XRP News Today: XRP Ledger Developers Challenge Kaiko's Low Security Score of 41/100

A recent report by blockchain analytics firm Kaiko has triggered a heated debate around the security of the XRP Ledger. In its 'Blockchain Ecosystem' report, Kaiko ranked the XRP Ledger last out of 15 major blockchains, assigning it a score of 41/100. This ranking, far below Ethereum’s score of 83, has drawn sharp criticism from XRP Ledger developers, who argue that the assessment fails to reflect the network’s long-term performance and security record [1].

Kaiko’s evaluation highlighted concerns around centralization, pointing to a low node count and a relatively low Nakamoto coefficient. The Nakamoto coefficient measures the minimum number of independent entities required to compromise a decentralized system, with a lower number indicating a higher centralization risk. Additionally, the report referenced a recent supply chain attack that impacted a developer SDK but did not affect the core XRP Ledger codebase or its operational integrity [1].

In response, Ayo Akinyele, Head of Engineering at RippleX, led the community’s rebuttal. He emphasized the XRP Ledger’s 13 years of uninterrupted operation, stating that the core network has never experienced a security breach. Akinyele clarified that the April supply chain attack was limited to a developer SDK, a tool used by developers and not the main protocol itself. This distinction is crucial in understanding the nature and scope of the incident [1].

XRP developers further defend the network’s security by highlighting its unique consensus design and validator system, which they argue provide strong resilience against attacks. These features, they say, offer an alternative but equally effective approach to decentralization and security compared to proof-of-work or proof-of-stake blockchains. The developers also pointed to past independent security audits from firms like CertiK, Halborn, and FYEO, which have given the XRP Ledger top scores in their assessments [1].

The debate underscores a broader challenge in assessing blockchain security: the use of different methodologies can lead to conflicting conclusions. While Kaiko focused on quantifiable metrics like node distribution and the Nakamoto coefficient, XRP developers emphasized long-term operational history and third-party audit results. This divergence highlights the need for a more nuanced evaluation of blockchain robustness, taking into account both structural design and real-world performance [1].

The ongoing discussion reflects the complexity of evaluating blockchain security in a rapidly evolving field. Kaiko’s report presented one perspective, but the developers’ rebuttals, supported by years of stable operation and positive audit outcomes, present a compelling counter-narrative. The XRP Ledger’s 13-year track record without a core network breach and consistent positive evaluations from security experts suggest that the network has demonstrated significant resilience [1].

As the conversation continues, the XRP Ledger remains a focal point for discussions around alternative consensus mechanisms and their security implications. The developers’ insistence on the network’s strength is supported by both historical performance and technical validation, offering a clear contrast to Kaiko’s more critical stance [1].

Source: [1] XRP Ledger Security: Developers Fiercely Challenge Kaiko’s Alarming Ranking (https://coinmarketcap.com/community/articles/68a76215599ac07a8d597c8d/)