Qubic Temporarily Controls 52.72% of Monero’s Hashrate in Security Test

The Qubic network (QUBIC) briefly achieved a hashrate of 52.72% on Monero’s (XMR) blockchain, reaching 3.01 GH/s over a short period [1]. This milestone, while temporary, highlights the project’s ability to rapidly mobilize significant computational resources, surpassing its previous peak of 2.3 GH/s, which already accounted for over 45% of the network [2]. The surge in hashrate was part of a planned demonstration to test the limits of Monero’s security infrastructure, as outlined by Qubic’s lead developer, Sergey Ivancheglo [3].

Underlying this technical feat is a strategic shift in mining incentives. Qubic’s economic model rewards miners with QUBIC tokens in addition to Monero earnings, prompting a mass migration of miners from other pools [4]. The tokens are then converted into stablecoins and re-invested into Qubic, reinforcing a self-sustaining ecosystem that supports the network’s hashrate dominance [5]. The project’s goal is to maintain over 51% hashrate dominance for the period from August 2 to 31, 2025, as a controlled stress test of the Monero network [6].

The collaboration between Qubic’s lead developer and Shai, a former Kaspa (KAS) developer, further underscores the project’s focus on transparency and scientific validation [7]. The technical documentation shared through this partnership addresses concerns from the Monero community, which has raised questions about the implications of such a high hashrate concentration [8]. Qubic has consistently maintained that its actions are not malicious, but rather an exercise in identifying vulnerabilities before they can be exploited by third parties [9].

Despite the project’s stated intentions, the volatility of the hashrate during the experiment revealed the fragility of such dominance. Qubic reportedly suffered a DDoS attack that reduced its hashrate from 2.6 GH/s to 0.8 GH/s, though it later recovered and regained significant control [10]. This event illustrates the challenges of maintaining control over a decentralized network, where external threats can disrupt even well-planned strategies.

The implications of briefly reaching the 51% threshold are significant. In theory, this level of control could allow for blockchain reorganization, double-spending attacks, or transaction censorship [11]. However, Qubic asserts that its demonstration is aimed at strengthening Monero’s security through proactive testing rather than exploitation [12]. The experiment, which began on August 2, 2025, has already triggered discussions around Monero’s RandomX algorithm and potential improvements to mining decentralization [13].

From a broader perspective, Qubic’s approach challenges traditional boundaries between blockchain networks. By employing a Useful Proof of Work (UPoW) model, the project transforms mining energy into AI computations, offering a novel use case for computational power [14]. This dual-purpose model not only justifies Qubic’s mining activities but also positions it as a unique player in the evolving blockchain landscape [15].

The situation raises critical questions about the governance and security of decentralized networks. If Qubic can temporarily control more than half of Monero’s hashrate, it suggests that other well-resourced actors could theoretically do the same [16]. This has prompted the Monero community to explore solutions like P2Pool to enhance mining decentralization and reduce the risk of centralization [17].

For Qubic, the success of the operation bolsters its credibility as a project capable of executing complex technical demonstrations. The ability to rapidly assemble and deploy significant hashrate positions Qubic as a key innovator in the space [18]. The outcome of this experiment will likely influence future developments in both the Qubic and Monero ecosystems, as both projects continue to evolve in response to these dynamic challenges [19].

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[1] [Qubic Hits 52.72 % Of Monero’s Total Hashrate](https://coinmarketcap.com/community/articles/689a8779f48bf17820639f18/)