CertiK analysts are sounding the alarm: home invasions have become the primary type of wrench attack in the crypto industry.
In the first six months of this year, the number of so-called wrench attacks — physical assaults aimed at forcing victims to transfer crypto assets — has sharply increased. According to proprietary research, the number of such incidents rose by 33% compared to the same period last year, reaching 52 cases. The total damage associated with these attacks is estimated at $124.1 million.
A particularly alarming trend is the sharp increase in home invasions. While only one such attack was recorded in the first half of 2023, the number grew to 20 in 2024. This means home invasions now dominate among all types of wrench attacks, shifting the focus away from street robberies and assaults in public places.
Geographically, France proved to be the most dangerous region, accounting for 33 out of 52 attacks. This may be due to both the concentration of the crypto community in the country and the insufficient effectiveness of local security measures. Overall, the rise in physical attacks on crypto owners indicates that criminals are increasingly moving from digital hacks to direct threats to life and health.
Expert commentary: This trend is an alarming signal for the entire crypto community. Physical attacks, especially home invasions, require a completely different approach to security than cyber threats. Owners of large amounts of cryptocurrency should consider not only digital wallet protection but also physical precautions: using multi-signature wallets, storing assets in decentralized protocols, and concealing information about their crypto assets in the public domain. Until the market offers effective solutions to protect against such attacks, the risk for investors will only grow.