Crypto researcher SMQKE has posted a video on X examining whether Ripple offers stronger security than the global SWIFT messaging network, revisiting one of the financial industry’s most well-known cyberattacks to highlight the importance of security in cross-border payments.
The post raises a direct question: “Is Ripple more secure than SWIFT?” Rather than offering a definitive answer, the video explores how vulnerabilities in financial infrastructure can exist outside the payment network itself, using the 2016 Bangladesh Bank cyberattack as a case study.
The discussion comes as Ripple continues to position its technology as an alternative for cross-border payments, making comparisons with SWIFT increasingly common.
‼️”IS RIPPLE MORE SECURE THAN SWIFT?”‼️
Listen.👇 pic.twitter.com/RZS5N8JHID
— SMQKE (@SMQKEDQG) July 30, 2026
Bangladesh Bank Attack Highlights External Security Risks
In the video attached to SMQKE’s post, the speaker begins by acknowledging SWIFT’s long-standing role in international finance and describes it as a highly secure system. However, the presentation argues that even a secure network can be compromised if attackers gain access through weaker points elsewhere in an institution’s infrastructure.
To support that argument, the speaker revisits the 2016 Bangladesh Bank cyberattack. According to the explanation, hackers exploited weaknesses in the bank’s internal security environment, reportedly including a misconfigured router.
After obtaining the bank’s SWIFT credentials, the attackers allegedly sent fraudulent payment instructions through the SWIFT network, resulting in the theft of approximately $81 million from Bangladesh Bank’s account at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.
The speaker stresses that the incident did not stem from a direct failure of SWIFT’s core messaging system. Instead, the attack demonstrated that a network’s overall security depends on every component connected to it. Once legitimate credentials were compromised, the attackers were able to use the trusted system to carry out unauthorized transfers.
The video also notes that much of the stolen money was reportedly converted into casino chips in Macau and other locations, with a significant portion of the funds never recovered.
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Ripple’s Security Question Remains Open
While drawing attention to the Bangladesh Bank incident, the speaker stops short of declaring Ripple more secure than SWIFT. Instead, the video presents what it describes as an open question: whether Ripple’s technology and architecture can reduce or mitigate the types of risks exposed by attacks that originate outside the payment network itself.
The discussion suggests that evaluating payment infrastructure requires looking beyond the messaging protocol alone and considering how institutions secure their credentials, systems, and operational environments.
Responding to SMQKE’s post, crypto commentator Crypto Sensei said these comparisons are likely to become more frequent as financial institutions continue evaluating modern payment infrastructure. He added that meaningful adoption begins with asking questions about security, efficiency, and the strengths of different payment networks before making long-term technology decisions.
Disclaimer: This content is meant to inform and should not be considered financial advice. The views expressed in this article may include the author’s personal opinions and do not represent Times Tabloid’s opinion. Readers are advised to conduct thorough research before making any investment decisions. Any action taken by the reader is strictly at their own risk. Times Tabloid is not responsible for any financial losses.
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