Bitcoin News: AuthLN Founder Discusses Leveraging Bitcoin’s Lightning Network for Cybersecurity

In a recent interview, AuthLN's founder Mike Siers shared his insights on how Bitcoin's Lightning Network can be harnessed to combat the growing threat of cybercrime.

AuthLN’s Mike Siers on harnessing Bitcoin’s Lightning Network for Cybersecurity

In a recent SlateCast episode, CryptoSlate’s Editor-in-Chief Liam “Akiba” Wright spoke with AuthLN Founder Mike Siers about leveraging Bitcoin’s Lightning Network to address the escalating problem of cybercrime. Drawing on his background as a military veteran, Siers explained how his proof-of-work-based authentication approach can impose genuine costs on potential attackers. Modern society relies heavily on digital infrastructure, yet hacks and data breaches continue to escalate. According to Siers, losses from cybercrime in 2024 are estimated at 9.5 trillion dollars, far eclipsing the sums often highlighted in crypto-related thefts. He emphasized the need for a change to combat the massive cyber attacks happening every single day.

Saylor’s Strategy Buys More Bitcoin, Now Controls Over 2% of BTC Supply

Strategy, formerly MicroStrategy, has purchased over 50,000 Bitcoin so far in 2025 as of late February. The dotcom-era software developer acquired 20,356 Bitcoin (BTC) for $1.99 billion last week. Strategy executive chairman and BTC evangelist Michael Saylor noted that the firm purchased the tranche at an average price of $97,514. By publication time, Bitcoin was trading at $94,305 due to a market-wide correction. Strategy’s at-the-market equity program once again financed its BTC acquisition plan. Last week, Saylor announced $2 billion worth of convertible notes to buy more BTC. He confirmed that investors fully subscribed to the offering, and the company immediately deployed the capital into Bitcoin. The firm now controls over 2% of the total Bitcoin supply.

Bitcoin Faces Decline in Network Activity and Market Slowdown

Bitcoin’s (BTC) network activity has shown notable signs of slowing down in early 2025. Transaction volumes, active addresses, and unspent transaction outputs (UTXOs) have all declined, sparking concerns about a potential market correction. Currently priced at $96,200, Bitcoin’s recent downturn has led to comparisons with past market corrections. If this trend continues, BTC may face prolonged consolidation or even price stagnation, mirroring what was seen in 2023.

Bitcoin's Short-Term Holder Realized Price as Support Amid Volatility

The Short-Term Holder (STH) realized price of Bitcoin (BTC) serves as a critical support level amid market volatility. This metric, which reflects the average price at which short-term holders (those holding BTC for less than 155 days) acquired their coins, is a key indicator of market sentiment and price stability. When the market price approaches or briefly falls below this threshold, it often rebounds due to hesitancy among short-term holders to sell at a loss and emerging buying interest.

Bitcoin Dreams Dashed: Lawmakers Reject State Investment Proposal

A proposal to integrate Bitcoin into South Dakota’s investment portfolio was rejected by a House committee with a vote of 9-3. Representative Logan Manhart had argued that Bitcoin could serve as a defense against inflation, comparing it to 'digital gold.' However, opponents cited Bitcoin’s volatility and speculative nature as reasons for concern. State Investment Officer Matt Clark also emphasized the risks associated with Bitcoin’s lack of tangible backing and irregular income flow. Despite the rejection, Manhart plans to revisit the issue in future sessions. This debate reflects the ongoing global discussion about how governments should engage with the evolving world of cryptocurrency.