Recent revelations in the mining sector have raised alarms in the cryptocurrency community, particularly concerning Bitcoin’s security. With two mining pools now controlling over half of the Bitcoin network’s hash power, experts warn of a potential vulnerability that could lead to a catastrophic security breach. This situation coincides with Bitcoin’s recent price fluctuations and macroeconomic pressures impacting the broader cryptocurrency market.
Dominance of Two Mining Pools
Foundry USA and AntPool now hold control over more than 50% of Bitcoin’s total hash power, a development that has sparked fears of a 51% attack on the cryptocurrency. This scenario raises significant questions about the decentralization of mining, which is fundamental to Bitcoin’s original ethos.
JUST IN: 🚨 Bitcoin is now at risk of a 51% attack as two mining pools control over 51% of the hash power. pic.twitter.com/QKkMziOy1C
— Leo Lanza | ETHisDigitalOil.eth (@l3olanza) August 19, 2025
Foundry has recently mined eight consecutive blocks, a highly unusual occurrence that intensifies concerns regarding network centralization. Experts warn that this concentration of hash power could enable the leading miners to reorganize blocks, censor transactions, or undermine trust in the network itself. While executing a 51% attack could be prohibitively expensive, the mere potentiality underscores critical vulnerabilities.
Empty Blocks and Falling Fees
Alongside the hash power imbalance, there has been a noticeable increase in the number of empty blocks being mined. These empty blocks contribute to lower transaction fees, adversely affecting miners’ revenues and reducing overall network efficiency. Concerns regarding the long-term sustainability of the Bitcoin ecosystem are growing, especially as users increasingly demand efficiency from the blockchain.
Although some analysts suggest that a successful 51% attack could require an astronomical investment, estimated at around $1.1 trillion, they also acknowledge that risk escalates with increased centralization. Advocates believe that no rational actor would invest such vast sums to destroy the very network that underpins their investment. Nevertheless, the perception of risk itself could severely shake market confidence.
Bitcoin Price Approaching Key Support Levels
As security concerns mount, Bitcoin’s price is facing critical challenges. After briefly reaching an all-time high of $124,000 last week, Bitcoin has since dropped to approximately $113,000. The cryptocurrency approaches a crucial support level around $110,530, where buying interest is expected to emerge.
If Bitcoin can maintain its position above this threshold, analysts predict a potential bounce back to $120,000, with further traction toward $124,474. However, if the price dips below $110,530, further declines could send it towards levels as low as $107,000 or even $100,000. Short-term charts reflect bearish momentum, with key indicators indicating underlying weakness.
Macroeconomic Pressures Affecting Cryptocurrency Markets
Beyond market sentiment rooted in technical analysis, macroeconomic factors are further complicating the landscape. A recent policy shift from the Federal Reserve, coupled with warnings from Wall Street about the newly enacted Genius Act concerning stablecoins, has unsettled investors. Concerns loom that the legislation could spark withdrawals amounting to $6.6 trillion, presenting systemic risks to both banking and cryptocurrency markets.
