Summary of "TOR compromised by Javascript -- Casascius Coins Hacked -- Mt.Gox Status Update" (August 5, 2013)
This episode provided a comprehensive update on three major security and market issues facing the Bitcoin ecosystem: a major compromise of the Tor network, the cracking of physical Bitcoin coins, and the ongoing development status of Mt.Gox. The host noted a general atmosphere of shock and concern regarding the stability of Bitcoin.
Main Topics Discussed:
* Tor Compromise: Users of the Tor onion router reported that their browsers were infected with malicious JavaScript, which de-anonymized them. The host speculated that the exploit may have originated from the FBI, noting that the Tor browser had been switched back to allow JavaScript, making it easier to monitor.
* Casascius Coins Hacked: The physical, tamper-resistant shield on Casascius coins was cracked, allowing the creation of worthless counterfeit coins. The coin creator was reportedly already working with a team to mitigate the threat using methods like holographic foil and melting edges.
* Mt.Gox Status: Mt.Gox was making improvements, including a new trade engine called Midas and UX enhancements. However, the exchange still could not implement deposits or withdrawals, and the promised "light coins" were not yet available.
Key Quotes:
1. "The invisible hand of the market has sent me into a state, a state of shock."
2. "It's not so much that the coins were hacked, or Bitcoin was hacked, more that the tamper resistant shield... can be removed."
3. "Mt.Gox is moving forward... But until then, this has been... Bad... Bitcoin's... Bad..."
People Mentioned:
* FBI (Speculated source of the Tor exploit)
* Anonymous web host (Owner arrested)
* Casascius coin creator
Bitcoin Price:
* Last: 106; High: 107; Low: 103.