Coinbase Reacts as ViaBTC Dominates Over 50% of Zcash Hash Rate

• ViaBTC now controls a dominating 53.8% of Zcash’s hash rate.
• Coinbase heightens measures in light of potential security threats.
• Transitioning Zcash from proof-of-work to proof-of-stake proposed as a solution.

Meta Description: Coinbase heightens security measures as ViaBTC captures over half of Zcash’s hash rate, stoking concerns over a potential 51% attack.

Coinbase Takes Defensive Stance Amidst Hash Rate Concerns

In a rapidly evolving crypto scenario, Coinbase, one of the premier crypto exchanges, has recently taken precautionary steps in response to ViaBTC’s significant control over Zcash’s hash rate. The crypto mining pool now boasts a staggering 53.8% grip on Zcash’s hash rate. This development brings with it heightened concerns related to the security and stability of transactions on the blockchain.

Strategic Measures Adopted by Coinbase

To mitigate potential threats, Coinbase has announced new policies in its approach to ZEC (Zcash) deposits. Previously requiring a mere 40 minutes for block confirmation, the exchange has now amplified the waiting period to approximately 2.5 hours, demanding 110 block confirmations. This move aims at countering the looming risk of double-spending—a predicament more probable when a solitary entity gains control over 51% of a proof-of-work blockchain’s hash rate. In addition, Zcash trading pairs on Coinbase will operate in “limit only” mode. This is a strategic effort to diminish the fallout from potential volatility, especially if there’s a double-spend attack.

Collaborative Dialogue Between Entities

In the face of these developments, Coinbase has not remained silent. The exchange actively communicated its apprehensions to both Electric Coin Company, the brainchild behind Zcash, and the controversial mining pool, ViaBTC. With the dangers of mining centralization at the forefront, Coinbase offered varied recommendations to mitigate the risk of a 51% attack. Reflecting on the dialogue, the Electric Coin Company unveiled its proposal of introducing a “Trailing Finality Layer,” signaling a pivotal move in transitioning Zcash from its current proof-of-work mechanism to a more secure proof-of-stake model.

The Implications of ViaBTC’s Dominance

With ViaBTC’s control soaring to 53.8% of the Zcash hash rate, the potential risks cannot be understated. Hypothetically, such dominance could pave the way for double spending attacks or other malicious endeavors. However, it’s crucial to discern that this domination isn’t by a solitary miner but a mining pool—a consortium of miners pooling their resources for consistent returns. If ViaBTC were to leverage this dominance negatively, there lies a genuine possibility of miners abandoning the pool in search of safer alternatives.

Conclusion

The crypto realm, with its dynamic landscape, is no stranger to challenges and threats. As ViaBTC asserts its dominance over Zcash’s hash rate, the ecosystem stands at a crossroads. Coinbase’s proactive measures and the ongoing dialogue between major players underscore the industry’s commitment to security and innovation. As Zcash contemplates a transition from proof-of-work to proof-of-stake, the community eagerly awaits to see how these changes will shape the future of the coin and, by extension, the broader crypto market.