Wrench attacks average more than 1 incident per week in 2025

K. Cromer, Netlok 9/8/2025

This analysis builds on Netlok’s ongoing research into wrench attack vulnerabilities. For additional context, visit our blog resources.

The darkest prediction in cryptocurrency security has come true: As of August 2025, wrench attacks against crypto holders are averaging more than one incident per week worldwide, with 30+ documented cases in less than half a year¹. Bitcoin trades near $122,000—over 50% higher than a year ago—fueling a shift from sophisticated hacking to old-fashioned violence².

As crypto values hit historic highs and identities are exposed via massive data breaches, security experts warn of “a brutal convergence of the speed of cybercrime with the violence of street crime”³. Recent statistics confirm this threat has evolved from isolated events to systematic targeting, making distress resistant authentication more critical than ever.

The Numbers Tell a Chilling Story

Threat Factor	Before 2025	2025+ Reality
Attack Frequency	18 cases (2023), 24 cases (2024)	30+ cases in less than half a year¹
Geographic Spread	Mostly isolated in the US	Global: France, U.S., UK, Canada, Asia⁴
Target Sophistication	Crypto-savvy users with strong digital security	Advanced users with cold wallets are equally vulnerable
Criminal Methods	Opportunistic robberies	Organized kidnappings, family targeting, weeks-long captivity⁵
Price Correlation	Wrench attacks did not reliably increase with rising Bitcoin prices	Direct link to Bitcoin’s $122,000 highs²
Insurance Response	No specialized policies	Lloyd’s of London now offering wrench attack coverage⁶

Why Paris Became Ground Zero

France, particularly Paris, has emerged as the epicenter of crypto violence. In one prominent case, a crypto executive was kidnapped from his home, while others saw family members targeted in broad daylight⁷. Cases aren’t limited to continental Europe: the U.S., UK, Canada, and Asia have all reported wrench attacks in 2025⁴.

What began as isolated cases is now a global issue, with organized crime groups and opportunistic actors exploiting public profiles and personal data⁸.

Where Traditional Security Fails

“The brutal reality is that seemingly cryptographically perfect systems fail completely when someone puts a gun to your head”⁹.

Traditional multi-factor authentication, hardware wallets, and encryption offer no real protection against physical coercion.

Victims report beatings, electric shocks, and even prolonged captivity until attackers achieved transfers under force¹⁰. Research now shows that even highly security-conscious holders are not immune—meaning the threat transcends technical skill or digital hygiene¹¹.

This widening gap between digital protections and physical coercion is precisely where an alternative approach is needed.

The Photolok Advantage

Unlike traditional MFA methods that collapse under physical threats, Photolok introduces adaptive, attack response visual authentication designed to transform wrench attacks from complete vulnerability into opportunities for silent resistance¹².

Duress Signaling in Action

Consider a scenario: a user pre-selects a specific photo as a “duress” photo. If forced to authenticate, selecting this photo triggers a silent alarm to security contacts and law enforcement, while granting access to the attacker. This ensures that, even during a threat, victims can discreetly signal for help without escalating the situation¹³.

One-Time Use

Each photo is cryptographically unique. By selecting a one-time use photo, you avoid photo disclosure as a one-time photo expires after it is used one time. Even if attackers gain access, this specific photo cannot be reused—significantly limiting the attacker’s ability to login in the future¹³.

Cognitive Confusion

Photolok’s visual, point-and-click system is unfamiliar to most criminals who expect passwords or PINs. Attackers may struggle to articulate demands (“click on your photos” is less intuitive than “enter your password”), creating crucial delays and confusion¹².

Risk Reduction Tools

There are a number of actions that can be taken to reduce the risk of attack and minimize harmful outcomes.

Eliminate Wealth Signaling
Remove physical addresses from public records and make social media private. Avoid conference photos or portfolio screenshots².
Implement Geographic Distribution
Multi-signature security ensures transactions require multiple approvals from trusted parties in different locations—making coercion far more difficult¹¹.
Deploy Duress-Resistant Authentication
Traditional MFA fails under physical threat. Duress-resistant systems like Photolok allow apparent compliance while secretly signaling for help¹³.
Create Decoy Holdings
Set up smaller crypto “sacrifice wallets” with modest amounts for attackers, while larger holdings are secured in hardened, separate storage.
Establish Emergency Protocols
Create silent alert systems with trusted contacts. Integrate tools (including Photolok) that notify authorities or partners during high-risk logins¹³.

From Vulnerability to Empowerment

2025’s weekly attack frequency marks a turning point in crypto security. For the first time, tools exist that change the outcomes of physical coercion, enabling individuals to silently signal for help and limit attackers’ ability to access their personal information under duress. With Photolok’s duress photo login, if someone forces a user to unlock crypto, selecting a special “duress photo” quietly alerts help without tipping off the attacker. Instead of feeling powerless, users get a way to protect their assets and ask for help, even in dangerous situations. The $5 wrench and threat of physical harm will always defeat pure encryption, but it doesn’t have to defeat human ingenuity.

Ready to enhance your security? Learn more about how Photolok can protect your assets at Netlok.com and explore our blog resources for deeper insights into duress-resistant authentication and the future of crypto security.

Sources

Wrench attacks average more than 1 incident per week in 2025

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