Zcash processed 62,375 shielded transactions last week, the highest weekly total since 2022, while network transfer volume reached $23.88 billion, according to Blockworks data. Shielded transfers use zero-knowledge proofs to conceal senders, recipients and transaction amounts, whereas transparent ZEC transfers remain publicly visible. Weekly shielded activity had stayed between roughly 8,000 and 12,000 from January through July 2026 before rising to about 48,000 in early September and reaching the latest peak. ZEC traded near $1,500, up about 193% year to date and more than 2,470% over the past year. Developers are preparing the NU7 network upgrade, which targets a November 5 mainnet launch after an October testnet and includes faster 25-second blocks. The 2022 comparison requires context because a spam attack inflated earlier shielded activity, after which developers changed the fee model to make similar behavior more costly.