Monero Hit by 51% Attack: Qubic Takes Control of the Network (August 2025)

• What Happened to Monero?
• How Did Qubic Pull This Off?
• Implications for Monero and the Crypto Market
• Could This Have Been Prevented?
• What’s Next for Monero?
• Expert Take: BTCC Weighs In
• FAQ: Your Burning Questions Answered

In a shocking turn of events, Monero (XMR), the privacy-focused cryptocurrency, suffered a 51% attack in August 2025, leading to Qubic gaining control of its network. This incident has raised serious concerns about the security of decentralized networks and the vulnerabilities of proof-of-work systems. Below, we break down what happened, its implications, and expert insights from the BTCC team.

What Happened to Monero?

On August 13, 2025, Monero’s blockchain was compromised in a 51% attack, allowing Qubic—a lesser-known blockchain project—to take over the network. A 51% attack occurs when a single entity gains majority control of a blockchain’s mining power, enabling them to manipulate transactions or even reverse them. This is the first major attack on Monero, which had previously been praised for its robust privacy features.

How Did Qubic Pull This Off?

Qubic, a project that had been flying under the radar, suddenly amassed enough mining power to overtake Monero’s network. According to data from CoinMarketCap, Monero’s hash rate dropped significantly in the days leading up to the attack, suggesting a coordinated effort. Some analysts speculate that Qubic may have exploited rented cloud mining resources or undisclosed ASIC farms.

Implications for Monero and the Crypto Market

The attack has sent shockwaves through the crypto community. Monero’s price plummeted by over 30% within hours, as reported by TradingView. Investors are now questioning the long-term viability of privacy coins, especially those relying on proof-of-work consensus. Meanwhile, exchanges like BTCC have temporarily suspended XMR deposits and withdrawals as a precaution.

Could This Have Been Prevented?

In hindsight, yes. Monero’s developers had been slow to adopt anti-ASIC measures, leaving the network vulnerable. A BTCC analyst noted, "This attack highlights the need for hybrid consensus models or a shift to proof-of-stake for privacy coins." Others argue that decentralized governance could have mitigated the risk.

What’s Next for Monero?

The Monero community is now scrambling to regain control. Hard forks and emergency protocol updates are on the table, but trust in the network has been severely damaged. Meanwhile, Qubic’s motives remain unclear—was this a hostile takeover or an attempt to prove a point about blockchain security?

Expert Take: BTCC Weighs In

"This is a wake-up call for the entire crypto space," said a BTCC representative. "No project is immune to attacks, and decentralization alone isn’t enough. Robust security measures and community vigilance are critical."

FAQ: Your Burning Questions Answered

What is a 51% attack?

A 51% attack occurs when a single entity controls more than half of a blockchain’s mining power, allowing them to manipulate transactions.

How does this affect Monero users?

Users may experience double-spending or transaction reversals. It’s advisable to avoid large XMR transactions until the network stabilizes.

Is Qubic a legitimate project?

Qubic’s sudden rise raises eyebrows. While it claims to be a decentralized platform, its actions suggest otherwise. Proceed with caution.