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Smart contracts

OpenAI EVMbench: AI-Powered Crypto Security Testing Framework Launched

by Priya Shah – Business Editor February 18, 2026

written by Priya Shah – Business Editor

OpenAI, in collaboration with crypto investment firm Paradigm, launched EVMbench on Monday, a new benchmark designed to evaluate the capabilities of artificial intelligence in securing smart contracts on blockchain networks. The tool aims to measure AI’s ability to detect, exploit, and patch vulnerabilities within these contracts, which underpin a growing range of decentralized financial applications.

Smart contracts, self-executing agreements written into code, are a foundational element of platforms like Ethereum. Their immutable nature – meaning they cannot be altered once deployed – makes security paramount. Flaws in smart contract code can lead to significant financial losses, as vulnerabilities can be exploited by malicious actors.

EVMbench utilizes 120 vulnerabilities sourced from 40 audits and security competitions, according to Bankless, a crypto news and research platform. The benchmark assigns a percentage-based score to AI agents based on their performance in auditing contracts, patching vulnerabilities while maintaining functionality, and exploiting weaknesses in vulnerable contracts.

“Smart contracts routinely secure $100B+ in open-source crypto assets,” OpenAI stated in a blog post. “As AI agents improve at reading, writing, and executing code, it becomes increasingly vital to measure their capabilities in economically meaningful environments, and to encourage the use of AI systems defensively to audit and strengthen deployed contracts.”

The launch of EVMbench comes as the use of AI in cybersecurity gains momentum. OpenAI and Paradigm hope the benchmark will establish a standardized method for assessing AI’s effectiveness in identifying and mitigating risks within the complex world of blockchain technology. While the developers acknowledge the benchmark doesn’t fully capture the challenges of real-world smart contract security, it provides a measurable baseline for evaluating emerging AI agents designed for the crypto space.

CoinDesk reported that the tool is OpenAI’s attempt to determine whether modern AI systems are up to the task of preventing smart contract issues. The initiative represents a deepening of OpenAI’s involvement in crypto security, seeking to leverage AI to enhance the integrity of blockchain applications.

February 18, 2026 0 comments

Technology

Privacy & Security in UAV Delivery: Blockchain, Edge Computing & Federated Learning

by Rachel Kim – Technology Editor February 15, 2026

written by Rachel Kim – Technology Editor

Researchers at Lingnan University in Hong Kong have developed a framework to protect user privacy when using drones for deliveries, addressing growing concerns about the security of biometric data collected during these transactions. The system, detailed in a paper presented at the 2024 IEEE International Conference on Pervasive Computing and Communications Workshops, utilizes differential privacy and diffusion models to secure face recognition and identity authentication.

The increasing adoption of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) for logistics necessitates robust identity verification and delivery security measures. Biometric data – including fingerprints, facial scans, and iris recognition – is particularly sensitive, and its potential misuse poses significant privacy risks, according to the research team led by Aiting Yao. The framework aims to balance the demand for accurate user identification with the imperative to safeguard personal information.

The proposed system employs edge computing, processing data closer to the source – in this case, the drone and receiving location – rather than relying solely on centralized servers. During delivery, the UAV collects a user’s biometric data via edge computing nodes. A diffusion model is then used to securely transmit this data, protecting user privacy. Upon arrival, an edge computing node at the delivery destination performs face recognition to confirm the recipient’s identity, ensuring only authorized individuals receive the package.

The research builds on previous work exploring secure delivery systems. In 2021, researchers including Chengzu Dong proposed a blockchain-aided self-sovereign identity framework for UAV delivery, also focusing on secure authentication. Further studies by Yao and colleagues in 2024 explored privacy-preserving location data collection using federated learning for intelligent systems, and in 2025, a framework called FedShufde was developed for privacy-preserving federated learning specifically for smart UAV delivery systems. These efforts reflect a broader trend toward integrating privacy-enhancing technologies into UAV logistics.

The development of this framework comes as the field of pervasive computing continues to advance, integrating wireless networking, mobile computing, and sensor systems. The IEEE International Conference on Pervasive Computing and Communications, held annually, serves as a key venue for researchers to present their latest findings in this area. The 2024 conference, held in Biarritz, France, focused on the intersection of these technologies and their real-world applications.

Alongside biometric authentication, researchers are also investigating blockchain technology to enhance security and transparency in UAV delivery systems. Studies have explored the use of blockchain for task distribution, as well as for creating secure data sharing systems. Researchers are also looking at the use of blockchain to improve access control for IoT devices used in delivery networks, and to optimize storage of data collected by these devices.

The IEEE, the world’s largest technical professional organization, will hold its next International Conference on Pervasive Computing and Communications in 2025. The organization has stated that remote presentations will only be allowed under exceptional circumstances, prioritizing in-person attendance.

February 15, 2026 0 comments

Business

Stablecoins: The Elusive Promise of Frictionless FX

by Priya Shah – Business Editor February 12, 2026

written by Priya Shah – Business Editor

The market capitalization of Tether (USDT) surpassed $172 billion in late September 2025, exceeding that of USDC by a significant margin, according to data cited by The Motley Fool.

Despite both stablecoins being pegged 1-to-1 to the U.S. Dollar, fundamental differences in their structure and oversight continue to shape their roles in the cryptocurrency ecosystem. Tether, launched in 2014, maintains the largest market share and highest trading volumes, favored by high-frequency traders for its liquidity across numerous exchanges. USDC, created in 2018, trails in market cap at approximately $74 billion, but is increasingly viewed as the more transparent and regulatory-compliant option.

The disparity in perception stems from differing approaches to reserves and auditing. Tether Holdings Limited, the private company managing USDT reserves, reported holdings of $149.3 billion against $143.7 billion in circulating coins as of March 31, 2025, according to its latest report. These reserves are allocated primarily to U.S. Treasury bills, repurchase agreements and money market funds, but likewise include allocations to Bitcoin, precious metals, and corporate bonds. USDC, issued by Circle, has its reserves managed by BlackRock, a publicly traded asset management firm.

Regulatory scrutiny has consistently shadowed Tether. Questions regarding the full backing of USDT and the composition of its reserves have persisted, prompting calls for greater transparency. USDC, benefiting from its association with Circle and BlackRock, is generally perceived as having a more robust and regularly audited reserve structure. Circle publishes a monthly attestation report, although Tether provides quarterly reports.

The differing profiles of the two stablecoins cater to distinct user bases. According to a report from Nasdaq, Tether’s established presence and liquidity make it the preferred choice for active crypto traders navigating multiple exchanges. Conversely, USDC’s emphasis on transparency and regulatory compliance appeals to long-term investors and institutions seeking a more secure and auditable stablecoin option. As of February 12, 2026, USDC maintains a market cap of $73 billion, with a current price of $1.00 and a 24-hour trading change of 0.00%.

Both Tether and USDC are backed 1:1 by reserves, designed to maintain a constant US$1 value, but have experienced depegging events in their histories, as noted by Crypto.com. The NYSE listing of USDC further solidifies its position as the most institutionally aligned stablecoin on the market.

As of September 24, 2025, Tether’s daily trading volume significantly outpaced that of USDC, reinforcing its dominance in the high-frequency trading space. However, the long-term implications of regulatory developments and evolving investor preferences remain uncertain.

February 12, 2026 0 comments