![Dk1LXxIV4AALBOE.png](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmPaw5775VMRwdqmfWBUx9pU3ZUJk5roEtEkVsjkEnSbEc/Dk1LXxIV4AALBOE.png)

Ethereum Name Service  (ENS) the domain naming service for the Ethereum network launched its services on September 1st on OpenSea. The OpenSea marketplace hosted Ethereum’s domain name auction and on the next day, it was disclosed that a bug in the system allowed a hacker to gain control of the domain name Apple.eth along with 16 other domain names.

![1_qnhCPuO5ZOHdmE9Z6bQEaQ.png](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmQDp4qhGm4gG2s6ZLF5EFPd5SJmwvVEu85QmL1vVnCJKA/1_qnhCPuO5ZOHdmE9Z6bQEaQ.png)

The hacker was able to exploit the system in a way that allowed them to gain the domain names in the auction although they were not the highest bidder. The hacker was actually able to pick and choose desired domain names. OpenSea admitted that the hacker had access to many other domain names such as bitmex.eth but chose not to take advantage of them. OpenSea also revealed that there is no way to get the domains back other than the hacker returning them.

![ethereum-320-analysis.jpg](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmX2HA27B9JuGf2iZNSwf7KSgR5Nm9N8mAPNv6DJ1aWLs2/ethereum-320-analysis.jpg)

I feel that right now blockchain technology and crypto, in general, are in an "open sea". Everyone has access to the open sea of the advanced technology where we are all free to explore, discover, and also take advantage of things. Consequently, things like this are just a part of the territory of decentralization and non-regulation. I am all for self-regulation and decentralization. I am all for the technology and I believe the community can take care of itself. When things like this happen and everything is put out in the open it is very easy to take care of the situation. The domain names were taken dishonestly the circumstance was released to the people now all we have to do is band together and not patronize, utilize, or even recognize the domains that were stolen. Without consumption, the stolen domains will remain useless. We still have the power; decentralized, unregulated, and all because we can take care of our issues ourselves. If we choose to band together and not visit the stolen domains then they will be useless. If we choose to band together to patron these domains then so be it. The power is within the community and we must not forget that. 

![solidarity-youth.jpg](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmRYowpBsUsjnpyJtY1HcMDJcvgRKnTpLhzcjgus5eTxFK/solidarity-youth.jpg)

*(It has since been reported that the hacker has returned all of the stolen domain names. Power to the community!!)