Bittensor Down: Security Breach Triggers Network Shutdown, TAO Token In Freefall

As a crypto investor who has been following Bittensor closely, I’m deeply concerned about the recent network security breach and the subsequent suspension of all operations. The swift action taken by the team to put the network in “safe mode” was necessary, but it’s disheartening to see the impact on the TAO token and the wider ecosystem.


On Wednesday morning, the Bittensor team identified suspicious behavior, leading them to halt all network functions as a precautionary measure. According to blockchain investigators, no fresh blocks have been formed for more than six hours, resulting in the network entering “safe mode” and halting all transactions.

To avoid any additional harm, this prompt action was implemented as a safeguard. The financial market reacted instantly to the announcement, leading to a substantial 12% decline in the value of TAO tokens, signaling investors’ apprehensions regarding the network’s safety.

Network Security Breach, Investigation and Community Response

As a researcher delving into this developing situation, my initial findings indicate that some user wallets may have been compromised through unauthorized access. A respected figure in the cybersecurity community, ZachXBT, has put forth a theory suggesting that a leak of private keys could be the underlying cause. These private keys serve as crucial passwords to secure crypto wallets. Meanwhile, Bittensor’s co-founder Ala Shaabana has announced a network halt and provided assurance to users that the issue is being managed effectively. The attack has reportedly been contained according to their statement.

As a researcher following the developments in the Bittensor community, I’ve noticed that there’s ongoing discussion on Discord regarding a current situation. A moderator named “Watchmaker” has confirmed that the network will remain in “safe mode” for at least 24 hours while investigations continue. In an effort to ensure extra security, regular software updates have been temporarily halted until the network is fully restored.

Market Impact and Token Performance

The security incident caused a substantial ripple effect within the Bittensor platform, most notably affecting its cryptocurrency, TAO. In the aftermath, TAO’s value plummeted by over 12% in just 24 hours, from $281.67 to $237.32. This downturn represents a continuation of the 16.50% price decrease experienced throughout the past week. Amidst the turmoil, open interest for TAO has witnessed a marked increase of 16.38%, currently standing at a valuation of $36.4 million.

Bittensor Down: Security Breach Triggers Network Shutdown, TAO Token In Freefall

At present, TAO is priced at $237.45, with a 24-hour trading volume amounting to $84.8 million. The current circulating supply of TAO tokens totals 7 million. These market fluctuations mirror the apprehension among investors regarding the network’s security and the potential consequences of the reported breach. As the investigation unfolds and new details emerge, the market is expected to remain responsive to updates on this evolving situation.

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2024-07-03 13:35