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Pump.fun’s quiet return to X offers no clarity, just crypto’s latest cautionary tale

by admin June 17, 2025

Pump.fun’s reappearance on X is dramatic: sudden suspension, rampant theories, then a quiet return in less than 24 hours. No answers, just a more paranoid market left picking up the pieces.

On June 16, without warning or explanation, the official X account for Pump.fun, the Solana-based memecoin launchpad, was abruptly taken offline. Shortly after, the personal handle of co-founder Alon Cohen (@a1lon9) also vanished.

The unexpected purge didn’t stop there. Several other accounts tied to high-profile token platforms, including GMGN, Bloom Trading, and ElizaOS, were swept up in what appeared to many as a coordinated crackdown, raising more questions than answers.

Was this X enforcing new policies? A shadowban by overzealous moderators? Or, more ominously, the first sign of regulatory pressure on Solana’s hyperactive memecoin ecosystem?

Then, just as suddenly, the accounts were restored. X offered no justification for either decision, leaving traders to wonder whether the episode was a glitch, a warning, or pure bureaucratic randomness.

Keen users quickly noted Pump.fun’s unceremonious comeback on X and raised concerns about what might be happening behind the scenes.

https://t.co/eZhMtacwIT is back and I’m left to wonder what’s really going on in the crypto space are all the recent happenings mere coincidences or is there a back story somewhere?

Well we keep our eyes primed for more updates, and hope to be on the winning team. https://t.co/pvjbEM7KM6

— Vindex Victor (@EjimV221) June 17, 2025

A billion-dollar memecoin moment under fire

The social media blackout came just as Pump.fun was gearing up for a massive token offering, rumored to target a valuation near $1 billion. The reported plan drew both attention and backlash, as Pump.fun’s meteoric rise in 2024–25 made it a poster child for rapid-fire memecoin activity.

Founded in January 2024 by Alon Cohen and his team, the platform has hosted more than six million token launches and generated over $350 million in annual revenue.

But this growth hasn’t come without scrutiny. In November, Pump.fun was forced to disable its livestream feature after users exploited it to broadcast everything from violent threats to explicit content.

That incident exposed the darker side of memecoin culture and how quickly unregulated platforms can spiral into chaos. Now, with its rumored $1 billion token sale drawing mainstream attention, regulators appear to be taking notice.

While no agency has publicly claimed responsibility for the X suspensions, the U.S. SEC has been increasingly vocal about cracking down on what it sees as unregistered securities offerings, a category that could easily include memecoin launchpads.

What makes this episode particularly troubling for crypto is how it exposes the industry’s dependence on platforms it doesn’t control. Pump.fun’s website continued operating during the suspension, but how long can any platform thrive when its primary marketing channel can vanish overnight?

The takeaway is in black and white. In the crypto industry’s ongoing battle between innovation and regulation, social media platforms have become the new battleground. And as Pump.fun’s rollercoaster week shows, the rules of engagement are being written in real time, with billions of dollars hanging in the balance.

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June 17, 2025 0 comments

Glorious Model I 2 on plinth with pink background

Product Reviews

Glorious Model I 2 review: a multi-buttoned wired gaming mouse that’s too expensive for what it offers

by admin June 12, 2025

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We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.

Glorious Model I 2: Two-minute review

The Glorious Model I 2 is a wired gaming mouse with some useful features and pro-level tweaks, making it ideal for all kinds of play styles and genres.

There’s no mistaking the Model I 2 for anything other than a gaming mouse, thanks to its brash but tasteful design. Its profile is sleek, while the honeycomb back portion allows for the RGB lighting underneath to shine through in all its glory. The thin RGB strips on both edges are also a nice touch.

It has quite a long profile, longer than many of the best gaming mice. It also slopes away to the side, adopting a slightly ergonomic form. The thumb slot has a prominent floor, which fitted my thumb rather well – although I can well imagine some users not finding it to their liking – while the central hump was ideally placed for my palm. What’s more, that aforementioned honeycomb texture is pleasant to grip on to.

Glorious Model I 2 review: Price & availability

$64.99 / £59.99 (about AU$101)
Available now in black and white
Expensive for wired gaming mouse

The Model I 2 costs $64.99 / £59.99 (about AU$101) and is available now in two colorways: black and white. It comes with various spare caps for the sniper and rear-most side buttons. A wireless variant is also available.

This is reasonably expensive for a wired gaming mouse. It’s more expensive than the Asus TUF Gaming M4 Air, for instance, which we reckon is the best lightweight wired mouse for gaming at the moment. This does lack the feature set of the Model I 2; it doesn’t even have RGB lighting. However, at just 50g, it’s quite a bit lighter than the Model I 2.

The Model I 2 is also more expensive than the Cooler Master MM311, which even has the added benefit of being wireless, and that’s partly why we rate it as the best budget gaming mouse around. It doesn’t have a rechargeable battery, though, nor does it have as many buttons as the Model I 2.

Glorious Model I 2 review: Specs

Swipe to scroll horizontally

Interface

Wired (USB-C-to-A)

Ergonomics

Right-handed asymmetrical

Buttons

DPI

Up to 26,000

Switches

Glorious Switches

Weight

2.3oz (66g)

Should I buy the Glorious Model I 2?

Swipe to scroll horizontally

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Value

The Model I 2 is expensive for a wired gaming mouse – you’ll have to decide whether its extra buttons are worth it.

3 / 5

Design

The Model I 2 looks good and is comfortable in the hand. The software has some nice tweaks, but it’s limited in terms of remapping.

4 / 5

Performance

All the buttons and scroll wheel perform very well, and glides are quite smooth. However, it doesn’t exactly exceed the competition when it comes to precision and speed.

4 / 5

Overall

The Model I 2 is a competent gaming mouse that’s comfortable to use with some nice features. However, the software lacks versatility, and the performance isn’t outstanding, so its relatively high price might not be justified.

3.5 / 5

Buy it if…

Don’t buy it if…

Glorious Model I 2 review: Also consider

Swipe to scroll horizontallyHeader Cell – Column 0

Glorious Model I 2

Asus TUF Gaming M4 Air

Cooler Master MM311

Price

$64.99 / £59.99 (about AU$101)

$49.99 / £39.99 / AU$76

$39 (about £31 / AU$59)

Interface

Wired (USB-C-to-A)

Wireless (2.4GHz), wired (USB-C-to-A)

Ergonomics

Right-handed asymmetrical

Right-handed symmetrical

Right-handed asymmetrical

Buttons

DPI

26,000

16,000

30,000

Switches

Glorious Switches

Kailh GM 4.0

Razer Optical Mouse Switches Gen-3

Weight

2.3oz (66g)

1.8oz / 50g

2.2oz / 64g

How I tested the Glorious Model I 2

Tested for a full day
Used for gaming and working
Extensive gaming mouse experience

I tested the Model I 2 for a full day, during which time I used it for gaming, working, and general browsing.

I played Counter-Strike 2, a good test for gaming mice given the demands it places on quick and accurate movement and aiming.

I’ve been gaming on PC for over a decade, and during that time I have experienced a large number of mice. I’ve also reviewed a broad range of models from multiple brands, with varying price points, designs, and feature-sets.

Glorious Model I 2 Wired Mouse: Price Comparison

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June 12, 2025 0 comments

Gaming Gear

Amazon Offers the Newest Model of Echo Pop at Its Lowest Price of the Year as Stock Runs Low

by admin June 10, 2025

When it comes to smart speakers, they’ve quickly transformed from pricier “nice to haves” into affordable options that are available to just about anyone. Amazon has been leading the charge in this respect, releasing a wide variety of models and options that don’t break the bank while offering lots of different features and options for consumers. Famously, the Echo series is part of this rollout, and there are a few form factors you can choose from for this smart speaker. And if you’re curious about trying one out, now’s the best time to do so thanks to this Amazon deal.

See at Amazon

Right now, you can head to Amazon to get an Amazon Echo Pop for $25, down from its usual price of $40. That’s $15 off and a discount of 38%.

A colorful, multifaceted smart speaker

The newest model of the Echo Pop is one of Amazon’s most refined versions of its compact smart speaker. Despite its small size, it delivers surprisingly clear and full sound. It’s loud enough to fill a room without distortion or that hollow, tinny sound you get from older or cheaper models. Whether you’re streaming a playlist, asking for the forecast, or setting a kitchen timer, it’s quick and responsive, and the voice controls work great.

But while you might primarily use it for music, you’d be surprised at how many other things it can do in addition. The built-in temperature sensor can automate other smart devices like thermostats or fans. Alexa Routines allow you to string together multiple actions like dimming the lights and turning on ambient music just by saying a few words. You can even use it as an intercom to communicate between rooms if you have multiple Echo devices. So if you want to get one for one area of the house and another, like maybe your room and the kids’ rooms, there’s your justification.

It’s also worth noting that Amazon has taken steps to address privacy concerns. If you’re worried about that kind of thing, it has a microphone mute button and privacy settings to give you more control.

With its discounted price, the diminutive Echo Pop makes a good case for anyone looking to bring more convenience and control into their home, especially for just $25. Whether you’re just getting started with smart tech or want to expand your existing setup, this is one of the most affordable and practical ways to do it. And it comes in such a pretty color, too!

See at Amazon

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June 10, 2025 0 comments

Game Reviews

Elden Ring: Nightreign offers no technical progression – and doesn’t properly support PS5 Pro

by admin June 3, 2025

Following its brief network beta in February we now have the final release of Elden Ring Nightreign, giving us a fresh chance to assess the console versions. To cut to the chase, there is both good and bad news for console users. The positive side ultimately comes down to Nightreign’s winning gameplay design because, against all the odds, developer FromSoftware’s multiplayer spin-off works surprisingly well. Barring ongoing issues with network latency during its first week – causing lag on NPC reactions after a strike at points – this is a well crafted, Fortnite-inspired twist on Elden Ring. The combat mechanics are instantly familiar, and there’s plenty of strategic depth as you spend a one hour session levelling up in anticipation of a Night Lord boss. It compels repeat attempts, and crucially, rewards a trio of players to co-ordinate their character builds towards that final point.

On the downside there’s the state of Nightreign’s technology. This is really nothing new to those familiar with FromSoftware’s Elden Ring engine, and how it operates on consoles. Its optimisation on PS5 and Xbox Series machines is still disappointing and, much like the network beta, the game continues to often fall short of a target 60 frames per second while exploring the Limveld map. Added to that, there is no support for PS5 Pro. The PlayStation store page makes no mention of enhancements for Pro hardware even on release, and that bears out in our tests where there are no extra modes or optimisations of any sort. It simply runs the base PS5 code, which, as I’ll get to, does at least yield some benefits in frame-rate and image quality depending on which graphics mode you use. Finally, it’s worth noting that the ray tracing mode – included in the main Elden Ring game to allow RT shadows and ambient occlusion – is still absent in Nightreign all round which is a shame.

In terms of how the consoles compare, FromSoftware sticks to its tried and tested settings from the network beta. PS5, PS5 Pro and Series X each run at a fixed 4K in their quality modes – while the frame-rate mode uses a dynamic setup that drops their resolution to 1440p lowest in order to better hit 60fps. On the other hand, for Series S, 1440p is a fixed target on its quality mode, while the frame-rate mode allows for a 1008p to 1440p range to improve performance. Beyond resolution differences all machines run at identical settings with a few exceptions. Firstly, comparing PS5 and PS5 Pro, the Pro side has a small benefit in image quality. By running the base PS5 code on more powerful hardware, PS5 Pro tends to hit higher numbers along that 1512p to 4K range. On average it’ll trend higher, though this only applies to the frame-rate mode of course, and shadows, textures, and world draw are identical.

Here’s the video breakdown for Elden Ring: Nightreign, tested on PS5, PS5 Pro, Xbox Series X and Series S… with a dash of PS4 for good measure.Watch on YouTube

Secondly, the Xbox Series consoles show a greater divide in visual quality. The 4TF Series S inevitably takes a bigger visual downgrade in comparison to Series X: it runs with lower resolution global shadows, plus a dropped ambient occlusion setting – affecting the shading under grass. Most visible, of course, is that drop to a 1440p target. Honestly the turnout is still more than acceptable for Series S, and using the opening tutorial area to match weather and time of day, you’re getting the full fat Nightreign experience otherwise.

In fact, this is a far better scenario than the last-gen releases. Taking base PS4 as an example – which wasn’t available for testing in the network beta – the overall playability of Nightreign suffers quite a bit by not playing on the latest wave of systems. On PS4 you get significantly dropped shadow quality, and dropped foliage density when compared to PS5. It runs at 900p typically (lower than the 1080p found in the main Elden Ring game), and performance is significantly worse than the base game too. It’s targeting 30fps with uneven frame pacing, though in practise, the range is 20-30fps, with a lot of play typically at the midway point.

Switching to current-gen performance testing today, there is sadly no significant boost since the network beta four months ago. Using base PS5’s quality mode for example – with a fixed 4K resolution value – we still have a 35-50fps range of frame-rate while circling the Roundtable Hold. Actual combat around Limveld tends to be even more taxing, but the hub area gives us a way to perfectly match conditions between the network beta and final build. It’s a broadly identical readout too, though there is one curious exception: parts of this hub area have been altered, opening out new areas in the final game and with extra light points and volumetric fog added in one room. As a result performance in this specific spot drops from 45fps in the network beta down to 39fps in the final build, which is expected given the increase in load.

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Generally speaking though, using the Roundtable Hold, there’s been no provable performance upgrade or downgrade in the interim since the beta. Switching to PS5 Pro, comparing the network test against the final build shows much the same issue, though Pro was always least much closer to the 60fps mark on quality mode.

Ultimately, using the quality mode makes no practical sense on any console. Base PS5 in typical open world play runs at a lower 30-45fps range, with drops into the 20s also possible while dropping from the sky. You won’t even see a flash of 60fps while looking directly upward, to theoretically lower GPU load. Xbox Series X follows the same trend with a matching readout to base PS5 – 30-45fps with potential drops under using quality mode – making it a write-off. Series S meanwhile runs at a much more restrictive 30-40fps range, but essentially hugs the 30fps line for most of a round, again with drops into the 20s. And finally, PS5 Pro fares best with a 40-60fps range, which while an improvement over the rest of the console quartet, is still outside the ideal VRR range to mask drops.

This isn’t good enough, and the fixing at a 4K resolution – as crisp and sharp as it is – just doesn’t justify this performance penalty. With all consoles compared in a matched tutorial run, PS5 Pro comes out best with a 47fps reading, while PS5 and Series X occupy a midway point at 35fps, and Series S trails behind at 32fps.

Without a specific patch to support the hardware, PS5 Pro’s advantage is limited to a boost in performance while using Nightreign’s quality mode – plus a small image quality improvement in the frame-rate mode.

The easier mode to recommend is still the frame-rate mode. Base PS5 runs at between 40-60fps, which still does not easily slot into the ideal VRR range. Long passages of play, especially by the dying embers of a round, veer towards the lower end and visibly lurch to 40fps. Series X has the exact same range, but given that Xbox consoles do have a wider VRR window to work to (40-60Hz, versus the 48-60Hz on PS5 systems), there is some flexibility to adapt. It’s a much smoother, less visibly juddering experience as a result – if your display supports VRR. Even Series S benefits in this sense, with so much of its performance running at between 40-60fps, keeping up pace with the other machines.

Last up is PS5 Pro. To its credit, the Pro hardware produces a 50-60fps range most of the time, which does fit nicely within Sony’s nominated VRR range. The only snag is sharp 40fps lurches while exploring Limveld, which occur in some rounds more frequently than others, and stick out clearly. In relative, matched tests using our Roundtable Hold route, PS5 Pro in theory has the upper hand with a tighter adherence to the 60fps target, while PS5 and Series X hover just below and Series S landing at around 50fps.

Despite having the final release of Nightreign in hand, there’s so much left to be desired on the technical front. The remixing of Limgrave’s locations to forge Limveld creates a perfect playground for its shortened one hour online experience – but performance on current-gen is still lacking. My recommended pick is the frame-rate mode, and ideally on an Xbox Series system where VRR is more flexible to handle a 40-60fps range. PS5 Pro meanwhile gets to the theoretical best frame-rates, purely by running the base PS5 code on a more powerful GPU – but it’s a disappointment and there is no official Pro patch in place.

It sets a worrying precedent for a new release to neglect Pro hardware entirely, and even as an off-shoot to a major game I expected more. I’m hopeful we’ll see FromSoftware come round to the idea, since so many of its games could benefit from Pro support, but Nightreign isn’t that breakthrough moment. The state of affairs with the final release is sadly as we left it in the network test: it’s unquestionably enjoyable – a mad concoction of ideas that somehow ties together. But regardless of console or mode, 60fps performance is all too often out of reach.

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June 3, 2025 0 comments

NFT Gaming

UK-Listed Investments Platform IG Offers Spot Crypto Trading to Retail Customers

by admin June 2, 2025

Investment platform IG (IGG) said it has begun offering crypto trading to retail investors, becoming the first publicly-listed firm in the U.K. to do so.

This marks IG’s first offering of crypto exposure through spot trading of bitcoin

, ether and a range of smaller tokens.

The company’s crypto service has previously been confined to derivatives products in the form contracts for difference (CFD).

IG has teamed up with U.S.-based crypto-focused fintech firm Uphold to build crypto trading into its existing platforms that customers currently use for dealing shares, FX, commodities and derivatives.

This may demonstrate the increasing integration between traditional finance (TradFi) and digital assets that investors and traders now expect to see.

The London-based firm’s move also coincides with the ongoing development of the U.K.’s plans to establish a regulatory regime for the crypto industry. The government published two consultation papers in April on draft legislation for activities such as crypto trading and stablecoin issuance.

IG shares are around 0.25% higher on the day at the time of writing, compared to the FTSE 100 index which is unchanged.

Read More: UK’s First Centrally Cleared FCA-Regulated Crypto Derivatives Trading Venue GFO-X Debuts

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June 2, 2025 0 comments

Elden Ring Nightreign director says Fromsoft "kind of overlooked and neglected" playing as a duo, but 2 player-friendly "post-launch support" is being considered

Game Reviews

Elden Ring Nightreign update offers solo players a helping hand not even 24-hours after launch because cowards cried too loud

by admin May 31, 2025

Elden Ring Nightreign hasn’t even been out for 24 hours, and already the game has been made easier for solo players. Those tackling solo runs will get one free revive during the Nightlord fight that’s part of the run, and will get increased rune aquisition the entire time.

A solo run, which is already scaled so that bosses have less health and offers a purchasable revive before the Nightlord fight for a measly 10,000 runes, was added for those who enjoy the challenge of taking on a game intended for group play on their lonesome. Fair play, y’know. It’s not how I best enjoyed the game but godspeed captain, take the wheel. For those who were actually excited to take on the game this way with all its struggle and in the name of fufilment through overcoming adversity, however, their dreams have been hampered by the wails and moans of wittle babies who want the solo experience to be easier.

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They want their warm bottle, a little bib, and for the process of actually overcoming the challenge present in Nightreign to be lowered so they don’t have to work as hard to succeed. Was I able to solo every boss during the review period? No. I did like four of ’em. Was I looking forward to improving and doing so over the next few weeks? Absolutely. This journey has been stolen from me and likeminded adults by the feeble among us.

“But Connor, what if these people are struggling to beat bosses on their own and need help?”, you may ask. Here’s a hot tip. Go and ask your dad if you can use the internet, shake the gent’s hand, then take the on the boss online. Once you’ve cracked that with the help of other people, and are better at the game, then try it solo. You’ll find that it’s easier than before. Wow! It’s almost as though that playing the game more and with other people (the way the game is intended to be played) helps make these challenges less daunting.

It’s almost as though that’s a major theme of the game itself. You are meant to ride a bike with your hands on the handle bars. You can ride without doing so, but it’s harder. If you try riding a bike without touching the handle bars and wipe out on the pavement, you don’t ask for stabilizers to be put on, right? You practice riding your bike normally until you can crack it.

The worst part isn’t even the revive – you can just take your hands off the controller on your first death and welcome the game over if you want a real “deathless run” – it’s the rune aquisition boost. In my opinion it taints the whole thing. There are relics that give rune aquisition boosts but you have to earn them. The game gets easier as you play, as in all games like this.

I do understand why this change has happened from From Software’s perspective – the company wants all the people playing it to have a good time and not bail out after a few too many frustrating losses. Totally get it. But why not leave it a week so the sickos can claim their laurels? Then, provide this olive branch for everyone else.

Maybe I’m an jaded 27 year old but I remember a From Software community that would cheer and pop bottles upon hearing that a new game was really hard as a solo player, and would smash their heads against it like rabid animals until they managed to beat it. These people still exist I’m sure, they are likely as disapointed as I am that the game has already had part of it neutered, but it’s too late now. At least with Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree regular players had a few days to soldier on before the early hours of it were made easier.

Whatever, enjoy your pram. Elden Ring Nightreign is out now, and is doing really well on Steam at the moment. So, there’s a solid chance a lot of you playing it right now are having a good time, which is swell.

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May 31, 2025 0 comments

Product Reviews

David Lynch auction offers a glimpse of his personal and creative life

by admin May 29, 2025

The innovative director David Lynch, who left indelible marks on film and television, passed away in January of this year. Now, Julien’s Auctions is hosting the sale of The David Lynch Collection. More than 450 of the late director’s possessions will be auctioned off online and at the company’s auction house in Gardena, CA. For devotees of Lynch’s work and worldview, just the experience of browsing the collection is pretty fascinating.

The auction showcases plenty of items closely related to his career in film, such as a personalized director’s chair, multiple cameras, lighting kits and memorabilia from his many iconic works. Other pieces more broadly reflect his passion for creativity, like audio equipment, musical instruments, painting supplies and a whole lot of literature and vinyl records. The collection also has furniture, like the couch from his 1997 classic Lost Highway, kitchen wares and many personal items from his life. You can even bid on his LaserDisc player and disc collection.

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May 29, 2025 0 comments

Crypto Trends

Bitcoin (BTC) Price Drops, but Historic Support Offers Hope

by admin May 25, 2025

Bitcoin, the first and largest cryptocurrency, is trading lower early Saturday. At the time of writing, Bitcoin was down 2.38% in the last 24 hours to $108,194. This follows yesterday’s drop from $112,000 to $106,800 as the broader crypto market fell owing to macroeconomic concerns.

According to CoinGlass data, $594 million in crypto derivatives were liquidated in the last 24 hours, with crypto bulls losing $507 million while shorts accounted for $87 million.

The pullback arrived just as Bitcoin saw increased ETF inflows and institutional interest, leading some to anticipate an uneventful weekend.

This is reflected in funding rates (which signal traders’ sentiments in the perpetual swaps market) suggesting caution, with traders on the sidelines.

Historic support emerges

According to the on-chain analytics platform Glassnode, more than 420,000 BTC now have a cost basis around the $94,000 level, forming one of the strongest support zones in the current cycle. This massive accumulation zone reflects buying interest at this price level.

More than 420K $BTC now have a cost basis around the $94K level, forming one of the strongest support zones in the current cycle. This dense cluster of accumulation has held firm through consolidation in early May – providing the launchpad for #Bitcoin’s breakout to new highs. pic.twitter.com/uMqnUeAiP8

— glassnode (@glassnode) May 23, 2025

Glassnode added that this dense cluster of accumulation has held firm through consolidation in early May, serving as a launchpad for Bitcoin’s breakout to new highs.

Cetus Protocol offers hacker $6M bounty after $223M exploit

by admin May 23, 2025

Cetus Protocol, the largest decentralized exchange on the Sui blockchain, is offering a $6 million bounty to the hacker behind a massive $223 million exploit that occurred on May 22.

In a May 22 follow-up statement accompanied by an on-chain message, the Cetus team confirmed they had identified the attacker’s Ethereum wallet and offered a “whitehat settlement” to recover user funds. The hacker is being asked to return 20,920 ETH and all frozen assets on Sui (SUI) in exchange for keeping 2,324 Ethereum (ETH), worth approximately $6 million, and immunity from legal action.

Cetus said this is a time-sensitive offer and that if the funds are off-ramped or mixed, the deal is off. The team is coordinating with law enforcement, cybercrime specialists, the Sui Foundation, and regulators including FinCEN and the U.S. Department of Defense. Inca Digital, a cybersecurity firm, is leading the negotiation efforts.

📜 Dear Sui community, thank you for your patience while our team works on the incident investigation and resolution.
Since taking the actions indicated in our previous announcement, we have also done the following:
1. We engaged the broader ecosystem, Sui team, and related… https://t.co/Gs1EWXZ6AD
— Cetus🐳 (@CetusProtocol) May 22, 2025

The breach exploited a vulnerability in Cetus’ pricing mechanism and impacted its concentrated liquidity market maker pools. The attacker used spoof tokens, which are fake or low-value assets with manipulated metadata, to inject tiny amounts of liquidity into trading pools.

Because of the distortion of those pools’ internal accounting, the hacker was able to take out substantial quantities of valuable tokens, such as SUI and USD Coin (USDC), at incorrect exchange rates.

The attacker deceived the system into believing the pools were balanced by carefully timing these spoof token deposits with complex flash swaps and price manipulation. As a result, they were able to drain substantial real assets without supplying equivalent value.

Cetus had reportedly passed recent security audits prior to the hack. However, by exploiting internal pricing logic and economic assumptions rather than simple code errors, the attacker’s method evaded typical vulnerability scans.

After initially draining $11 million from an SUI/USDC pool, the attacker quickly intensified the attack. They bridged more than $60 million in stolen funds to Ethereum and bought over 21,900 ETH. They currently have millions of SUI, ETH, and stablecoins in their wallets.

The Sui ecosystem was severely damaged by the exploit. Smaller tokens like AXOL, HIPPO, and SQUIRT lost almost all of their value, while the SUI token dropped as much as 15%. CETUS, the token of Cetus, fell 20–33%. Trading volumes surged as users scrambled to withdraw funds.

Cetus has paused smart contracts following the hack the hack and is attempting to secure its platform. The incident raises questions about the security of DeFi protocols on newer chains like Sui and Aptos (APT). Although these ecosystems offer innovation, analysts warn that vulnerabilities in complex DeFi logic remain a persistent risk.

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May 23, 2025 0 comments

Product Reviews

I tested SysAid and found it offers traditional ITSM features with new AI tools that boost productivity

by admin May 23, 2025

Why you can trust TechRadar

We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.

SysAid is a complete IT Service Management (ITSM) solution. It focuses on ticket management and service delivery for mid-sized teams. Its standout feature is the new SysAid Copilot. This tool uses generative AI to automate tasks like ticket categorization, prioritization, and assignment. The software balances strong features with easy setup, letting IT teams start quickly without much configuration.

The platform excels in IT management, covering incident and problem management, asset tracking, and knowledge base functions. During testing, we liked the customizable workflows. They let us automate complex processes with little effort. The self-service portal was also helpful. It allowed end users to solve common issues independently, which reduced our ticket volume.

While SysAid offers great core features, some areas need improvement. The user interface feels outdated in sections like the admin portal and workflow management. The built-in remote control features are limited compared to specialized remote access tools, leading many users to prefer third-party integrations. Still, SysAid’s strong customer support and regular updates show their commitment to improvement.

SysAid: Plans and pricing

SysAid has three main plans: Help Desk, ITSM, and Enterprise. Each plan fits different organizational needs and IT maturity levels.

The Help Desk plan is for small teams needing basic ticketing and asset management. The ITSM plan offers advanced IT service management features for mid-sized and mature organizations. The Enterprise plan is a complete package with no limits, ideal for larger teams or those needing full customization and advanced analytics.

Exact pricing is not publicly available. It varies based on the number of agents and the number of assets to manage, like workstations, servers, and mobile devices. You have to contact SysAid directly for a custom quote that meets your needs.

All plans come with cloud and on-premises annual licenses. A free trial is available so teams can test all features before deciding. Keep in mind that a one-time onboarding fee is not included in the plan pricing.

(Image credit: SysAid)

SysAid: Features

SysAid offers a complete ITSM platform. It covers everything from ticket management to advanced IT automation and AI-driven service delivery. Our tests showed the platform balances functionality and ease of use well. Recent AI upgrades genuinely boost productivity instead of just following trends.

Ticket management

The ticket management system is at the heart of SysAid. It features flexible categorization, automated routing, and customizable SLA management. Both admins and end-users found the interface intuitive. Users can create custom fields and workflows tailored to their processes. The AI-powered ticket categorization and prioritization are especially helpful. They accurately assign incoming requests and suggest knowledge base articles, which cut down resolution times.

Asset management

SysAid’s asset management offers clear visibility into hardware and software across the organization. It uses automated discovery and inventory tracking. We were impressed by how it maps relationships between assets and services. This creates a clear view of how infrastructure supports business functions. The software license management features help identify compliance risks and optimization chances. Integration with the service desk links assets to related incidents smoothly.

Automation and workflows

SysAid lets IT teams create complex workflows without needing programming skills. This cuts down on manual work for routine tasks. The visual workflow designer is user-friendly, allowing us to set up approval processes, escalation rules, and notification systems quickly. We appreciated the ability to trigger automated actions based on certain conditions. For example, software licenses can be auto-provisioned when approved, and tickets can escalate if SLAs are at risk.

Self-service portal

The customizable self-service portal helps end-users find solutions on their own. It features an easy-to-navigate knowledge base and a streamlined service catalog. We found it easy to configure with our branding, enhancing user experience and encouraging adoption. The integration with the knowledge base is effective. The system suggests relevant articles based on user queries, often solving issues before tickets are submitted.

(Image credit: SysAid)

SysAid: Analytics

SysAid’s reporting features give IT managers a clear view of key performance metrics. Users can customize dashboards and choose from pre-built report templates. Our evaluation showed that standard reports included vital metrics like ticket volume, resolution times, and SLA compliance. These reports offer solid insights into service desk performance. The option to schedule automated report delivery helps keep management updated without manual work.

While basic reporting meets needs, advanced analytics feel limited compared to dedicated BI tools. Although dashboard customization exists, it lacks some flexibility in visualization types and data manipulation that power users want.

Organizations needing detailed data analysis may have to export data to other tools. However, SysAid’s recent updates indicate that enhancements in analytics are planned for the future.

(Image credit: SysAid)

SysAid: Ease of use

SysAid has a user-friendly interface that’s easy to adopt. The ticket management system helps with categorization, routing, and customization. The self-service portal is also very accessible. End-users can find solutions on their own, through a simple knowledge base and detailed service catalog. This really cuts down on ticket volume.

However, some parts of the interface, especially in the admin portal and workflow management, seem outdated and need updating.

Overall, the platform balances functionality and ease of use well. IT teams can start operations quickly without needing a lot of configuration. During our testing, we liked the visual workflow designer. It was very intuitive and let us set up approval processes, escalation rules, and notifications quickly.

Yet while the main features are easy to use, some user reviews mention bugs. These include things like login errors and situations where ticket creation freezes when switching tabs.

(Image credit: SysAid)

SysAid: Support

SysAid’s customer support is one of its best features. It offers several channels, including a helpful helpdesk, biweekly customer care chats, and thorough documentation. We found the support team to be very responsive and knowledgeable. They quickly addressed our questions and escalated complex issues to higher support tiers when needed.

The company also implements user feedback during product development. Many new features come from customer suggestions in the Feature Request Forum within the SysAid Community.

(Image credit: SysAid)

SysAid: Security

SysAid uses strong security measures throughout its platform. It meets strict international standards with ISO and SOC2 Type 2 certifications. Their data centers are also SOC2 and ISO 27001 compliant. The platform protects data with AES-256 encryption for data at rest. It uses secure network protocols with SSL/TLS encryption for data in transit. Advanced authentication options include password complexity rules, multi-factor authentication, and single sign-on with SAML 2.0.

For the AI-powered Copilot feature, SysAid takes extra security steps. They use Microsoft Azure OpenAI Services instead of consumer ChatGPT. This keeps all AI-related data in the customer’s SysAid database. They also use advanced PII removal tools to safeguard sensitive information.

SysAid: The Competition

The ITSM market has many strong alternatives to SysAid. ServiceNow, Jira Service Management, and Freshservice are the top competitors.

ServiceNow is an enterprise-grade solution with strong governance and compliance features. It suits highly regulated industries, but its complexity and higher cost may not fit smaller organizations.

Freshservice attracts those wanting automation and a customizable platform. However, some users find its reporting and analytics less effective compared to others.

Other notable options include ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus, SolarWinds Service Desk, TOPdesk, and BMC Helix ITSM. Each has its own strengths and weaknesses. SysAid provides a comprehensive ITSM solution at a competitive price. However, Jira Service Management may offer better integration with development tools. Freshservice is often praised for its modern interface and ease of use.

Ultimately, the choice depends on specific needs. Factors like scalability, integration capabilities, and pricing will play crucial roles in decision-making.

SysAid: Final Verdict

SysAid offers a complete ITSM solution that balances functionality, usability, and value. It excels in ticket management, asset tracking, and AI features that boost IT productivity.

We think the platform is ideal for mid-sized organizations. It helps improve IT service delivery without adding complexity. Plus, it has flexible deployment options and pricing that grow with the organization.

Still, some interface elements could use a refresh, and features like remote control have limits compared to dedicated tools. However, SysAid stands out with its excellent customer support, regular updates, and willingness to adapt based on user feedback.

We compiled a list of the best software asset management (SAM) tools.

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May 23, 2025 0 comments