Introducing the Anti-Dust Feature

The Qubic developer team is continually focused on improving our network's security, performance, and overall user experience. Today we are introducing their latest update: the Anti-Dust Feature. This update is designed to protect the network from dusting attacks while optimising performance, ensuring that Qubic remains a reliable and efficient network.

What are Dusting Attacks?

Dusting attacks are a tactic used by malicious actors who send tiny, almost insignificant transactions - often referred to as "dust” - to flood the network. These attacks can cause network congestion, reduced performance, and sometimes compromised security. That’s why the team has developed the Anti-Dust Feature to automatically clean up dust, keeping the network fast, secure, and ready for growth.

How Does Qubic’s Anti-Dust Feature Work?

The Anti-Dust Feature keeps the network clean and efficient by automatically removing (burning) balances below a certain threshold from addresses with extremely small amounts of QUBIC. It's important to note that addresses themselves won’t be disabled or removed; only the balances below the minimum criteria will be affected. This threshold is dynamic and can be adjusted based on network activity. Once 75% of the spectrum (ledger) is occupied, dust protection will be activated, and QUBIC will be burned. This 75% threshold can be reached in a day under current conditions. When this happens, IDs will be removed from the ledger. 

Key Benefits of the Anti-Dust Feature

1. Faster Transaction Speeds 

By eliminating dust, we increase transactions per second (TPS) which ensures quick and reliable transfers.

2. Supply Reduction

As dust-filled balances are burned in the network, the overall circulating supply will decrease.

Important Considerations for Users and Exchanges

For Qubic Users

If you hold Qubic in addresses with very small amounts (such as 1 QUBIC), it is important to be aware of this update. We recommend consolidating smaller balances into active wallets. Staying proactive will ensure your assets remain secure as we continue to enhance network performance.

For Exchanges

Exchanges will benefit from the enhanced efficiency and security that the Anti-Dust Feature brings. Addresses with minimal balances, such as 1 QUBIC, may no longer be sufficient to preserve account information, so exchanges are encouraged to adjust accordingly. 

Designed for the Future

The Anti-Dust Feature has been designed with flexibility. There’s no hard limit to what qualifies as a “dust” balance. Instead, the threshold is dynamic and adjusts based on the occupied part of the network “spectrum.” For now, the minimum balance required to maintain an active address is set to 1 QUBIC. However, this threshold may increase in the future due to network activity or as a defense against attacks. If needed, the system can handle much larger thresholds. 

The developer team will also enable a feature for querying the current threshold from the core nodes. However, the threshold will depend on the amounts used in the dusting attack. All balances below the amount in an ongoing dusting attack (and in the same magnitude) will be burned. Nevertheless, because a dusting attack requires the dust amount to be transferred to millions of new entities, using a ‘non-tiny’ amount would make the attack very expensive (so the use of ‘non-tiny’ dust amounts is very improbable).

Moving Forward with Confidence

After going through a period of extensive testing, the Anti-Dust Feature will go live  today. Keep an eye out for updates as we continue to enhance the network.

Summary

The Anti-Dust Feature is a step forward for Qubic which will enhance security and performance by removing small balances and preventing dusting attacks. This feature ensures a clean, efficient network, ready for future growth. Stay proactive by consolidating small balances and enjoy the benefits of a faster, more secure network.

What Should I Do Now?

• If you hold Qubic in addresses with very small amounts (such as 1 QUBIC), consolidate smaller balances into active wallets. 

• If you are an exchange, addresses with minimal balances, such as 1 QUBIC, may no longer be sufficient to preserve account information, so you are encouraged to adjust accordingly. 

Thank you for being a part of the Qubic community. Join the discussion on our Discord and Telegram. Together, we’re building a faster, stronger, and more efficient network.