- Foundry USA and AntPool now control more than half of Bitcoin’s hash power
- Bitcoin’s price is sliding toward the important support level at $110,530
- Macro fear and shifts in Fed policy are adding pressure to an already fragile crypto market
After Monero recently experienced a 51% takeover, two major Bitcoin mining pools have sparked renewed concern about the possibility of a 51% attack on Bitcoin.
This development raises serious questions about the security of the Bitcoin network and the broader stability of the crypto market.
Concerns about mining centralization have intensified as BTC faces a steep price decline alongside wider macroeconomic pressures.
Two mining pools control a majority of Bitcoin’s hash power
Two of the largest mining pools—Foundry USA and AntPool—now command more than half of Bitcoin’s total processing power.
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
BawdylAnarchist_ reported that one pool mined eight consecutive blocks—an uncommon event that amplifies fears about network centralization.
With more than 51% of the hash rate concentrated in just two entities, experts warn the Bitcoin network could be technically vulnerable to a 51% attack.
In such a scenario, a dominant miner or cartel could reorganize blocks, censor transactions, or otherwise undermine trust in the network.
Although mounting a 51% attack would be costly and could ultimately be self-defeating, the trend toward centralization has set off alarm bells across the community.
Rising empty blocks and collapsing fees
Beyond the hash-power imbalance, analysts have observed an uptick in the number of empty blocks being mined.
Empty blocks reduce transaction fee revenue, eroding miner income and lowering the network’s transactional efficiency.
This situation raises doubts about the long-term sustainability of the Bitcoin ecosystem, especially as users demand greater utility from the blockchain.
Critics point out that executing a full 51% attack would require astronomical investment—estimates have ranged as high as roughly $1.1 trillion—yet they concede that the risk of manipulation grows as power becomes concentrated.
Bitcoin proponents counter that no rational actor would spend such sums to destroy a network that underpins their own investments.
Still, perceived risk alone is enough to shake market confidence.
Bitcoin price moves toward a key support level
Security fears are emerging at a sensitive moment for Bitcoin’s price.
Having reached an all-time high near $124,000 last week, Bitcoin (BTC) has since plunged to roughly $113,000.
The cryptocurrency is now testing a crucial support zone around $110,530—an area where buyers are expected to step in.
If price holds above that level, a rebound toward $120,000 and potentially back up to $124,474 could follow.
Some analysts, including popular X commentator BitQuant, remain bullish and believe Bitcoin can still reach $145,000 without dropping below six figures.
However, a decisive break below the $110,530 zone could lead to deeper declines toward $107,000 or even $100,000.
Short-term charts show bearish momentum: the relative strength index sits in negative territory and the 20-day moving average is sloping downward.
Macro fear further pressures the crypto market
Technical concerns are compounded by macroeconomic developments that are weighing on investor sentiment.
Recent shifts in U.S. Federal Reserve policy, combined with warnings from Wall Street about proposed stablecoin legislation, have unsettled market participants.
There are fears the law could trigger large-scale withdrawals—potentially up to $6.6 trillion—creating systemic risks for both banking and crypto markets.
These combined security and macro concerns have amplified volatility and placed additional downside risk on digital assets at a precarious time for the industry.