More From Joshua Rawlins

Today, we are excited to announce that we have joined the **Silvergate Exchange Network (SEN)**. SEN allows our institutional customers to deposit and withdraw U.S. dollars to and from their Gemini account in real-time; 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year. While our industry is accustomed to cryptocurrencies operating 24/7/365 (like email), fiat currencies have for the most part remained shackled to “banking hours” or “business hours.” SEN is an important step toward changing this.

Gemini is fully integrated with SEN’s API, which allows us to process your deposits and withdrawals automatically and instantaneously. By joining SEN, our institutional customers can now move their fiat currency into and out of Gemini as easily as their cryptocurrency.

If you are a participating member of the SEN (or would like to be) please reach out to Gemini Sales [sales@gemini.com](mailto:sales@gemini.com) to connect your account today!

Onward and Upward,

Joshua Rawlins, Managing Director of Financial Operations

Gemini is thrilled to announce the creation of the *__Gemini Opportunity Fund__*, a donor-advised fund that will support Bitcoin Core development through grants, fellowships, and donations. The *Gemini Opportunity Fund* will look to back Bitcoin Core developers who are working to improve the usability, security, and resilience of the Bitcoin Network.

The *Gemini Opportunity Fund* will initially provide __$50,000 in BTC__ funding to the [Human Rights Foundation](https://hrf.org/)’s *Bitcoin Development Fund* which aims to support Bitcoin developers working to enhance privacy on the Bitcoin Network and ensure that bitcoin is a tool for financial freedom.

The *Gemini Opportunity Fund* will also provide __$150,000 in BTC__ funding to John Newbery’s recently launched [Brink](https://brink.dev/), a London-based, non-profit fellowship program that will sponsor and mentor exemplary Bitcoin developers. Fellows will work closely with one another and be mentored by John, formerly a Chaincode Labs developer, and Mike Schmidt, a Blockstream alumnus.

These are just our first steps. We are deeply committed to supporting the Bitcoin Network and its developer community and look forward to expanding on our initial support in the future. So, stay tuned for more to come!

If you think you’re a great candidate for the *Gemini Opportunity Fund*, or know someone who is, please reach out to us at [opportunityfund@gemini.com](mailto:opportunityfund@gemini.com).

Onward and Upward,

Team Gemini

Gemini Opportunity Fund Launches to Support Bitcoin Core Developers

This Giving Tuesday, we are proud to collaborate once more with The Giving Block on their #BitcoinTuesday initiative with a $20,000 donation to Save the Children, No Kid Hungry, and Children International. With this donation we are honored to support the health and development of children around the world. 

We invite you to [donate as well](https://getstarted.gemini.com/bitcoin-tuesday/)!

Giving Tuesday is a global movement that has encouraged individuals to do good over the past several years and has inspired millions of people to engage in a simple act of generosity. The crypto community has also joined the movement with [#BitcoinTuesday](https://bitcointuesday.org), an official cryptocurrency initiative on the world’s biggest day of charitable giving.

You also don’t have to wait until the next #BitcoinTuesday to donate. More than 120 nonprofits take cryptocurrency donations through The Giving Block and they accept donations at any time. By supporting these nonprofits with a crypto donation you can bolster cryptocurrency adoption and lower your tax burden while supporting good causes around the world.

Happy #BitcoinTuesday!

Onward and Upward!

Gemini Gives Back on #BitcoinTuesday

Gemini is in the process of developing a Wrapped Filecoin (wFIL) service so that Filecoin (FIL) can be used on the Ethereum network. 

We are looking to work with Ethereum developers interested in adding wFIL to their products, and platforms that would like to offer wFIL to their customers — __if you’re interested, we want to hear from you! __

This service will allow you to convert FIL in your Gemini account 1:1 into wFIL and withdraw it to any Ethereum address you specify. You will also be able to convert wFIL 1:1 into FIL in your Gemini account. All FIL will be held in our institutional grade storage system with full transparency so that you can always verify that the amount of FIL we hold is equal to the wFIL currently in circulation. 

[Filecoin](https://gemini.com/blog/upcoming-support-for-filecoin) is the native token of the Filecoin Network. You can use FIL to purchase storage space on, and retrieve your files (i.e., data) from, the Filecoin Network. Miners receive FIL for storing your files and verify their services via cryptographic proofs. This decentralized model offers a compelling alternative to existing centralized cloud storage offerings.

We welcome additional partners to the growing DeFi ecosystem. Please reach out to [sales@gemini.com](mailto:sales@gemini.com) if you want to join us and partner! 

Onward and Upward,

Team Gemini


Gemini Is Working on a Wrapped Filecoin Service (wFIL) – Join Us

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This month we’ve highlighted the importance of [using two-factor authentication](https://gemini.com/blog/secure-your-accounts-with-more-than-just-a-password/) to ensure you remain safe online. 

But how do these safety measures actually work? 

In our final Cybersecurity Awareness Month post, our security team digs into the technical details behind one-time passwords, two-factor authentication, hardware security keys, and what the future holds for online security. 

Passwords have certain unavoidable shortcomings that, while acceptable years ago, are now exploitable by attackers on the web today. That’s why it’s important you use two-factor authentication, often called 2FA, to protect your accounts.

While all types of 2FA are more secure than using just a password, some do a better job of keeping your credentials safe. In this article, we’ll break down the three most common types of 2FA methods from least to most secure. 

__One-Time Passwords (OTPs)__

OTPs are by far the most common 2FA method due to their ease of use. The most common iteration of OTPs is a random password (only briefly valid) sent via SMS, email, or provided through a mobile application that you must use in addition to a password. 

The downfall of OTPs is that they are still passwords and therefore have the same weaknesses. If an attacker gains access to one of these codes, no matter how briefly, then your account could be at risk. Despite this risk, you should still use this method when available — in 2019, [Google said](https://security.googleblog.com/2019/05/new-research-how-effective-is-basic.html) that SMS-based 2FA helped block 96% of phishing attacks. 

__Push-Based 2FA__

Push-based two-factor authentication is less common but more secure than OTPs because there’s no password involved. In a push-based authentication flow, the website you’re logging in to sends a push notification to a phone with a request to authenticate. This method can be facilitated by Security as a Service (SaaS) providers like Duo or Okta, and is often used for enterprise authentication. 

The largest security concern for push-based 2FA is accepting an impostrous push, where an attacker has already stolen your password and initiates a push notification which you erroneously accept. 

__Hardware Security Tokens__ 

Earlier this month, we advised you to [use hardware security keys everywhere you can](https://gemini.com/blog/keep-yourself-and-your-cryptos-secure-with-one-simple-step/) to enhance your online security. 

The safest way to implement 2FA is with a Universal Two-Factor security token, or U2F. When employing this type of hardware security token, a website requests a U2F authentication. You are then prompted to connect the security token to your computer using USB, Bluetooth, or sometimes via Near Field Communication (NFC), and the token cryptographically signs the site’s request.

Most importantly, this method does not use passwords. 

Using a hardware key provides an extra level of security as you must physically interact with the token by either pressing it or tapping it against your laptop or mobile device. This means there’s little to no chance of incorrectly approving a request since the key is speaking directly to the website through your device.

__WebAuthn: Leaving Passwords Behind__

The shortcomings among OTPs, push-based 2FA, and hardware security tokens is that they all just serve as a cover for the main problem: passwords. 

[WebAuthn](https://gemini.com/blog/securing-your-gemini-account-with-webauthn) is a standalone authentication method that leaves passwords in the past: the end goal is to replace multi-factor authentication with a strong and cryptographic single factor authentication. Simply, WebAuthn is a browser application programming interface that allows you to register and prove ownership of your credentials for a given website.

Many devices capable of either verifying you biometrically or with a PIN are also capable of handling WebAuthn requests. Laptops that support Windows Hello, many Android phones, and most recently released iOS devices are all capable of using WebAuthn because the same hardware used for local authentication can be applied. 

Gemini gives everyone the ability to protect their accounts using the best security standards available. While you will still need a Gemini password for now, you can start using WebAuthn with either a [hardware security token](https://support.gemini.com/hc/en-us/articles/360044275792) or with Windows Hello and TouchID supported laptops.

In the meantime, we have partnered with hardware security key maker Yubico to promote staying safe online. Use the promo code YK20E-GEMINI20 for $20 off any two YubiKey Series 5 keys at checkout on the [Yubico website](https://www.yubico.com/store/?utm_source=Gemini-blog-oct15). The promotion ends November 30, 2020, 11:59pm Pacific.

As Cybersecurity Awareness Month comes to a close, we urge you to take this year’s theme to heart: Do Your Part. #BeCyberSmart!

Onward and Upward!

Team Gemini

Two-Factor Authentication: A Deep Dive

We are pleased to announce that Gemini will begin implementing [TaxBit’s Tax Center Suite](https://taxbit.com/enterprise) technology to automate and optimize your cryptocurrency tax reporting. This will make it __simple and easy for you to complete your crypto taxes__.

When Tax Center Suite is fully implemented on Gemini, customers in the United States will be able to download a completed tax report that can be uploaded for use in a variety of popular tax filing software or handed over to an accountant in the same format that the IRS requires. 

Tax Center Suite will also give you __tools to monitor and lower your tax liability (or potentially increase your tax refund)__ as you use Gemini throughout the year. You will be able to see the real-time tax impact of your transactions, as well as receive trade alerts when tax saving opportunities are available.

Onward and Upward!

Team Gemini

Gemini and TaxBit Partner to Make Crypto Taxes Easier

We now support the Euro (EUR) for deposits and trading on the Gemini platform! You can purchase all available cryptos with EUR on mobile app and web using a debit card or with a EUR deposit from your bank via SWIFT wire or SEPA transfer.

In addition, we have launched ActiveTrader™ with order books for the following trading pairs: __BTC/EUR__, __ETH/EUR__, __BTC/GBP__ and __ETH/GBP__. 

Expanding internationally and supporting EUR is another exciting step forward in our mission to empower individuals around the world through crypto.

Onward and Upward!

Team Gemini

*Note: You can find more information on specific EUR trading pairs [here](https://support.gemini.com/hc/en-us/articles/209636186-What-trading-pairs-are-supported-). *

EUR Deposits and Trading Now Available on the Gemini Platform

Welcome back to Crypto & Coffee with Team Gemini! In this series we interview our incredible team, who are on a mission to empower the individual through crypto. In this episode we chatted with our Mobile Developer, Jerrick Warren. Grab a cup of coffee (or tea!) and learn about Jerrick’s incredible career and path into crypto. Enjoy!

__How long have you been at Gemini?__ 
I have been at Gemini for about a year. I started November 2019.

__What made you want to come work at Gemini?__
I have been a Gemini customer for about three-four years now. I made my first bitcoin purchase in 2014, and since then I have been an active member of the cryptocurrency space. I started my career in the medical field and decided to transition into engineering fairly recently. When looking for an engineering position, Gemini was attractive because of my interest in crypto and familiarity with the company, and also because Gemini is headquartered in NYC. I knew that working at a company like that would provide me a chance to work with a very talented and diverse pool of people. 

__What is the most exciting part of your job?__
The most exciting part of my job is working on diverse projects, with a diverse team, and building out solutions for our mobile app. It is amazing to receive immediate feedback on our new features and how our customers interact with them. Working closely with Tyler and Cameron [Winklevoss] on special projects is always a treat.

__What advice would you give someone who's just starting their career?__ 
The most important thing to remember when starting a new career is to always stay curious. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Take a lot of notes. Do your own research and when something is not working out, speak up and ask for help when needed. Give your teammates the opportunity to teach you and learn from them. And always smile. As you improve your skills, you will build up your confidence, knowledge base, and a strong connection with your team. 

__What is something you learned from working in the crypto industry?__
The crypto industry attracts some of the brightest minds from almost every industry. The ability to leverage blockchain technology in financial markets, logistics, engineering, medicine, etc provides a community where you can learn the particular pain points of any industry and how they are trying to solve them. The crypto industry is extremely inclusive and I have learned that most people are very helpful, just don’t be afraid to ask questions.

__What excites you the most about the future of crypto?__ 
Crypto is open source and I think that’s the best thing about this technology. Anyone, anywhere can build upon the infrastructure and try to solve the problems they see in their community. The landscape of using cryptocurrencies in public is closer than some may think. Gemini has Gemini Pay, which you can use at numerous local retailers. Incidentally enough, this segment is called Crypto & Coffee, and I just went to Baskin Robbins and bought my coffee this morning with Gemini dollar. It's here, it's contactless, and it's working right now.

__What have you been doing to keep yourself entertained while you’re WFH?__
I love the flexibility of working from home and diving into my other interests to keep me motivated. I love playing music, reading, exercising, and spending time with my family and friends. Netflix party dates and doing some personal development has been really enjoyable. Gemini has an internal “Work From Home Cooking” channel and there are some cool recipes I really want to try out!

__What book would you read over and over again?__
The Alchemist, by Paulo Cohelo and Human Physiology by Guyton and Hall. 

__What motivates you in this time period?__
As a mobile developer, enhancing people’s lives from a device they look at constantly throughout the day is empowering. Gemini is built on Trust. We want our users to use this technology to better their lives and communities. The space is growing rapidly and it’s exciting to know that there is a whole community waiting for your products!

__What is your proudest life moment?__
My proudest life moment would be the birth of my son. He is two years old and Gemini has been very supportive while working at home with him. Having time to see him grow and develop has been monumental. He has a bit of Bitcoin in his piggy bank ;)  

Thank you for reading. Our team is always growing! If you’re interested in joining us — check out our [careers](http://bit.ly/2HWzLt4) page!

Onward and Upward,

Jerrick Warren, Mobile Developer


Crypto and Coffee Q&A with Gemini: Jerrick Warren

Last week we offered one piece of crucial advice from our security team: [use hardware security keys](https://gemini.com/blog/keep-yourself-and-your-cryptos-secure-with-one-simple-step) to protect yourself online everywhere you can. 

This week, as we continue to highlight Cybersecurity Awareness Month, we’re taking a step back to review why it’s more important than ever to ensure your online accounts have two-factor authentication enabled, and how setting up this second level of security on your online accounts can help keep you safe in a digital world.

__More User Accounts Lead to More Risk__ 

As the global workforce increasingly relies on the Internet, particularly during the COVID-19 crisis, we’ve seen people open more accounts online. More accounts means more potential for your username and password to become compromised. 

The average user has more than 100 accounts linked to a single email address, all of which should have a unique password. Without a password manager many people are likely to reuse passwords across various accounts or use weak passwords that are easy to remember. 

Attackers nowadays tend to be computer programs that are quick and effective at both figuring out weak passwords and helping convince unsuspecting users into handing over their credentials, typically through fraudulent emails. Known as phishing attacks, these fraudulent emails are among the most common threat vectors on the web. 

Verizon’s RISK team noted in their [annual Data Breach investigations report](https://enterprise.verizon.com/resources/reports/dbir/) that, since at least 2017, more than 80% of data breaches have leveraged stolen or weak credentials. This data point may make it sound like users are primarily responsible for these breaches, but credentials can also be stolen from vulnerable websites without you even knowing about it. 

__Second Factors for Increased Account Security__

Our current system of using passwords is inherently flawed. Your password is a secret that only you’re supposed to know, but the minute it is compromised, there’s little recourse until you’re notified of the breach. One way to protect your accounts is to use some form of second factor, which serves as a second layer of protection to ensure the security of your accounts. 

If passwords are something you know, then a second factor (2FA) is something that you have. The actual thing-that-you-have for a second-factor can vary: 

  1. it could be a cell phone, capable of receiving one-time passcodes after you’ve typed in a password
  2. it could be a security token, that either displays a one-time code or plugs directly into your computer, authenticating you to a website when you touch it 
  3. it may also not even be a thing, like an email account through which you can receive codes or direct links to access a website 

These 2FAs provide an additional layer of authentication, requiring you to have access to a device or application and use it to provide an extra credential that you wouldn’t know on your own.

Not all 2FAs are created equal, however. Tune in next week where we take a deep dive into the different types of 2FAs and how they stack up against each other. 

In the meantime, we have partnered with hardware security key maker Yubico to promote staying safe online. Use the promo code YK20E-GEMINI20 for $20 off any two YubiKey Series 5 keys at checkout on the [Yubico website](https://www.yubico.com/store/?utm_source=Gemini-blog-oct15). The promotion ends November 30, 2020, 11:59pm Pacific. You can learn more about hardware security keys [here](https://support.gemini.com/hc/en-us/articles/360044275792-How-Do-I-Use-My-Security-Key-). 

As we continue to focus on the security of Gemini customers, we wish you all a safe and secure Cybersecurity Awareness Month!

Onward and Upward!

Team Gemini

Secure Your Accounts With More Than Just a Password

One of the themes this Cybersecurity Awareness Month is “if you connect it, protect it” — we couldn’t agree more. Gemini’s security team wanted to take this opportunity to share one of the most impactful steps we think you can take to protect yourself and your crypto: use a hardware security key.

__More Than a Token Gesture__

To start, we suggest you use hardware security keys like [YubiKey](https://www.yubico.com/products/?utm_source=Gemini-blog-oct15) or [Google’s Titan Key](https://cloud.google.com/titan-security-key) for all your important online accounts, including Gemini. 

A hardware security key keeps your account safe even if your password is compromised. They provide the strongest level of protection when authenticating to your Gemini account by delivering hardware-backed, cryptographic proof of your identity, ensuring that only you, the holder of the physical hardware key, can gain access to your account, even if an attacker has compromised your password or successfully executed a SIM-swap attack on your mobile device.

Gemini employs [WebAuthn](https://webauthn.guide), which is considered the gold standard of hardware security key authentication for web applications, to ensure user accounts are kept secure. Logging in is faster and simpler with a two-step process: 

- Enter your username and password
- Tap the hardware security key with your finger or hold it to the back of your smartphone

__How Do I Set Up a Hardware Security Key on Gemini?__

You can register your hardware security keys to your Gemini account and review some frequently asked questions [here](https://support.gemini.com/hc/en-us/articles/360044275792-How-Do-I-Use-My-Security-Key-). Or, watch How to Add a Hardware Security Key to Your Gemini Account.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NB2-CE6wgeE" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

The Gemini mobile app ([Android app](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.gemini.android.app&hl=en_US), [Apple app](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/gemini-buy-bitcoin-instantly/id1408914447)) is the [first crypto exchange mobile app](https://blog.gemini.com/blog/gemini-becomes-first-crypto-exchange-to-support-hardware-security-keys-on) that can be used with dedicated hardware security keys. Just hold your YubiKey 5 NFC, YubiKey 5C NFC or Google Titan Key to the back of your phone and enter your password to login via mobile in the safest and most secure manner possible.

__Two Hardware Security Keys Are Better Than One__

If all this is music to your ears then you may want to jump in with both feet and enable your account to only use security keys to log in. To do this, register two hardware security keys so you can use one as a backup in case your primary security key is lost, stolen, or damaged. Once you’ve added a second security key you can disable other non-hardware-based security features on your account. 

To set up a second hardware security key head to your Gemini account settings and click the security tab. If you already have a security key registered to your account you’ll have the option to add a second key.

For Cybersecurity Awareness Month we partnered with Yubico to help users take their account security to the next level. Use the promo code YK20E-GEMINI20 for $20 off any two YubiKey Series 5 keys at checkout on the [Yubico website](https://www.yubico.com/store/?utm_source=Gemini-blog-oct15). The promotion ends November 30, 2020, 11:59pm Pacific.

__Get a Hardware Security Key and Use It Everywhere__

We’ve just got one piece of advice this Cybersecurity Awareness Month and it’s simple: get a hardware security key and use it everywhere you can. [This page has a list](https://twofactorauth.org/) of the types of authentication that popular web applications support, so take a look to find out where you can use your hardware security keys and stay safe out there.

Onward and upward!

Team Gemini


Keep Yourself and Your Cryptos Secure With One Simple Step

We are excited to announce trading and custody support for [Filecoin (FIL)](https://gemini.com/prices/filecoin). Deposits, withdrawals, and trading are now available on the Gemini platform.

With the addition of Filecoin, Gemini now allows you to buy, sell, and store __more than 30 cryptos__ on our platform. Learn more [here](https://gemini.com/prices).

Filecoin is the native token of the Filecoin Network. You can use FIL to purchase storage space on, and retrieve your files (i.e., data) from, the network. Miners receive FIL for storing your files and verify their services via cryptographic proofs. This decentralized model offers a compelling alternative to existing centralized cloud storage offerings.  

Filecoin expands the range of our platform and furthers our mission to empower the individual through crypto, and we look forward to continuing to bring mission-oriented projects to you in the future.

Please contact [support@gemini.com](mailto:support@gemini.com) with any questions.

Onward and Upward,

Team Gemini


Filecoin Trading and Custody Now Live on Gemini