacks your device's processing power (CPU) to solve complex math problems, generating cryptocurrency not for you, but for the hacker. You get a slower computer and a higher electricity bill; they get the profits.

How Can You Tell the Difference? Legal Mining vs. Cryptojacking

This brings us to a crucial question you might have: Is Bitcoin mining legal? The answer helps us draw a clear line in the sand.

So, yes, running your own mining operation is generally legal. But cryptojacking is always illegal because it's fundamentally theft. For more details on regional laws, you can .

How to Protect Yourself from Cryptojacking

The good news is that protecting yourself is straightforward. Here are four simple steps you can take:

• Use a Quality Antivirus Program: Modern security software is getting better at detecting and blocking malicious mining scripts.
• Be Wary of Browser Extensions: Scrutinize any browser extension before installing it, especially those related to crypto. Stick to well-known, reputable developers.
• Install an Ad-Blocker: Many cryptojacking scripts are delivered through online ads. A good ad-blocker can prevent them from ever loading.
• Monitor Your Device’s Performance: Is your computer's fan suddenly running at full speed on a website that shouldn't be demanding? Is your device running hot and slow for no reason? Close the suspicious tab or app and see if performance returns to normal.

Your Path to Safe Crypto Engagement

The allure of "free" crypto can sometimes lead to dangerous places. The safest and most effective way to engage with the digital asset world is through legitimate and transparent means. Instead of risking your device's health on a "crypto miner game," consider learning about the market on a secure platform.

Understanding how to buy, sell, and hold assets securely is the true foundation of a successful crypto journey.

Why Phantom Wallet Is Taking Over: Solana, Ethereum, Bitcoin & More

What Is Phantom Wallet?

What Exactly is an NFT? A Guide for Total Beginners

You've seen the headlines: a piece of digital art sells for millions, a video clip becomes a collector's item, a simple cartoon avatar is suddenly worth more than a car. And every time, you hear the same three letters: N-F-T.

It can feel confusing, and maybe even a little absurd. But what if I told you the idea behind an NFT (Non-Fungible Token) is actually quite simple, and it represents one of the biggest shifts in ownership we've seen in a generation?

Let's break it down together. No jargon, no nonsense.

The Easiest Analogy: The Mona Lisa vs. a Dollar Bill

To understand "non-fungible," let's first think about what "fungible" means.

A dollar bill is fungible. If you and I swap dollar bills, we both still have one dollar. They are identical in value and interchangeable.The Mona Lisa painting is non-fungible. It is a one-of-a-kind original. If we tried to swap it for another painting, we would have something completely different. It has unique properties and cannot be replaced.

An NFT is simply a digital version of the Mona Lisa. It’s a unique, one-of-a-kind digital item that you can truly own. A "fungible" token, like Bitcoin, is like a digital dollar—one Bitcoin is the same as another. An nft token is unique.

Breaking Down the Name: Non-Fungible Token

Non-Fungible: As we covered, it means it's unique and cannot be replaced one-for-one.Token: This just means it's a digital certificate of ownership that lives on a blockchain.

So, what does NFT stand for? Non-Fungible Token. It's a unique digital ownership certificate. That's it.

How Does it Actually Work? The Role of the Blockchain

So, what stops someone from just right-clicking and saving a copy of an NFT image? This is where the NFT blockchain comes in.

An NFT is recorded on a public ledger, most commonly the Ethereum blockchain. Think of the blockchain as a global, indestructible notebook that tracks who owns what. When you buy an NFT, your ownership is recorded in this notebook for the entire world to see. It’s a digital proof of authenticity and ownership that cannot be faked or altered. This is all managed by what's called a smart contract, which is the code that governs the token's rules.

The "So What?" — Why NFTs Matter Beyond Art

This is where it gets really exciting. The concept of provable digital ownership is much bigger than just art. We are starting to see NFTs used for:

• Gaming: Owning unique in-game items (like a rare sword or character skin) that you can actually sell or trade.
• Event Tickets: A concert ticket as an NFT can't be counterfeited and could even become a collectible after the event.
• Digital Identity: Proving your identity or qualifications with a secure, unforgeable token.
• Real Estate: Representing ownership of a real-world property with a digital token.

NFTs are paving the way for a future where you can truly own your digital items, just like you own physical things. For a deeper dive into blockchain technology, you can .

How This Connects to Your Crypto Journey

The entire NFT ecosystem is built on cryptocurrencies. To buy, sell, or create an NFT, you typically need to use the native cryptocurrency of that blockchain, like Ethereum (ETH).

The Best Way to Store Cryptocurrency: Security Guide

You've made the smart move to invest in cryptocurrency. Now comes the even more important question: where do you store it?

The way you answer this will determine the security of your entire portfolio. It’s a choice that can feel overwhelming, with terms like "hot wallets," "cold storage," and "private keys" creating more confusion than clarity.

Let's cut through the jargon. As your guide, I'm not just going to list options. I'm going to give you a simple, powerful framework to help you build the right security strategy for your specific needs.

It's Not a Place, It's a Strategy

The first thing to understand is that the "best place" isn't one place. The smartest crypto investors use a hybrid strategy. Think of it like managing your traditional money:

• You keep some cash in your wallet for daily spending (a hot wallet).
• You keep most of your money in a secure, insured bank for easy access (a top-tier exchange).
• You might keep your most valuable assets, like gold bars or important documents, in a private vault (cold storage).

Your crypto is no different. Let's look at the options on this security spectrum.

1. On a Secure Exchange (Like BYDFi) - The "Checking Account"

This is the most common and convenient way to store your crypto. When you buy crypto on an exchange, it's held for you in a wallet managed by that platform.

• Best for: Active traders, beginners, and holding funds you plan to use soon.
• Pros:

Convenience: Extremely easy to buy, sell, and trade your assets instantly.

No Lost Keys: You don't have to worry about losing a complex private key; you log in with a username and password.

• Cons:

Not Your Keys, Not Your Coins: Technically, the exchange holds the final private keys.

Crypto Arbitrage: A Trader's Guide to How It Works

You’ve seen it on the charts. The price of Bitcoin is slightly different on one exchange than it is on another. The investor in you immediately thinks: "Can I just buy it on the cheap one and sell it on the expensive one for a quick, risk-free profit?"

What you're thinking of is called crypto arbitrage, and in theory, it’s one of the most appealing strategies in finance.

But if it were that easy, everyone would be doing it. The reality is that successful arbitrage trading crypto is a game of speed, precision, and having the right tools. So, let's talk about how it really works, what the risks are, and how you can actually attempt it.

What Is Crypto Arbitrage, Really?

At its core, arbitrage is the practice of exploiting price inefficiencies in a market. In crypto, this usually takes two forms:

• Simple Arbitrage: This is the classic example. You buy Bitcoin on Exchange A for $60,000 and simultaneously sell it on Exchange B for $60,150. Your theoretical profit is $150.
• Triangular Arbitrage: This is more complex and happens on a single exchange. It involves trading a sequence of three different cryptocurrencies to end up with more than you started with (e.g., trading USD for BTC, then BTC for ETH, then ETH back to USD at a profit).

For most traders, simple arbitrage is the most direct path.

Is Crypto Arbitrage Legal?

Let's get this out of the way first: Yes, crypto arbitrage is completely legal. It's a standard trading strategy that has existed in traditional markets for centuries. You are simply taking advantage of public market data, which is a fundamental part of free market activity.

The real question isn't about legality; it's about feasibility.

The Challenges: Why It's Harder Than It Looks

The "risk-free" profit from arbitrage can disappear in a flash if you're not prepared for the real-world friction. Here are the dragons you have to slay:

• Trading Fees: Every transaction has a fee. Your potential profit must be larger than the combined fees of buying on one exchange and selling on another.
• Transfer Times & Fees: Moving crypto between exchanges takes time and costs network fees. By the time your Bitcoin arrives at the second exchange, the price difference you wanted to exploit could be gone.
• Slippage: In a fast-moving market, the price can change between the moment you click "buy" and the moment your order executes. This "slippage" can eat into your profits.
• Speed: This is the most important factor. Arbitrage opportunities often last for mere seconds. You are competing against sophisticated trading bots that can execute these trades in milliseconds.

How to Actually Do Crypto Arbitrage

Given the challenges, you can't succeed with a slow platform and high fees. You need an edge.

The most practical way for a retail trader to attempt arbitrage is by finding a professional-grade exchange where they can act instantly. Instead of moving assets between exchanges (which is slow), you can hold assets on multiple fast exchanges and act when you see a discrepancy.

For this to work, your chosen platform must have:

• Low Trading Fees: To ensure you keep most of the profit margin.
• High Liquidity: So your large orders don't cause slippage.
• Speed and Reliability: The platform must be fast and stable, even during peak volatility.

How to Invest in Web3: A Guide to Building Your Portfolio

You’ve heard the term everywhere: Web3. It’s been called the future of the internet, a new era of decentralization, and the next massive investment opportunity. As an investor, your mind naturally goes to one place: "Okay, how do I invest in it?"

You might have even searched for things like "web3 stocks" or a "web3 fund," hoping to find a simple, one-click way to get exposure.

If you've come up empty-handed, it's not you. It's because Web3 works differently. And that's exactly what makes it such a unique opportunity. Let's walk through how you can actually invest in Web3 and build your own future-focused portfolio.

First, Why Isn't There a 'Web3 Stock'?

A Beginner's Guide to Smart Crypto Investing

So, you're thinking about making your first crypto investment.

You’ve seen the headlines—the dizzying highs, the stomach-churning drops. You've heard stories from friends. It feels like you're on the edge of something big, but it's also noisy, confusing, and a little intimidating. Where do you even begin? How do you separate the hype from the real opportunity?

If that sounds familiar, you're in the right place. Think of me as your guide. Let's cut through the noise together and build a simple, smart framework for your very first crypto investment. This isn't about gambling; it's about investing with a plan.

First, a Quick Reality Check

Before you invest a single dollar, let's be crystal clear: the crypto market is volatile. Prices can and do swing wildly. The most important rule for any crypto investor is this: only invest what you can comfortably afford to lose.

This isn't meant to scare you; it's meant to prepare you. We're playing the long game here.

Step 1: Ask Yourself "Why?"

Before you decide what to buy, you need to know why you're buying it. Your "why" will be your anchor in a stormy market. Are you...

• A Long-Term Believer? Do you believe that Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies will be a major part of the future of finance? If so, your strategy might be to buy and hold for many years (what the community calls "HODLing").
• A Diversifier? Are you looking to add an asset to your portfolio that isn't tied to the stock market? Crypto can be a powerful tool for diversification.
• A Tech Enthusiast? Are you fascinated by the technology behind a specific project, like Ethereum's smart contracts?

Be honest about your motivation. It will make the next steps much clearer.

Step 2: Choose Your Starter Coins

When you're starting out, it's easy to get distracted by hundreds of different "altcoins." My advice? Keep it simple. For 99% of new investors, the best place to start is with the two market leaders:

Tether Investigations: What Do They Mean for Your Bitcoin Investment?

Let's talk about the elephant in the crypto room. You're carefully building your bitcoin investment plan, tracking the market, and feeling confident in your strategy. Then you see another headline flash across your screen: "tether investigation."

A wave of uncertainty hits. You know Tether (USDT) is a cornerstone of the crypto market, but you also hear the persistent whispers of controversy, fines, and potential violations.

So, what’s the real story here? And more importantly, how much should you, as a Bitcoin investor, actually worry about it? Let's walk through it together.

First, Why Is Tether Always Under a Microscope?

The controversy around Tether isn't new, and it boils down to two historical questions that have never been fully put to rest:

1. The "Backing" Question: Is every USDT in circulation really backed 1-to-1 by a real dollar or an equivalent asset in a bank? For years, critics have questioned the transparency and quality of Tether's reserves. While the company has settled lawsuits (like the one with the New York Attorney General) and now provides attestations, the debate over the exact composition of its reserves continues.
2. The "Manipulation" Question: A long-standing theory in the market alleges that unbacked USDT was, at times, created to buy Bitcoin and artificially inflate its price. While unproven on a grand scale, this accusation of a tether violation has created deep-rooted suspicion.

The Real Question: How Could This Affect Your Bitcoin Investment?

This is the "so what" that matters to you. Think of USDT as the primary lubricant for the crypto trading engine. A huge percentage of all Bitcoin trades are priced against USDT.

If USDT were to ever "de-peg" (lose its $1 value) due to a damaging investigation or a loss of market confidence, it could trigger two major problems:

• A Market-Wide Panic: Since so many traders use USDT to move in and out of positions, a loss of trust could lead to a massive sell-off as everyone rushes for the exits at once.
• A Liquidity Crisis: The "oil" in the engine would seize up. It would become incredibly difficult to price and trade Bitcoin, leading to extreme volatility and chaos.

How to Manage Tether Risk in Your Bitcoin Investment Plan

So, knowing the risks, how do you protect yourself? You don't have to abandon your strategy. A smart investor simply manages their risk exposure. Here's how:

1. Diversify Your Stablecoins

Don't put all your eggs in the USDT basket. When you need to hold funds on the sideline, consider using other well-regarded and audited stablecoins like USDC. This spreads your risk across different issuers.

2. Limit Your "Time in Tether"

Use USDT for what it's good for: a short-term bridge for trading. Many traders use USDT to quickly enter or exit a trade but avoid holding large balances in it for extended periods. Once your trade is complete, consider moving the funds back into your core asset (Bitcoin) or a different stablecoin.

3. Prioritize Direct Fiat Trading Pairs

The ultimate way to reduce Tether risk is to bypass it completely. Whenever possible, trade on direct fiat pairs like BTC/USD. This means you are buying and selling Bitcoin directly for U.S. Dollars, without ever needing to touch USDT.

In a market full of uncertainty, having a clear plan is your best defense. The risk associated with Tether is real, but it is manageable.

WAGMI vs. NGMI: Understanding the Language of the Crypto Market

Step into any crypto discussion on X (Twitter), Discord, or Reddit, and you’ll be hit with a barrage of unfamiliar acronyms. It can feel like an exclusive club with its own secret language. Of all the slang, two terms reign supreme in capturing the emotional rollercoaster of the market: WAGMI and NGMI.

Understanding the WAGMI meaning and the brutal honesty of NGMI is more than just learning vocabulary—it’s about understanding the psychology of the crypto community. At BYDFi, we believe that informed traders are the most successful traders, and that starts with speaking the language.

WAGMI: The Battle Cry of Optimism

WAGMI stands for "We're All Gonna Make It."

This is the ultimate expression of hope and community in the crypto space. It’s a rally cry that signifies a shared belief in a project's success and the conviction that everyone in the community, from the largest whale to the smallest retail investor, will benefit.

You'll typically see WAGMI used when:

A project announces positive news or a new partnership.The market is experiencing a strong bull run.Community members are encouraging each other to "HODL" (hold on for dear life) during a price dip.

WAGMI is about collective conviction. It’s a powerful sentiment that can fuel momentum and build a loyal following around a token or NFT project.

NGMI: The Harsh Verdict of Crypto Darwinism

On the opposite end of the spectrum, NGMI stands for "Not Gonna Make It."

This is a blunt, often critical judgment passed on a person, project, or decision. The NGMI full form is a declaration that someone has made a fatal error in their strategy or that a project is fundamentally flawed and doomed to fail.

NGMI is frequently used to describe someone who:

Panic-sells their holdings at the bottom of a market dip.Falls for an obvious scam or phishing attack ([Learn how to spot and avoid crypto scams]).Invests in a project with clear red flags without doing their own research.Fails to understand a basic concept of the crypto space.

To be labeled NGMI is to be told you don't have what it takes to succeed in this demanding and fast-paced environment.

How Traders Can Use This as a Sentiment Indicator

While seemingly simple slang, the prevalence of WAGMI vs. NGMI can be a powerful, if informal, market sentiment indicator.

A chorus of "WAGMI" across social media can signal that market sentiment is highly optimistic or "greedy." This can indicate strong momentum, but it can also be a warning sign of excessive FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) that may precede a market correction.An increase in "NGMI" can show that sentiment is turning fearful or critical. It might highlight growing FUD (Fear, Uncertainty, and Doubt) around a specific project or the market as a whole.

While you should never trade on slang alone, paying attention to the language of the community can provide valuable context to your technical and fundamental analysis.

From Outsider to Insider

Understanding terms like WAGMI and NGMI is your first step to becoming a more informed market participant. It allows you to decode the sentiment of the community and see beyond the charts.

EMA Formula Explained: what is and how to apply?

If you've ever looked at a trading chart, you've probably seen a Simple Moving Average (SMA). It’s a useful tool, but it has one big drawback: it's slow. It treats old price data with the same importance as yesterday's price, often making you late to the party.

But what if there was a smarter, faster way?

There is. It’s called the Exponential Moving Average (EMA), and it's a favorite among active traders for a reason. In this guide, I'll walk you through the EMA meaning, show you the exact EMA formula, and explain how you can use it to make sharper trading decisions.

What is an Exponential Moving Average (EMA)?

At its core, the EMA is a type of moving average that gives more weight and significance to the most recent price data. Think of it this
way: the EMA has a better memory for what's happening right now. This makes it react more quickly to price changes, which is crucial in volatile
markets.

The Exponential Moving Average Formula

Okay, let's get to the reason you're here. The formula for the EMA might look a little intimidating at first, but it's actually quite
simple once you break it down.

EMA = [Closing Price - Previous Day's EMA] * Multiplier + Previous Day's EMA

Let's unpack the two most important parts of that equation:

1. The Previous Day's EMA: The EMA formula is recursive, meaning each day's
       calculation depends on the one before it. (For the very first calculation,
       the SMA is typically used as the "previous day's EMA" to get
       things started).
2. The Multiplier: This is the secret sauce. It's what determines how much
       weight is given to the most recent price. The formula for the multiplier
       is:
   Multiplier = 2 / (Selected Time Period + 1)

For example, if you're calculating a 10-day EMA, your multiplier would be: 2 / (10 + 1) = 0.1818, or 18.18%.

Why Do Traders Actually Use the EMA?

Knowing the formula is one thing, but understanding its application is where you gain an edge. Traders use the EMA in two primary ways:

1. To Identify the Trend: When the price is consistently trading above the  EMA and the EMA line itself is pointing upwards, it signals a strong
       uptrend. Conversely, when the price is below a downward-sloping EMA, it indicates a downtrend. It provides a cleaner, more responsive view of the
       trend than an SMA. For more on basic indicators .
2. To Generate Crossover Signals: This is a classic trading strategy. Traders will plot a short-term EMA (like a 12-day) and a long-term EMA
       (like a 26-day) on the same chart. When the shorter-term EMA crosses above the longer-term EMA, it can be interpreted as a bullish buy signal. When
       it crosses below, it can be seen as a bearish sell signal.

Putting it into Practice

The good news? You'll rarely have to calculate the exponential moving average formula by hand. Professional trading platforms like BYDFi
have built-in technical indicators that do all the heavy lifting for you. You can apply one or more EMAs to any chart with just a couple of clicks.

The real skill lies not in the math, but in interpreting what the EMA is telling you about market sentiment.

Want to see the EMA in action? Explore the advanced charting tools and start analyzing the market with a sharper perspective.