Crypto: Wrench Attacks Explode by 75% in 2026

In 2025, crypto holders were increasingly targeted by physical assaults. Known as “wrench attacks,” these incidents involve thefts where criminals use coercion to gain access to crypto wallets. The phenomenon is seeing a significant increase, especially in Europe.

A 75% Increase in Attacks Targeting Crypto Asset Holders

According to a report published by CertiK, the number of violent crypto attacks increased by 75% between 2024 and 2025. A total of 72 incidents were confirmed worldwide causing a loss estimated at 41 million dollars. France accounts for 19 cases, the highest proportion (ahead of the United States).

These attacks take various forms: home-hackings, kidnappings, direct threats, psychological pressure on relatives… Some criminals have even resorted to honey pots (fake romantic profiles) to trap victims.

The objective remains the same: to gain access to seed phrases or physical wallets.

According to CertiK, this is a technical paradox. Despite improvements in digital security measures, the human factor remains vulnerable to physical coercion. The protection of private keys thus becomes a global challenge for all crypto investors.

Better Protecting Crypto Assets Against Physical Threats

To face this growing risk, some players in the crypto market are beginning to adapt. Companies like Lloyd’s of London now offer crypto insurance covering these types of assaults. These solutions aim to address a new form of digital crime that is hybrid and hard to anticipate.

For its part, CertiK recommends several best practices:

• use diversion crypto wallets;
• physically separate the seed phrase from the storage hardware;
• avoid sharing screenshots containing sensitive information;
• prefer multi-signature architectures (especially for high-volume accounts).

In reality, these figures highlight an important point: crypto security can no longer be limited to software measures. It now includes the physical protection of users, especially those whose identity or assets are publicly exposed.

In any case, the increase in crypto assaults reveals a shift in risk within the digital asset universe. Cryptocurrency storage now requires a global approach that goes beyond purely technical considerations.