Pool 51pool.org, allegedly created to launch a “51% attack” on the new Ethereum Classic network, has itself become a target of multiple attacks.

It is reported that the pool was launched by an unknown user to gain control of the ETC system through seizure of 51% or more of its processing power. Such an attack, organised by miners and/or supporters of the forked blockchain, can potentially lead to a change in the history of operations, block confirmation of transactions in the network and cause a temporary malfunction of the system. Possibly, the DDoS-attack is performed by supporters of the alternative token to prevent the unethical move.

Previously, Chinese businessman Chandler Guo threatened to carry out a “51% attack” on the Ethereum Classic network. Guo claims that he manages 98G of Ethereum hash rate which in theory gives him such an opportunity. However, on 31 July, he suddenly announced that he would give Ethereum Classic 1,200 GH/s of his processing power to protect the blockchain from potential hostile action. He and other Chinese miners believe that the network can be securely shielded from the “51% attacks” by high hash power growth.

The miners have presumably recognised the massive support of ETC by the Ethereum community, which could change their attitude towards the new cryptocurrency. This could be due to the soaring market capitalisation of Ethereum Classic and the cryptocurrency exchanges that massively started trading the new token.

The creation of Ethereum Classic was announced after the split in the community over the hard fork and the new blockchain. This alternative token is traded under the ETC ticker. According to the description of Ethereum Classic, the project’s aim is to preserve the original Ethereum with immutability and decentralisation as its core characteristics.

Ludmila Brus