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Hybrid PoW/PoS Consensus

Zano alternates between Proof-of-Work and Proof-of-Stake blocks. The PoW side runs on the ProgPowZ hash algorithm; the PoS side uses Zarcanum, the first scheme where stakers don't reveal their balances. Blocks arrive about once a minute, and 100% of each block reward goes to the miner or staker who found it.

Why a hybrid?​

To perform a classic 51% attack on Zano, an attacker needs the majority of the PoW hashrate and a large share of the staked coins at the same time. Other ratios are possible (for example, roughly 20% of hashrate against 90% of stake), but every combination requires attacking both resources at once, and buying up a significant share of the coins would drive the price up against the attacker. This makes an attack expensive enough that the network can keep a relatively low block reward while staying secure. The exact math is covered in the research papers.

Zarcanum: anonymous Proof-of-Stake​

Zarcanum is the world's first Proof-of-Stake scheme with hidden amounts: you earn staking rewards without exposing how much you hold. Staking is open to everyone. There are no validator or master nodes, no minimum staking amounts, and no lock-up periods.

Take part​

  • Stake ZANO to earn PoS rewards with the desktop wallet
  • Mine ZANO by pointing ProgPowZ hashpower at the PoW side