Karsten Wenzlaff, Advisor
August 26th, 2025
Karsten Wenzlaff is a Crowdfunding and Fintech Expert from Germany. He is Secretary-General of Digit[...]
Category Archives: Cyber Security, Quantum, Hacks, Fraud Alerts, Risks, InsurTech
Reasons Why You Require a Locksmith in Fort Meade, MD
Guest Post | Aug 27 | 2022
Do you know why you need local locksmith services? We can help you repair or replace any locks for any door. Learn more about our locksmith services!
Whether it’s your business or home, getting locked out of the property is a stressful and inconvenient time for you. It’s best to choose locksmith services in the Fort Meade and Baltimore area when you’re experiencing an emergency.
We can help you get into your car or break locks fast. Please call for a free estimate on service today or continue reading to learn more.
What’s a Locksmith Do in MD?
As the name suggests, locksmiths have been trained to deal with keys and locks. In fact, they can break a lock, duplicate keys, and replace locks without damaging your products. Automotive locksmiths tend to focus on your car, while traditional ones work on homes and businesses.
Typically, they work fast and serve the area a full 24 hours. That means you can call on their services whenever an emergency arises.
You want the best locksmith services within Fort Meade, MD, for installation and other purposes. We can help. Here are the reasons to call us:
Lost Keys
The main reason you call a locksmith for service is when you lose the keys to your business or home. However, professional residential locksmith services within Fort Meade, MD, can also assist with a car key issue and lock rekeying.
Stolen Keys
Many times, you think you’ve lost your keys, but they were actually stolen. If that’s the case, someone else could use them to access the property. Therefore, you need a professional locksmith service immediately because this is an emergency.
Our locksmith services provide new installation, car key replacement, and can replace the locks immediately. Please call to get a list of our services within Fort Meade, MD!
New Home Move
Some people think that when they move to a new home, they don’t have security issues. However, you don’t know if others had taken copies of those keys for the locks. There’s a chance that the builder had a master key and used it to get into the house during construction. Likewise, you should worry about drywall contractors, electricians, plumbers, and others.
The person who installed the garage door might also have needed access. Regardless, it’s best to request the service of a great locksmith within Fort Meade, MD. We can repair the locks for the home and provide many other services, so call today!
Broken Keys
A key is sure to undergo wear and tear from regular usage and metal fatigue. If the key breaks in the lock, it’s often impossible to remove alone.
A residential locksmith within Fort Meade, MD, offers services to help you repair the problem or rekey your lock. Typically, we provide a car key-cutting service and installation of new hardware, as well. It doesn’t always have to be an emergency, but we’re here when you need us.
New Move to an Apartment
When you move to a new apartment, you don’t know if someone took a copy of the key. It might be an older building with multiple copies of the key out there. In fact, previous tenants might have them, too.
You want the locks on your home to keep you safe, so it’s best to call the landlord and request a residential locksmith service within Fort Meade, MD. We typically ask that you work with them before you call us to discuss services and requirements.
Lock Repairs for Damaged Locks
Locks can wear out or fail to work correctly. Someone might even damage them while trying to break into the home, car, or business. If that happens, it will take more time to open the lock. Sometimes, it might be impossible, so you’re locked out until you request a repair.
Our locksmith services within Fort Meade, MD, can assist with repair requests and other requirements. Don’t let your locks stay damaged because they don’t do you any good. Our service is here to help.
Installing Single-key Access
Sometimes, you have different keys for the back door, front door, and other access doors. This is often frustrating because you must carry many keys and remember what to use to access those doors.
You can avoid those problems by requesting a single-key access installation service within Fort Meade, MD. Our locksmith services can do this for your home or company.
When you need commercial locksmith services, you don’t have to call someone else! Our customers like that!
Accidental Lockout
A common reason for needing an emergency locksmith in Baltimore or Fort Meade, MD, is a lockout. You might rush out to get the mail or do maintenance outside. Regardless, you don’t bring the keys, which means the door closes and the lock engages on your home or business. We offer commercial and residential locksmith services to assist.
While most people focus on the home or garage door, the locks on your car work similarly. If the door shut with the keys inside, you might need to call us for service. We can open the lock effortlessly!
Upgrading Your Home Security System
Security system installation is another reason to use our locksmith service within Fort Meade, MD. Sometimes, locks aren’t enough to make you feel safe. Whether for a commercial property or home, our emergency services can be used to upgrade your current security system.
Forgotten Combinations
Electronic systems mean you don’t need a key, but you must remember the combination. We can work with you to reset the electronic keypad. This is a quick repair, and you can keep security at the forefront.
With so many commercial and residential locks and door options, it’s best to contact our locksmith services within Fort Meade, MD. Request service today!
Tips for Finding the Right Locksmith
Whether focused on security, locked out of a home or car, or you require a repair, you need locksmith services. Here are tips for finding the best locksmith:
- Hire local locksmiths
- Choose certified locksmiths
- Consider a locksmith with insurance and liability
- Check online reviews of the locksmith service
The locksmith can get into any lock, and our locksmith services have you covered. We’ve got appropriate insurance, so you know we can take care of the job without issue.
Conclusion
When you need a locksmith service, use the best. We work with our customers to ensure that they get the services they require, such as a repair, installation, or new locks.
See: How do you finance a home that needs repairs
Your local locksmiths are available 24 hours a day and seven days a week. We serve the Baltimore and Fort Meade, MD, areas and are available for any emergency. When you need a residential or commercial locksmith service, we’ve got you covered.
Contact us to speak with a professional locksmith and discuss our services. We give you a free estimate for your car or property locks. When you require a locksmith, you can rely on us because we’re the best.
The National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association (NCFA Canada) is a financial innovation ecosystem that provides education, market intelligence, industry stewardship, networking and funding opportunities and services to thousands of community members and works closely with industry, government, partners and affiliates to create a vibrant and innovative fintech and funding industry in Canada. Decentralized and distributed, NCFA is engaged with global stakeholders and helps incubate projects and investment in fintech, alternative finance, crowdfunding, peer-to-peer finance, payments, digital assets and tokens, blockchain, cryptocurrency, regtech, and insurtech sectors. Join Canada's Fintech & Funding Community today FREE! Or become a contributing member and get perks. For more information, please visit: www.ncfacanada.org
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Digital Asset Classification vs Wire Fraud: What’s the Most Powerful Law in Crypto Right Now
Reuters | Ian McGinley | Aug 23, 2022
Regulation and enforcement in the cryptocurrency space are hot topics, with the debate centered around the complex issue of whether to classify digital assets as securities, commodities, or a separate asset class entirely. In the middle of this debate, the Department of Justice (DOJ) has sent a message — the classification does not matter for its purposes. In recent prosecutions, DOJ has used the wire fraud statute, 18 U.S.C. § 1343, a law with origins dating back to the 1800s, to bring innovative cases in the cryptocurrency space that do not depend on how a digital asset is classified.
See: Analysis: Into the Eye of a Tornado | Sanctions Compliance Best Practices for Crypto Businesses
DOJ has used wire fraud to prosecute the first two rug pulls involving NFTs and to prosecute two digital asset insider trading cases. DOJ has not recently used wire fraud in a large-scale market manipulation case, but it is likely to be a next area of focus, given public reports of market manipulation and spoofing (creating orders with the intent to cancel) by crypto whales, who are individuals or entities that own substantial amounts of a particular cryptocurrency.
Recent Rull Pull Cases
- In the first half of 2022, DOJ charged two innovative NFT rug pull cases using the wire fraud statute, both of which are still pending. First, in March 2022, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York (SDNY) in U.S. v. Nguyen charged the first fraud case involving NFTs. SDNY alleged that the creators of the Frosties NFT collection committed a $1.1 million rug pull by falsely promising purchasers that in addition to cartoon-like images, they would receive perks, such as giveaways and access to a metaverse game.
- Second, in June 2022, the DOJ Fraud Section in U.S. v. Tuan charged the second NFT rug pull against the creator of the "Baller Ape" NFT project, alleging a $2.6 million rug pull. The allegations in that case are even more egregious: the creators did not provide anything to purchasers, not even images.
- In neither case did the DOJ allege that the NFTs at issue were securities or commodities, as the classification of NFTs was immaterial to the wire fraud charges. DOJ charged a basic theory of wire fraud — that purchasers of these NFTs did not receive what they were promised.
- While these were not large-scale frauds, they underscore DOJ's focus on the accuracy of the statements and disclosures defendants made to purchasers in digital assets -- regardless of the identity of the underlying asset.
See: Crypto Exchanges Comply But Ethereum Community Unhappy About Harsh Canadian Rules
Going forward, we can expect DOJ to focus on larger disclosure issues, likely at the corporate level. Crypto companies communicate with the public frequently, over various forms of social media. Companies often respond in real time to market events. While communicating quickly and frequently with the public has commercial benefits, it can also lead to inaccuracies. DOJ has already used wire fraud to prosecute alleged misrepresentations made over social media in other contexts (seeU.S. v. Milton, S.D.N.Y. 2021), and it may seek to do so as well in the crypto space.
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The National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association (NCFA Canada) is a financial innovation ecosystem that provides education, market intelligence, industry stewardship, networking and funding opportunities and services to thousands of community members and works closely with industry, government, partners and affiliates to create a vibrant and innovative fintech and funding industry in Canada. Decentralized and distributed, NCFA is engaged with global stakeholders and helps incubate projects and investment in fintech, alternative finance, crowdfunding, peer-to-peer finance, payments, digital assets and tokens, blockchain, cryptocurrency, regtech, and insurtech sectors. Join Canada's Fintech & Funding Community today FREE! Or become a contributing member and get perks. For more information, please visit: www.ncfacanada.org
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Caution: Binance Chain Red Alarm System Flags 50 New Projects as Potential Scams
Cointelegraph | Arijit Sarkar | Aug 15, 2022
BNB Chain’s Red Alert system flags projects based on obvious features that have been historically used in scams, rug pulls and phishing.
BNB Chain, a blockchain network created by crypto exchange Binance, has identified over 50 on-chain projects that pose a significant risk to users. A mix of crypto spin-offs resembling Dogecoin (DOGE) and Binance and others dedicated to pandas, cyborgs and koalas made the list as untrustworthy and high-risk projects.
See: Binance CEO Raises Red Flag on Massive Chinese Data Leak
BNB Chain’s Red Alarm feature, implemented to protect investors from potential rug pulls and scams, flags projects based on two main criteria: if the contract performs differently from what the project owners advertised and if the contract shows risks that might influence users’ funds.
Speaking to Cointelegraph, Gwendolyn Regina, investment director at BNB Chain, said that the Red Alarm system analyzed 3,300 contracts in July alone, adding that the company continues to develop further measures for highlighting deceptive practices in the ecosystem.
New projects that have not been tested and lack genuine products are flagged by the system based on apparent features that have been historically used in scams, rug pulls and phishing. Regina added:
“We will tend to put them on the ‘Red Alarm’ list to effectively warn users to steer clear or participate with caution.”
As a result, the real-time identification of risky projects serves as a proactive measure in helping to protect investor funds. Red Alarm also allows users to assess project risks by entering the contract address to discover if it has logical flaws or fraud risks.
See: Crypto scams, DeFi hacks, and rug pulls: Why the crypto industry needs insurtech
In addition to BNB Chain’s measures, Regina recommended investors “do their own research” while engaging with projects within the BNB Chain ecosystem.
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The National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association (NCFA Canada) is a financial innovation ecosystem that provides education, market intelligence, industry stewardship, networking and funding opportunities and services to thousands of community members and works closely with industry, government, partners and affiliates to create a vibrant and innovative fintech and funding industry in Canada. Decentralized and distributed, NCFA is engaged with global stakeholders and helps incubate projects and investment in fintech, alternative finance, crowdfunding, peer-to-peer finance, payments, digital assets and tokens, blockchain, cryptocurrency, regtech, and insurtech sectors. Join Canada's Fintech & Funding Community today FREE! Or become a contributing member and get perks. For more information, please visit: www.ncfacanada.org
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Everything You Should Know About Data Protection, And How To Do It
Aug 11, 2022
Image/pexels
There are numerous things to think about when you want to protect your data, but thankfully there are some easy steps you can take to help keep your information safe. It's important to remember that data protection is an ongoing process, not a one-time event. This means you must be constantly vigilant about how you store, access, and share your data. Here are some of the most important things to keep in mind when it comes to data protection:
1. Make sure your devices are password protected
This includes your computer, smartphone, and tablet. In addition to setting up a password, you should consider using a fingerprint or passcode to access your devices. Additionally, databases and other sensitive information should be encrypted to make it more difficult for hackers to access them. If you have sensitive data that you need to access regularly, consider using a password manager to help keep track of your login information. It's also a good idea to enable two-factor authentication whenever possible. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring you to enter a code that is sent to your phone in addition to your password.
2. Keep your software up to date
One of the best ways to protect your data is to make sure your software is always up to date. This includes your operating system, web browser, and any applications you use. Hackers are constantly finding new ways to exploit vulnerabilities, so it's important to patch these as soon as possible. You can usually set your devices and software to update automatically, or you can check for updates manually on a regular basis. Additionally, you should install security software such as antivirus and antispyware to help protect your devices from malware.
3. Be careful what you click on
When you're browsing the web, it's important to be cautious about what you click on. Hackers can use malicious links and attachments to infect your device with malware or steal your personal information. Only click on links from websites that you trust, and be sure to scan any downloads for viruses before opening them. It's also a good idea to avoid public Wi-Fi networks whenever possible, as they can be easy targets for hackers. This is especially true if you're using a laptop or other device that stores sensitive data.
4. Be aware of phishing scams
Phishing scams are another common way that hackers try to steal personal information. These usually come in the form of emails or text messages that appear to be from a legitimate source, but are actually fake. The goal is to trick you into clicking on a link or attachment that will install malware or direct you to a fraudulent website. To avoid falling victim to a phishing scam, be suspicious of any unsolicited messages that you receive. Don't click on any links or attachments unless you're sure they're safe, and never enter your personal information on a website that you're not familiar with.
5. Know how to back up your data
Backing up your data is one of the most important things you can do to protect it. If your device is lost, stolen, or damaged, you'll be able to restore your files from a backup. There are several different ways to back up your data, such as using an external hard drive or cloud storage service. It's important to choose a method that is reliable and easy to use so that you can be sure your data is safe. Additionally, you should create backups on a regular basis to ensure that your most recent files are included.
6. Keep your personal information private
When you're sharing information online, it's important to be aware of who you're sharing it with. Hackers can easily obtain personal information such as your name, address, and date of birth from social media and other websites. Be careful about what you post online, and only share your personal information with people that you trust. Additionally, you should never click on links or attachments from unknown sources. It's also a good idea to use a unique password for each of your online accounts.
Image/Pexels
See: Crypto.com $34 million stolen in user account hack | Data Breach Lessons
Data protection is essential in today's digital world. By following the tips above, you can help keep your data safe from hackers and other threats. Additionally, you should always be aware of new scams and security risks so that you can protect your data against them. It's also a good idea to regularly back up your data in case of an emergency. By taking these precautions, you can help ensure that your personal information is safe and secure.
The National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association (NCFA Canada) is a financial innovation ecosystem that provides education, market intelligence, industry stewardship, networking and funding opportunities and services to thousands of community members and works closely with industry, government, partners and affiliates to create a vibrant and innovative fintech and funding industry in Canada. Decentralized and distributed, NCFA is engaged with global stakeholders and helps incubate projects and investment in fintech, alternative finance, crowdfunding, peer-to-peer finance, payments, digital assets and tokens, blockchain, cryptocurrency, regtech, and insurtech sectors. Join Canada's Fintech & Funding Community today FREE! Or become a contributing member and get perks. For more information, please visit: www.ncfacanada.org
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Tornado Cash Virtual Currency Mixer Sanctioned by the U.S.
Reuters | Christopher Bing and Daphne Psaledakis | Aug 8, 2022
WASHINGTON, Aug 8 (Reuters) - The United States on Monday imposed sanctions on virtual currency mixer Tornado Cash, accusing it of helping hackers, including from North Korea, to launder proceeds from their cyber crimes.
- A senior Treasury Department official said Tornado Cash, one of the largest mixers identified as problematic by the Treasury, has reportedly laundered more than $7 billion worth of virtual currency since it was created in 2019.
- Monday's move freezes any U.S. assets of the mixer and generally bars Americans from dealing with it.
See: Lex Fridman Podcast with Brett Johnson: US Most Wanted Cybercriminal
- The Lazarus Group, a well-known North Korean government-backed hacking group that has conducted numerous data breaches, both politically and sometimes financially motivated, has laundered at least $455 million through Tornado Cash, the Treasury said.
- U.S. and South Korean officials say North Korea controls thousands of hackers that steal funds, including cryptocurrencies, to finance its weapons programs. Pyongyang has denied the accusations.
- In May, the U.S. Treasury also targeted virtual currency mixer Blender, imposing sanctions for the first time on a mixer - a software tool that pools and scrambles cryptocurrencies from thousands of addresses. read more
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The National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association (NCFA Canada) is a financial innovation ecosystem that provides education, market intelligence, industry stewardship, networking and funding opportunities and services to thousands of community members and works closely with industry, government, partners and affiliates to create a vibrant and innovative fintech and funding industry in Canada. Decentralized and distributed, NCFA is engaged with global stakeholders and helps incubate projects and investment in fintech, alternative finance, crowdfunding, peer-to-peer finance, payments, digital assets and tokens, blockchain, cryptocurrency, regtech, and insurtech sectors. Join Canada's Fintech & Funding Community today FREE! Or become a contributing member and get perks. For more information, please visit: www.ncfacanada.org
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8000 Solana Wallets Drained in Latest Attack
TechCrunch | Rita Liao, Carly Page | Aug 3, 2022
An unknown actor drained funds from approximately 8,000 wallets on the Solana network, Solana’s Status Twitter account said. It’s estimated the loss so far is around $8 million.The attack — which has only affected only “hot” wallets or wallets that are always connected to the internet, allowing people to store and send tokens easily — does not appear to be limited to Solana. Justin Barlow, an investor at Solana Ventures, reported that his USDC balance was drained as well. Crypto analyst @0xfoobar confirmed that:
“the attacker is stealing both native tokens (SOL) and SPL tokens (USDC)… affecting wallets that have been inactive for less than 6 months.”
See: First Crypto Store of Its Kind: Solana Opens in New York City
The attack has compromised other wallets including Phantom, Slope and TrustWallet. Initial reports suggested Solflare users were also impacted, but the company tells TechCrunch it has not been affected by this exploit. Wallets drained should be treated as compromised and abandoned, Solana warned as it encouraged users to switch to hardware or “cold” wallets.
The cause of the attack remains unclear, but industry leaders including Emin Gün Sirer, founder of another popular blockchain Avalanche, pointed out that the transactions were properly signed, which means the vulnerability could be a “supply chain attack” that manages to steal users’ private keys. @0xfoobar added that “it’s likely something has caused widespread private key compromise”, and warned that revoking wallet approvals will probably not help.
See: Code is Law Case: A Hamilton teen ‘hacked’ US$16 million in crypto (while he may not be in the wrong)
The Solana attack comes just hours after malicious actors abused a “chaotic” security exploit to steal almost $200 million in digital assets from cross-chain messaging protocol Nomad. The “free-for-all” attack, which saw more than 41 addresses drain $152 million — 80% of the stolen funds — was made possible by a recent update to one of Nomad’s smart contracts that made it easy for users to spoof transactions.
Continue to the full article --> here
The National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association (NCFA Canada) is a financial innovation ecosystem that provides education, market intelligence, industry stewardship, networking and funding opportunities and services to thousands of community members and works closely with industry, government, partners and affiliates to create a vibrant and innovative fintech and funding industry in Canada. Decentralized and distributed, NCFA is engaged with global stakeholders and helps incubate projects and investment in fintech, alternative finance, crowdfunding, peer-to-peer finance, payments, digital assets and tokens, blockchain, cryptocurrency, regtech, and insurtech sectors. Join Canada's Fintech & Funding Community today FREE! Or become a contributing member and get perks. For more information, please visit: www.ncfacanada.org
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SEC Charges 3 In Crypto Insider Trading Scheme
Protocol | Tomio Geron and Fintech team | Jul 22, 2022
For years, the crypto industry has been in a state of confusion about which tokens are in fact securities and which are not. A case filed by the SEC alleging insider trading by a former Coinbase employee and two accomplices could provide some clarity — but it also threatens to roil the industry and Washington as the march to regulate digital assets continues.
SEC Power Play
In the complaint, the SEC argues that nine of the 25 tokens that the three individuals traded in are securities under the Howey Test, a longstanding judicial standard that would mean they should be regulated by the SEC.
The insider-trading complaint makes a direct case that nine tokens are securities: AMP, RLY, DDX, XYO, RGT, LCX, POWR, DFX and KROM. If a judge agrees, that would create a precedent to bring those nine tokens under SEC regulation, and would possibly apply to similar tokens.
See: Coinbase is Bleeding Customers Pushing the Exchange Out of Top 10
Aside from the ongoing Ripple case, which was filed under a prior SEC chief, it’s the biggest move yet by Gensler’s SEC to regulate crypto through an enforcement action.
Behind-the-scenes struggle in Washington
More than one federal agency is seeking to regulate crypto: the CFTC, SEC, FinCEN, IRS, OCC and FDIC, among others.
CFTC Commissioner Caroline Pham called the SEC’s Coinbase case “regulation by enforcement” Thursday in a statement shared on Twitter. She appeared to take issue with the SEC seeking to have a judge deem these nine tokens securities. In the process, she shed light on her thinking about which tokens the CFTC might categorize as commodities under its oversight.
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View the U.S. DOJs press release on the insider trading tipping scheme --> here
The National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association (NCFA Canada) is a financial innovation ecosystem that provides education, market intelligence, industry stewardship, networking and funding opportunities and services to thousands of community members and works closely with industry, government, partners and affiliates to create a vibrant and innovative fintech and funding industry in Canada. Decentralized and distributed, NCFA is engaged with global stakeholders and helps incubate projects and investment in fintech, alternative finance, crowdfunding, peer-to-peer finance, payments, digital assets and tokens, blockchain, cryptocurrency, regtech, and insurtech sectors. Join Canada's Fintech & Funding Community today FREE! Or become a contributing member and get perks. For more information, please visit: www.ncfacanada.org
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