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A Beginner's Guide: understanding the layers of blockchain technology
If you have ever tried to learn about crypto, you have likely run into a wall of jargon: "Layer 2 scaling," "L1 consensus," or "dApps." It can be overwhelming. But to understand how cryptocurrency works, you don't need a degree in computer science. You just need to understand the Blockchain Stack.
Much like the internet is built on layers (think of the cables, the data, and the websites as separate layers), blockchain technology is organized into a hierarchy. Each layer serves a specific purpose, working together to create a secure, fast, and usable decentralized web.
Layer 0: The Infrastructure (The Roads)
At the very bottom of the stack sits Layer 0. This is the foundation that makes everything else possible.
Layer 0 protocols are essentially the "internet of blockchains." Their primary goal is interoperability. In the early days, blockchains like Bitcoin and Ethereum couldn't talk to each other; they were isolated islands. Layer 0 solutions—like Polkadot or Cosmos—act as the connecting roads, allowing different blockchains to transfer data and value between one another seamlessly.
Layer 1: The Foundation (The Cities)
On top of the infrastructure sits Layer 1. This is what most people think of when they hear "blockchain."
Layer 1 is the base network where the actual ledger lives. Examples include Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and BNB Chain.
- The Job: The primary responsibility of Layer 1 is security and consensus. It finalizes transactions and ensures no one is cheating the system.
- The Problem: Because Layer 1s prioritize security and decentralization, they often suffer from the "Blockchain Trilemma"—they become slow and expensive when too many people use them (e.g., high gas fees on Ethereum).
Layer 2: The Scaling Solution (The Skyscrapers)
To solve the speed issues of Layer 1, developers built Layer 2.
Think of Layer 2 as a skyscraper built on top of the Layer 1 land. It increases capacity without taking up more space on the ground. Layer 2 protocols process transactions off the main chain to save time and money, then bundle them up and settle them back on Layer 1 for security.
- Examples: The Lightning Network (for Bitcoin) and Arbitrum or Optimism (for Ethereum).
- The Benefit: This allows you to pay for coffee instantly with near-zero fees, while still enjoying the security of the underlying blockchain.
Layer 3: The Application (The User Interface)
Finally, we have Layer 3. This is the layer you actually interact with.
Layer 3 is the application layer, comprising dApps (decentralized applications), games, and DeFi platforms. When you use Uniswap to trade tokens or open OpenSea to buy an NFT, you are interacting with Layer 3.
This layer doesn't worry about consensus or validation; it focuses on User Experience (UX). It takes the complex technology of the layers below and wraps it in a user-friendly interface that looks like a normal website or mobile app.
Conclusion
Blockchain isn't a single technology; it is a collaborative ecosystem. Layer 0 connects the chains, Layer 1 secures the data, Layer 2 makes it fast, and Layer 3 makes it usable. As these layers mature, the friction of using crypto will disappear, leaving us with a seamless, decentralized web.
To explore assets across all these layers—from L1 giants like Bitcoin to L2 scalers and L3 DeFi tokens—you need a platform that covers the whole stack. Join BYDFi today to trade the future of blockchain technology.
2026-01-16 · 19 days ago0 095Debt Snowball Method How Small Wins Lead to Big Financial Freedom
The snowball method is a popular debt repayment strategy where you focus on paying off your smallest debts first while making minimum payments on larger ones. Once the smallest debt is cleared, you roll the payment you were making on it into the next smallest debt, creating a "snowball effect" that accelerates your progress.
What Is the Snowball Method for Debt?
The debt snowball method is a repayment strategy where you focus on paying off your smallest debts first, regardless of interest rate, while making minimum payments on your larger debts.
Once a small debt is paid off, you roll that payment into the next smallest one , like a snowball rolling downhill and growing in size , It’s all about building psychological momentum.
Every small win motivates you to tackle the next one.
7 smart ways to use the debt snowball method and gain momentum toward financial freedom.
1- List All Your Debts from Smallest to Largest
The debt snowball method focuses on quick wins to keep you motivated. By knocking out smaller debts first, you free up money faster and build confidence. Think of it like building a snowball—start small and roll it until it becomes unstoppable.
Example:
- Credit Card A: $450
- Store Card: $1,200
- Personal Loan: $3,500
- Car Loan: $9,000
- Credit Card B: $11,000
Use a simple spreadsheet or free budgeting app to organize your debts.
2- Focus Only on the Smallest Debt First
Pay the minimum payments on all debts except the smallest one , then, put any extra cash you have toward that smallest balance. It could be an extra $50, or maybe you can sell unused items to find $200.
Why it works:
Paying off a debt gives you a psychological win. You see progress. You stay motivated. And motivation is crucial in debt payoff.3- Automate Minimum Payments to Avoid Late Fees
Late fees can kill your progress. Set up automatic payments on every debt (except the one you’re attacking) to ensure you’re always on time.
This builds trust with creditors and protects your credit score—even while you work the snowball method.
4- Roll Over Payments After Each Win (The “Snowball Effect” in Action)
Once you pay off that first debt, take the amount you were paying and apply it to the next smallest debt.
Example:
- You were paying $100/month on Credit Card A.
- After that card is paid off, you now pay $100 + $40 (the minimum on Card B) = $140/month toward Card B.
Every time you eliminate a debt, your snowball gets bigger. That’s the “snowball effect”—small progress that grows into massive momentum.
5- Cut Expenses and Increase Your Snowball Power
Want to supercharge your results? Look for small lifestyle tweaks that can give you more money to add to your snowball.
- Cancel unused subscriptions
- Cook meals at home more often
- Use cashback or rewards apps
- Pick up a side hustle or freelance gig
Even an extra $100/month can cut months off your debt journey.
6- Avoid New Debt While You’re in “Snowball Mode”
Nothing kills progress like swiping your card again after paying it off.
Lock your credit cards, remove them from digital wallets, or even cut them up if necessary. While you're using the snowball method, your goal is to reduce debt, not trade one balance for another.
If emergencies are your concern, build a mini emergency fund of $500–$1,000 alongside your payoff plan.
7- Track Your Progress (Celebrate the Wins!)
Keep a visual tracker—like a debt payoff chart or digital dashboard—to celebrate each time a balance hits zero.
Celebrate each win:
- Take a picture of the “$0 balance” screen.
- Share your progress anonymously in finance forums or groups.
- Reward yourself (in a small, budget-friendly way) with each milestone.
This keeps your motivation high and your focus sharp.
Final Thoughts: The Snowball Method Works Because It’s Human
If you're searching for “how to get out of credit card debt” or wondering about “the snowball effect in debt”, you’re probably tired of feeling buried.
Here’s the truth:
It’s not always about math. It’s about mindset.The debt snowball method gives you confidence, momentum, and clarity. It works because it speaks to human psychology—not just cold hard numbers.
And once the ball starts rolling, it becomes unstoppable.
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2026-01-16 · 19 days ago0 095Banks’ Stablecoin Fears Are Unsubstantiated Myths, Says Professor
Banks’ Stablecoin Fears Are Built on Myths, Says Columbia Professor
As US lawmakers prepare to move forward with long-awaited crypto market structure legislation, a fierce battle is unfolding behind the scenes — and stablecoins have become the unexpected flashpoint. According to a Columbia Business School professor, the loudest objections coming from the banking sector are not based on evidence, but on fear of losing profits.
Omid Malekan, an adjunct professor at Columbia and a well-known crypto educator, argues that much of the resistance to stablecoin yield-sharing is rooted in misinformation deliberately pushed to protect the traditional banking model. In a recent post on X, Malekan expressed frustration that progress on crypto legislation is being slowed by what he described as unsubstantiated myths surrounding stablecoin economics.
The Real Fight: Who Controls Stablecoin Yield?
At the heart of the debate lies a simple but powerful question: who should benefit from the interest generated by stablecoin reserves?
Stablecoin issuers typically hold reserves in US Treasury bills and bank deposits, which generate yield. Banks and their lobbyists argue that allowing issuers or platforms to share this yield with users creates a dangerous loophole. Their fear is that consumers, attracted by passive returns of around 5%, could pull billions of dollars out of traditional savings accounts, triggering a so-called deposit flight.
Malekan rejects this argument outright, calling it a convenient narrative designed to shield banks from competition rather than protect the financial system.
Why Stablecoins Don’t Drain Bank Deposits
One of the most persistent claims from the banking industry is that stablecoin adoption will inevitably shrink bank deposits. Malekan says this assumption ignores how the stablecoin market actually works.
Much of the demand for stablecoins comes from outside the United States. When foreign users purchase dollar-backed stablecoins, issuers are required to place reserves into US-based assets, including Treasury bills and bank deposits. Rather than draining the system, this process can inject new capital into American banks and government debt markets.
From this perspective, stablecoins are not a threat to deposits but a mechanism that can expand financial activity across borders.
Competition Isn’t the Problem — Profits Are
Another key myth, according to Malekan, is that stablecoins will cripple bank lending. In reality, stablecoins do not prevent banks from issuing loans. What they do is challenge banks’ ability to pay near-zero interest while earning substantial returns elsewhere.
Today, the average US savings account yields just over half a percent. If banks fear losing customers to yield-bearing stablecoins, Malekan argues, the solution is straightforward: pay savers more. Stablecoins introduce competition, not collapse.
Banks Are No Longer the Main Credit Engine
The argument that stablecoins could choke off credit also ignores a structural shift in the US financial system. Banks now provide only about one-fifth of total credit in the economy. The majority comes from non-bank sources such as money market funds, private credit firms, and capital markets.
These sectors could actually benefit from stablecoin adoption through faster settlement, lower transaction costs, and potentially reduced Treasury yields. Rather than weakening the system, stablecoins may enhance its efficiency.
Community Banks Aren’t the Real Victims
Much of the lobbying effort frames community and regional banks as the most vulnerable players. Malekan calls this another misleading narrative.
According to him, large money-center banks have far more to lose if stablecoins disrupt the status quo. Community banks are often used as a shield in public messaging, while the real objective is protecting the outsized profits of the largest financial institutions.
He describes the situation as an uncomfortable alliance between big banks defending their margins and certain crypto startups pitching services to smaller banks under the guise of protection.
Savers Matter Too — Not Just Borrowers
Public policy discussions often focus heavily on borrowers, but Malekan insists that savers deserve equal attention. Preventing stablecoin issuers from sharing yield effectively forces consumers to subsidize bank profits by accepting minimal returns on their money.
A healthy economy depends on both savers and borrowers. Blocking innovation that benefits savers simply to preserve existing profit structures undermines that balance.
Congress Faces a Choice: Consumers or Corporations
Malekan concludes with a clear message to lawmakers. The stablecoin yield debate should not be about preserving legacy advantages but about encouraging innovation and serving consumers.
He warns that many of the claims circulating in Washington lack empirical support and urges Congress to remain focused on progress rather than pressure from powerful lobbies.
Growing Pushback Against Banking Influence
The debate has also drawn reactions from legal and political figures. Lawyer and Senate candidate John Deaton recently reminded voters that senators are facing intense pressure from banking interests to prevent platforms like Coinbase from offering stablecoin rewards.
Deaton’s message was blunt: banks and career politicians do not necessarily act in the public’s best interest. He pointed out that restrictions on stablecoin yields could stifle innovation and limit consumer choice.
Coinbase has reportedly gone as far as warning that it may withdraw support for the CLARITY Act if lawmakers impose restrictions on stablecoin rewards beyond basic disclosure requirements — a sign of how high the stakes have become.
A Defining Moment for Crypto Regulation
As the market structure bill heads toward markup, the stablecoin yield issue may determine whether the US embraces a more competitive, consumer-focused financial system or reinforces the dominance of traditional banks.
2026-01-19 · 16 days ago0 094User Loses $282M in Massive Social Engineering Crypto Heist
$282 Million Vanishes Overnight: Inside One of Crypto’s Most Devastating Social Engineering Heists
A Single Mistake That Cost Hundreds of Millions
In one of the most staggering crypto thefts ever recorded, a single user lost more than $282 million worth of digital assets after falling victim to a highly sophisticated social engineering scam. The incident, which occurred on January 10, 2026, highlights how human error, not broken code, remains the weakest link in crypto security.
Unlike traditional hacks that exploit smart contracts or exchange vulnerabilities, this attack succeeded through deception alone. The victim was reportedly convinced they were communicating with official Trezor support, only to unknowingly hand over the one piece of information that should never be shared: their hardware wallet seed phrase.
Within minutes, years of accumulated wealth were no longer under the victim’s control.
How the Attack Unfolded
According to blockchain investigator ZachXBT, the theft took place around 11:00 pm UTC. The attacker, impersonating a legitimate Trezor representative, manipulated the victim into revealing the recovery phrase associated with their hardware wallet. Once the seed phrase was exposed, the attacker gained complete and irreversible control over the wallet.
There was no exploit to patch, no password to reset, and no transaction to reverse. On-chain ownership changed hands instantly, and the funds were gone.
What followed was a rapid and highly coordinated laundering operation designed to erase any trace of the stolen assets.
Breaking Down the Stolen Assets
The scale of the theft stunned even seasoned blockchain analysts. The wallet contained approximately 1,459 Bitcoin, valued at around $139 million, alongside a massive 2.05 million Litecoin, worth roughly $153 million at the time of the attack.
Almost immediately, the attacker began dispersing the funds across multiple networks, fragmenting the transaction trail and complicating any recovery attempts. Large portions of the stolen crypto were converted using instant exchange services, while others were bridged across different blockchains to further obscure the source.
Monero Surge Raises Red Flags
A significant portion of the stolen assets was swapped into Monero, a privacy-focused cryptocurrency known for its untraceable transactions. This sudden influx of capital caused a noticeable spike in Monero’s price, drawing attention from traders and analysts who quickly suspected illicit activity.
The use of Monero was no coincidence. By converting Bitcoin and Litecoin into a privacy coin, the attacker dramatically reduced the effectiveness of blockchain tracking tools, making it far more difficult for investigators to follow the money.
THORChain and the Cross-Chain Controversy
In parallel with the Monero conversions, the attacker used THORChain to bridge large amounts of Bitcoin across networks such as Ethereum, XRP, and Litecoin. This strategy allowed value to move seamlessly between blockchains without relying on centralized exchanges, avoiding traditional compliance checks and account freezes.
The incident reignited a heated debate within the crypto community. Critics argued that decentralized cross-chain protocols are increasingly being exploited as laundering tools during large-scale thefts, while defenders countered that open infrastructure should not be blamed for criminal misuse.
Regardless of where one stands, this attack demonstrated how powerful and dangerous cross-chain liquidity can be in the wrong hands.
A Small Win Amid a Massive Loss
Despite the speed and complexity of the laundering process, not all hope was lost. Cybersecurity firm ZeroShadow revealed that blockchain monitoring teams managed to track part of the stolen funds in real time. Within approximately 20 minutes, around $700,000 worth of assets were flagged and frozen before they could be fully converted into privacy coins.
While this represents only a fraction of the total loss, it proved that rapid coordination between analytics firms and platforms can still make a difference, even in fast-moving attacks of this magnitude.
Clearing the Air on State-Sponsored Claims
As rumors spread across social media, some speculated that the theft might be linked to a state-sponsored hacking group, particularly North Korea, which has been associated with several high-profile crypto crimes in the past.
ZachXBT was quick to dismiss these claims. It’s not North Korea, he stated plainly, emphasizing that the attack bore all the hallmarks of a classic social engineering scam rather than a geopolitical cyber operation.
Not an Isolated Incident
This $282 million loss is not an anomaly. Just one year earlier, an elderly Bitcoin holder in the United States reportedly lost $330 million in another social engineering scam. That victim had quietly held more than 3,000 BTC since 2017, with minimal activity, making the sudden movement of funds immediately suspicious.
In that case, the attacker used peel chains and instant exchanges before converting much of the stolen Bitcoin into Monero, following a pattern eerily similar to the 2026 heist.
The Real Lesson: Security Is Human
These incidents underscore a harsh truth about crypto security. Hardware wallets, cold storage, and decentralized networks can be nearly unbreakable from a technical standpoint, but none of them can protect users from manipulation, impersonation, and misplaced trust.
No legitimate wallet provider will ever ask for a seed phrase. Once it is shared, ownership is effectively transferred, and recovery becomes almost impossible.
As crypto adoption grows and individual wallets hold increasingly life-changing sums, social engineering is emerging as the most dangerous attack vector in the industry. The code may be secure, but the human element remains vulnerable.
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2026-01-26 · 9 days ago0 093Crypto YouTube View Counts Sink to 2021 Levels, Decline Not Just Driven by X
Crypto YouTube Viewership Hits Multi-Year Lows as Retail Interest Fades
Crypto-related content on YouTube has entered one of its quietest periods in years, with viewership dropping to levels not seen since the early days of 2021. The sharp decline, observed over the past three months, is being widely interpreted as a clear signal of weakening retail participation and prolonged bear market sentiment across the digital asset space.
This slowdown is not limited to a single platform or algorithm change. Instead, it reflects a broader shift in how audiences interact with crypto media, suggesting deeper fatigue among retail investors and a structural change in market participation.
A Cross-Platform Decline, Not a YouTube Problem
Recent data shared by ITC Crypto founder Benjamin Cowen shows a steady collapse in crypto-related views across major YouTube channels when measured using a 30-day moving average. According to Cowen, the downturn mirrors a similar drop in engagement on X, making it clear that the issue extends beyond YouTube’s recommendation system.
Other creators echoed this view, noting that engagement has been sliding consistently since October. The pattern indicates that crypto social interest has not merely dipped but has entered territory typically associated with full bear market conditions.
Several analysts argue that, from a social engagement perspective, crypto never truly recovered its 2021 momentum. Despite price rallies in later years, audience attention and enthusiasm failed to return to previous highs, leaving content creators struggling to regain lost visibility.
Why Retail Investors Are Pulling Back
One of the most cited reasons behind the decline is retail exhaustion. Many long-term content creators have admitted that, while their channels continued to grow after 2021, the level of attention and excitement has never come close to what was seen during the previous bull cycle.
The constant wave of speculative altcoins, failed narratives, and pump-and-dump schemes has taken a toll on retail confidence. For many viewers, crypto content has become associated with losses rather than opportunity, leading them to disengage entirely rather than continue chasing uncertain trends.
This fatigue has been amplified by the growing perception that markets are no longer driven by everyday investors. Instead, institutional capital appears to be setting the pace, leaving retail participants feeling sidelined and disempowered.
Institutions Take the Lead as Retail Steps Aside
The collapse in crypto content viewership reinforces a broader theme of the current market cycle: institutions are increasingly dominant. Large players are deploying capital quietly, focusing on infrastructure, regulation-compliant products, and long-term positioning rather than hype-driven narratives.
Meanwhile, retail investors have either reduced their exposure or shifted their attention elsewhere. Some have turned toward macroeconomic assets such as precious metals, while others are simply waiting on the sidelines for clearer opportunities.
This shift explains why price action alone has failed to revive social interest. Without widespread retail participation, even significant market movements struggle to generate the same level of online engagement seen in previous cycles.
A Tough Year for Crypto Performance
Market performance has also played a role in dampening enthusiasm. Bitcoin’s performance over the past year has disappointed many retail investors, especially when compared to alternative assets. In contrast, commodities such as gold, silver, palladium, and even niche metals have outperformed, attracting capital that might otherwise have flowed into crypto.
For content consumers, returns matter more than narratives. As some observers have pointed out, investors are no longer interested in stories about potential future gains; they want tangible results. When those results fail to materialize, attention naturally shifts away.
Signs of Stabilization Beneath the Surface
Despite the gloomy outlook for crypto content creators, not all indicators are negative. On-chain analytics platforms have noted a gradual improvement in social sentiment surrounding Bitcoin. While overall engagement remains low, the tone of discussion has become less pessimistic, suggesting that the worst phase of capitulation may be passing.
Analysts emphasize that key psychological price levels will play an important role in determining whether retail confidence can recover. Holding above critical thresholds could help stabilize sentiment, even if viewership does not immediately rebound.
Ethereum, however, presents a more fragmented picture. Discussions around ETH remain scattered, with no clear narrative dominating social platforms. This lack of consensus reflects broader uncertainty about the asset’s near-term direction.
What the Decline Really Means for Crypto Media
The collapse in YouTube views does not necessarily signal the end of crypto interest but rather a transition into a quieter, more selective phase. Audiences are becoming more cautious, more experienced, and far less willing to engage with speculative hype.
For creators, this period may require a shift in strategy toward deeper analysis, macro context, and long-term education rather than short-term predictions. For the market itself, the absence of retail noise could eventually lay the groundwork for a more sustainable recovery.
Until then, crypto YouTube remains a reflection of a market still searching for renewed confidence, fresh narratives, and a reason for retail investors to return.
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2026-01-15 · 20 days ago0 093
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