Privacy-focused cryptocurrency Monero ($XMR) has rolled out a major update — “Fluorine Fermi” (v0.18.4.3) — designed to fortify its network against so-called spy nodes, which aim to compromise user anonymity.
Announced Thursday on X (Twitter), the Monero team labeled it “a highly recommended update” for all users. The upgrade introduces a smarter peer selection algorithm, helping nodes avoid connections with suspicious subnet groups often linked to surveillance activity.
Ongoing Battle for User Anonymity
Spy nodes have long been a threat to $Monero ecosystem, attempting to link IP addresses to transactions and erode its privacy layer. The new upgrade builds on previous defenses like the Dandelion++ protocol and IP ban lists, further enhancing network stability and reliability.
Developers describe this as part of an ongoing “cat-and-mouse game” between privacy advocates and surveillance entities — one that defines the future of anonymous blockchain transactions.