September 15, 2025 — Monero (XMR), the leading privacy-focused cryptocurrency, surged 7% to $301.31. The rally came despite an 18-block Monero reorg attack that reversed 117 transactions, marking the largest reorganization in the project’s history.
Key Takeaways
- Monero (XMR) rallied 7% despite suffering its largest-ever 18-block reorganization.
- The reorg was triggered by Qubic’s 51% hashrate dominance, reversing 117 transactions.
- Despite security concerns, XMR surged to $301.31, signaling investor confidence.
- Analysts see potential upside toward $320 but warn of proof-of-work vulnerabilities.
The disruption followed a coordinated effort by Qubic, a Layer-1 chain that achieved 51% hashrate control. While the Monero community debated the severity of the attack, market sentiment pointed to resilience, with investors reinforcing confidence in the network’s privacy features.
Qubic’s Role in the Monero Reorg Attack
Monero has faced reorgs before, including a 6-block incident in 2019. However, the latest reorg attack is unprecedented in scale, triggered by Qubic sustaining 51% dominance since August 2025
Qubic miners earned $2 million in Epoch 176, intensifying competition and lifting Monero’s overall hashrate by 15% since July. While some fear the proof-of-work system remains vulnerable, others view the event as a stress test that Monero has survived with unexpected strength.
Market Impact and Long-Term Security Outlook
The immediate effect of the Monero reorg attack was muted, with XMR rallying 7% in 24 hours. Analysts suggest a potential move toward $320, though heightened volatility could emerge if further attacks occur.
Long-term, the incident may drive upgrades to Monero’s security, possibly involving broader hashrate distribution or hybrid consensus. By 2030, regulatory attention on 51% attack prevention could reshape proof-of-work security across multiple blockchains. Monero’s response may set the precedent for privacy coins, reinforcing its position as a leader in decentralized finance.
