META DESCRIPTION: Explore the latest Blockchain and Web3 news from July 10–17, 2025: Bitcoin’s record highs, major DeFi exploits, and Coinbase’s Web3 wallet rebrand.

Blockchain and Web3 Weekly: The New Frontiers of Decentralization and Digital Trust

Introduction: Why This Week in Blockchain and Web3 Matters

If you thought the world of emerging technologies was all hype and no substance, this week’s news in Blockchain and Web3 might just change your mind. Between Bitcoin’s gravity-defying price surge, a series of headline-grabbing DeFi exploits, and a major wallet rebrand from Coinbase, the past seven days have been a masterclass in both the promise and peril of decentralized tech.

But why should you care? Because these stories aren’t just about code and coins—they’re about the future of how we store value, build trust, and interact online. Whether you’re a crypto veteran, a curious newcomer, or just someone who likes to keep an eye on the next big thing, the developments from July 10 to July 17, 2025, offer a window into the rapidly evolving landscape of digital finance and decentralized internet.

In this week’s roundup, we’ll break down:

• Bitcoin’s record-shattering rally and what it signals for mainstream adoption
• The latest high-profile DeFi hacks and the ongoing battle for blockchain security
• Coinbase’s strategic Web3 wallet rebrand and its implications for user experience and industry direction

So buckle up: the only thing moving faster than blockchain innovation this week is the news cycle itself.

Bitcoin Breaks All-Time High: The Bull Run That Won’t Quit

Bitcoin, the original cryptocurrency, has once again proven that rumors of its demise are greatly exaggerated. On July 10, 2025, Bitcoin surged past the $112,000 mark, setting a new all-time high and sending shockwaves through both crypto and traditional finance circles[3]. This wasn’t just a blip—Bitcoin maintained its momentum, trading above $119,000 and pulling the entire crypto market cap up by 1% in a single day[3].

Why does this matter? For starters, it’s a clear signal that institutional and retail confidence in digital assets is stronger than ever. The rally was accompanied by a 7% jump in Ethereum, which hovered around $2,700, further underscoring the sector’s resilience. As more investors flock to crypto, the lines between traditional finance and decentralized finance (DeFi) continue to blur.

Expert Take:
Market analysts point to a combination of macroeconomic uncertainty, growing adoption of Bitcoin ETFs, and increased corporate treasury allocations as key drivers behind the surge. As one analyst put it, “Bitcoin is no longer just a speculative asset—it’s becoming a core part of global portfolios”[2].

Real-World Impact:
For everyday users, this means greater acceptance of crypto payments, more robust financial products, and—potentially—a new era of financial inclusion. But as we’ll see, the road to mainstream adoption is anything but smooth.

DeFi Under Fire: Major Hacks Expose Blockchain’s Security Paradox

While Bitcoin was busy breaking records, the decentralized finance (DeFi) sector was grappling with a different kind of headline: a string of high-profile exploits that put millions of dollars at risk.

The GMX Exchange Hack

On July 16, 2025, decentralized perpetual exchange GMX was exploited for a staggering $42 million due to a vulnerability in its price calculation smart contract. In a twist worthy of a cyber-thriller, the attacker later returned $40.5 million—more than the 90% “bug bounty” GMX had offered for the safe return of funds.

The Resupply Stablecoin Lender Exploit

Just days earlier, the Resupply stablecoin lending protocol suffered a $9.3 million exploit. A clever attacker deposited $200,000, manipulated token prices, and borrowed nearly $10 million before the vulnerability was discovered and the contract paused. Notably, Resupply had only launched three months prior, highlighting the risks facing even the newest DeFi projects.

The Lazarus Backdoor

Security researchers also disclosed a “critical backdoor” affecting thousands of smart contracts, potentially exposing over $10 million to risk. The exploit, believed to be the work of North Korea’s Lazarus Group, had been lurking for months before being discovered and patched.

Why does this matter?
These incidents underscore the double-edged sword of blockchain transparency: while code is open and auditable, it’s also a tempting target for sophisticated attackers. The rapid pace of DeFi innovation often outstrips security best practices, leaving users and protocols exposed.

Expert Take:
Security experts warn that as DeFi grows, so too will the sophistication of attacks. “We’re in an arms race between protocol developers and hackers,” one researcher noted. “The stakes are only getting higher.”

Real-World Impact:
For users, these exploits are a stark reminder to exercise caution, do due diligence, and avoid putting all their digital eggs in one basket. For the industry, it’s a call to prioritize security audits and bug bounties as core components of any launch.

Coinbase’s Web3 Wallet Rebrand: Ushering in the Next Era of User Experience

In a move that could reshape how millions interact with the decentralized web, Coinbase unveiled its new Base App, rebranding its flagship Web3 wallet. The announcement, made on July 17, 2025, signals Coinbase’s ambition to become the go-to gateway for the next generation of internet users.

What’s new?
The Base App isn’t just a cosmetic update. It’s designed to streamline onboarding, improve security, and offer seamless access to a growing ecosystem of decentralized applications (dApps). By integrating with Coinbase’s broader suite of products, the app aims to lower the barriers to entry for newcomers while providing advanced features for power users.

Why does this matter?
As the largest U.S.-based crypto exchange, Coinbase’s moves often set the tone for the industry. By doubling down on Web3, Coinbase is betting that the future of the internet is decentralized—and that users want more control over their digital identities and assets.

Expert Take:
Industry observers see the rebrand as a strategic play to capture market share as Web3 adoption accelerates. “Coinbase is positioning itself as the Apple of crypto wallets: user-friendly, secure, and deeply integrated,” one analyst observed.

Real-World Impact:
For users, this could mean easier access to DeFi, NFTs, and other Web3 services—without the steep learning curve that has historically plagued the space. For developers, it’s an opportunity to reach a broader audience through a trusted platform.

Analysis & Implications: The State of Blockchain and Web3 in 2025

What do these stories tell us about the current state—and future trajectory—of Blockchain and Web3?

Key Trends Emerging This Week

• Mainstreaming of Crypto Assets: Bitcoin’s new high and Ethereum’s rally reflect growing institutional and retail adoption, signaling that digital assets are here to stay[2][3].
• Security as a Central Challenge: The spate of DeFi exploits highlights the urgent need for better security practices, robust audits, and ongoing vigilance.
• User Experience Takes Center Stage: Coinbase’s wallet rebrand underscores the industry’s shift toward usability and accessibility, aiming to bring the next billion users into the fold.

What’s Next for Consumers and Businesses?

• For consumers: Expect more user-friendly tools, but also a greater need for personal responsibility in managing digital assets.
• For businesses: The pressure is on to innovate securely, as both regulators and users demand higher standards.
• For the tech landscape: The convergence of DeFi, NFTs, and decentralized identity is accelerating, with major players like Coinbase leading the charge.

Conclusion: The Future Is Decentralized—But Not Without Its Growing Pains

This week’s developments in Blockchain and Web3 are a microcosm of the sector’s broader journey: exhilarating highs, sobering setbacks, and a relentless drive toward a more open, user-centric internet. As Bitcoin breaks records and DeFi protocols battle hackers, the industry is learning—sometimes the hard way—that innovation and security must go hand in hand.

Coinbase’s bold rebrand is a bet on a future where decentralized apps are as easy to use as their Web2 counterparts. But as the events of this week remind us, the path to that future is paved with both opportunity and risk.

So, as you check your crypto wallet or consider your next move in the digital economy, ask yourself: Are you ready for the next wave of decentralization? Because ready or not, it’s already here.

References

[1] Changelly. (2025, July 17). Bitcoin (BTC) Price Prediction 2025 2026 2027 - 2030. Changelly Blog. https://changelly.com/blog/bitcoin-price-prediction/

[2] Boston25 News. (2025, July 17). Bitcoin price prediction for 2025, 2030 and 2035: July 2025 report. https://www.boston25news.com/news/bitcoin-price-prediction-2025-2030-2035-july-2025-report/XOXRAKGNPNPQPGJXRR3RUBZA6Y/

[3] Bitbo. (2025, July 17). Bitcoin Price History Chart (2009, 2010 to 2025). https://charts.bitbo.io/price/