Charles Esther
The Monero community is actively debating a possible upgrade to its proof-of-work (PoW) consensus system to improve resistance against 51% attacks.
Several ideas have been put forward, including localized mining hardware, merge mining with Bitcoin or other large blockchains, and the integration of Dash’s ChainLocks system.
ChainLocks Under Consideration
Dash’s ChainLocks system uses “randomly selected masternodes” to confirm the first valid block broadcast to the network.
Once verified, the chain is locked, making reorganizations impossible, even if attackers have greater proof-of-work resources.
This would function as an additional security layer on top of PoW.
Concerns Raised by Dash Core Member
According to Joel Valenzuela, a Dash DAO core member, ChainLocks would protect Monero from selfish or malicious miners.
He warned that the Qubic attack highlights the vulnerabilities in ASIC-resistant blockchains.
Valenzuela added that even chains with ASICs must maintain strong economic incentives or risk attacks.
Qubic Mining Pool’s Role
In August, Qubic, an AI-driven blockchain and mining pool, announced it had gained 51% control of Monero’s hashrate, sparking fears of wider attacks on proof-of-work blockchains.
At present, Qubic commands 2.18 GH/s, making it the largest Monero mining pool, while Supportxmr follows with 1.18 GH/s, according to MiningPoolStats.
Community Division Over the Attack
While some users argue Qubic achieved majority control, others believe the pool only managed a limited block reorganization, not a full takeover of the Monero network.
This division has fueled uncertainty across the ecosystem.
Kraken Responds With Security Measures
Crypto exchange Kraken temporarily suspended Monero deposits due to security concerns.
Deposits have since resumed, but now require 720 confirmations before crediting accounts.
Kraken also warned that deposits could be halted again if network instability continues.
Qubic Votes to Target Dogecoin
In a surprising move, the Qubic community voted to target Dogecoin (DOGE) as its next mining focus, gaining over 300 votes, more than any other option.
However, Qubic founder Sergey Ivancheglo, also known as Come-from-Beyond, clarified that DOGE mining will take months of development and that the pool’s current focus remains on Monero.
What Comes Next for Monero?
The Monero community now faces critical decisions.
Options like merge mining with Bitcoin, masternodes, or adopting ChainLocks could reshape how the privacy-focused cryptocurrency protects itself from future network threats.
The debate continues as Monero users weigh the risks and benefits of a major consensus overhaul.
