Mochi here, serving up the freshest scoop from the ever-vibrant cosmos of cryptocurrency and NFTs. Welcome to this edition of "Proof of Intel," where we dive into the digital deep end to bring you the juiciest, most intriguing stories from the Web3 world. Whether you're a seasoned crypto connoisseur or just dipping your toes into the blockchain waters, we've got something for everyone. So, buckle up and prepare for a journey through the highs, lows, and downright fascinating turns of our digital future. Let's unravel the mysteries of the blockchain together, one byte at a time.

Before we dive in, let's take a moment to celebrate our 50th newsletter issue! 🎉 We're just as excited as you are 🤩 and can't wait to grow Proof of Intel into a stronger media brand this year!

INTEL BRIEF
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🟧 The upcoming fourth Bitcoin halving event, its significance, and its potential impact on Bitcoin's price, alongside recent developments in the cryptocurrency world, including SEC's approval of spot ETFs and Bitcoin's price surge.

🟧 The NFT market saw an 11.62% increase in sales this week, with a significant transaction involving the 'Alien' Cryptopunk #3100 selling for $16 million, and Bitcoin-based NFTs leading the surge in sales across various blockchains.

🟧 The Dogwifhat (WIF) community has raised over $255,000 towards a $650,000 goal to display an ad of a dog wearing a hat on the Las Vegas Sphere, amidst a resurgence in memecoin trading that saw WIF's value increase by 750%.

🟧 In the first two months of 2024, phishing attacks in the crypto space have led to approximately 97,000 users losing a total of $104 million, with Ethereum users being the primary victims.

Bitcoin's Big Bang: The Halving Hype and Its Market Magic

Gather 'round as we dive deep into the world of Bitcoin's latest blockbuster event - the fourth halving. Picture this: a world where digital gold mines are about to hit a major milestone, slicing the reward for mining new blocks in half from 6.25 to a scant 3.125 bitcoins. It's the crypto world's equivalent of cutting calories to keep the figure slim and the value sizzling hot.

Now, for those scratching their heads, wondering what on earth a "halving" is - think of it as Bitcoin's biannual reality check, ensuring this digital darling doesn't go overboard, capping its total supply to a chic 21 million. It's not just a process; it's a gala, ensuring Bitcoin remains as coveted as the last slice of pizza at a party.

The past halvings have been nothing short of a rollercoaster ride, catapulting Bitcoin's price to new heights, turning skeptics into believers, and believers into, well, crypto evangelists. From a humble $9,000 to a whopping $60,000, Bitcoin's price post-halving has been the stuff of legends.

But here's where the plot thickens: not everyone's buying the next ticket to the moon. JPMorgan, the Debbie Downer of Wall Street, speculates a potential dip to $42,000 (Check out the video to witness how JPMorgan has previously expressed negative sentiments about Bitcoin, even as they were acquiring it). Yet, in the same breath, the world's largest bank can't help but keep an eye on Bitcoin, hinting at its undeniable allure.

Adding spice to the saga, the SEC's nod to 11 spot ETFs and whispers of more on the horizon paint a picture of a future where Bitcoin isn't just a rebel without a cause but a bona fide member of the financial elite. So, whether you're a cynic, a convert, or just crypto-curious, one thing's crystal clear: Bitcoin's halving event is not just a milestone; it's a testament to its ever-growing clout in the financial world.

NFTs Take the Spotlight: A Stellar Surge and Record-Breaking Sales

The digital art world is on an electrifying ascent, and guess who's leading the charge? You guessed it, Bitcoin-based NFTs, sparkling brighter than a disco ball at a Saturday night fever. This week, the NFT market didn't just walk up the stairs; it took the elevator, rising a whopping 11.62% to a glamorous $442.02 million in sales. And who's the belle of the ball? None other than the ‘Alien’ Cryptopunk #3,100, snatched up for a cool $16 million, making waves as the transaction of the week.

Bitcoin's digital treasure chest was brimming, with sales hitting the roof at $166 million, marking an impressive 14.26% increase from the week before. Leading the Bitcoin NFT parade were the enigmatic Uncategorized Ordinals and the playful Nodemonkes, raking in over $78 million combined. Not far behind, the Ethereum camp showed its mettle, boasting $165 million in sales, with Cryptopunks and the Bored Ape Yacht Club throwing their weight around.

The cherry on top? The record-shattering sale of the largest Ordinal inscription, the Runestone, for a jaw-dropping 8 BTC. It's not just about the money, honey; it's about fueling the airdrop initiative to keep the NFT ecosystem thriving and vibrant.

Dogwifhat's Daring Dream: Lighting Up Vegas with Canine Couture

Hold onto your hats, folks – and make sure they're firmly on your pups too! The Dogwifhat (WIF) community is on a mission that sounds like the plot of a feel-good movie: plastering the gigantic Las Vegas Sphere with the image of a dog donning a stylish hat. It's not just any dog, but a memecoin mascot aiming for the stars – or at least, for 366 feet high and 516 feet wide of prime LED real estate.

Since the launch of the "sphere wif hat" in the fundraiser on March 10 by the enigmatic Ansem, over $300,000 has cascaded into their multisig wallet. This quirky campaign is nearly 40% towards its $650,000 goal, proving that when it comes to the internet, anything paw-sible.

Most contributions are modest, under $100, but let's give a round of applause for the big spenders, with one generous soul dropping $15,000 and three others tossing in $9,999 each. It's a testament to the community's spirit and perhaps a dash of that good old internet madness.

The Sphere, a behemoth of entertainment with a skin of over 1 million LED pucks, could soon shimmer with the visage of our hatted canine friend. At $650,000 a pop for seven hours of fame, it's a pricey gig, but who can put a price on meme magic?

Amidst this fundraising frenzy, Dogwifhat's stock has soared like a rocket – 750% to be exact – trading at a robust $2.10 from a humble 28 cents. This isn't just a story of a community coming together; it's a rollercoaster ride in the wacky world of memecoins, where dreams (and dogs with hats) aim high.

Phishing Frenzy: Crypto Users Hooked for $104 Million

The first two months of 2024 have seen a tidal wave of phishing attacks, sweeping away a colossal $104 million from unsuspecting victims. According to the digital detectives at Scam Sniffer, around 97,000 users found themselves caught in the net, with Ethereum users bearing the brunt of the attack.

Phishing, the dark art of tricking users into voluntarily handing over the keys to their digital kingdoms, has been particularly venomous. Perpetrators, wielding “ERC20 Permit” and “increaseAllowance” signatures like digital daggers, have drained wallets with the finesse of a pickpocket in a crowd. Just one wrong click, and poof! Your assets could vanish into the ether (pun painfully intended).

The bait? Social media platforms, where cyber sharks disguise themselves with the borrowed credibility of impersonated accounts, casting wide nets to lure their prey with the promise of riches or insider knowledge. Twitter, in particular, has been the stage for this shadow play, with victims ensnared by phishing sites masquerading as X marks the spot.

Reflect on the grand scheme, and you'll find this $104 million ordeal is but a chapter in a larger saga. In 2023, the crypto world bled $300 million to these digital desperados. It's a stark reminder that in the rush for digital gold, one must navigate with caution, for the waters are teeming with those who would rather phish than fish.

So, as we sail the cyber seas in search of treasure, let's arm ourselves with knowledge and skepticism. Because in the world of crypto, it's not just about finding treasure; it's also about not becoming someone else's.

And that's a wrap on this edition of "Proof of Intel"! 🎉 From Bitcoin's latest halving spectacle to the dog with a hat aiming for Vegas stardom, the rollercoaster ride of NFTs, and the sobering reality of phishing in the crypto seas, it's clear the Web3 world never sleeps. As your guide, Mochi, I hope you've found our journey both enlightening and entertaining.

P.S. Don't forget to share Proof of Intel with your friends. See you in the next issue! 💌🎈

🍨📰 Catch you in the next issue! 📰🍨

TL;DR: 🔻💯
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🟧 The upcoming fourth Bitcoin halving event is set to reduce the mining reward to 3.125 bitcoins, aiming to maintain Bitcoin's scarcity and potentially influencing its price. While past halvings have led to significant price surges, skepticism remains about the impact of the upcoming event amidst institutional attention and regulatory developments.

🟧 This week, the NFT market experienced a significant surge, with Bitcoin-based NFTs leading the charge, showcasing an 11.62% increase in sales, and an 'Alien' Cryptopunk selling for $16 million. The growth highlights the expanding interest and investment in NFTs across various blockchains, with record-breaking sales and initiatives like the Runestone airdrop showcasing the vibrant ecosystem's potential.

🟧 The Dogwifhat community is rallying to raise $650,000 to feature a dog wearing a hat on the Las Vegas Sphere, demonstrating the powerful blend of humor, community spirit, and crypto enthusiasm. With over $255,000 already raised, the campaign reflects the whimsical yet potent force of memecoins, highlighted by Dogwifhat's remarkable 750% price rally.

🟧 In the early months of 2024, the crypto community faced a severe phishing onslaught, resulting in the loss of $104 million across approximately 97,000 users, predominantly targeting Ethereum and ERC20 token holders. Cybercriminals exploited social media, especially Twitter, to deceive users into visiting malicious sites, highlighting the critical importance of vigilance in digital asset security.