>> What has nft/web3/x-coins ever given us apart from speculative investments (aka gambling)?
Cryptocurrencies modernized the malware industry.
Before cryptocurrencies, ransomware used to require victims to pay using gift cards or other ridiculous means.
After cryptocurrencies, victims could now pay their "captors" directly over the Internet in cryptocurrency.
Before cryptocurrencies, malware entities and actors acted largely independently unless they were part of a state-sponsored group or larger organized crime "business".
After cryptocurrencies, "ransomware as a service" emerged where different groups specialize in particular components and services of ransomware: tools to establish footholds, tools to take over and encrypt victim systems, services to demand and take payments, and services to wash and launder payments. Payments between these groups are made in cryptocurrency.
Cryptocurrencies modernized the malware industry.
Before cryptocurrencies, ransomware used to require victims to pay using gift cards or other ridiculous means.
After cryptocurrencies, victims could now pay their "captors" directly over the Internet in cryptocurrency.
Before cryptocurrencies, malware entities and actors acted largely independently unless they were part of a state-sponsored group or larger organized crime "business".
After cryptocurrencies, "ransomware as a service" emerged where different groups specialize in particular components and services of ransomware: tools to establish footholds, tools to take over and encrypt victim systems, services to demand and take payments, and services to wash and launder payments. Payments between these groups are made in cryptocurrency.