Why Wrench Attacks Are Crypto’s Most Violent Threat
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Wrench attacks combine several dangerous factors: fast, irreversible payouts; concentrated and portable wealth; and easier real-world targeting. Once coerced, a victim can move funds across borders in minutes, making this form of crime appealing despite its risks. Public-facing roles, meetups, P2P trading and data leaks can all help attackers connect online crypto identities to real people.
Recent cases show how exposed personal data can escalate risk, from leaked customer databases to impersonation schemes abusing trust in companies like Coinbase. The hard lesson is that strong wallet security alone isn’t enough. Reducing visibility, limiting instant-access balances and prioritizing personal safety are now essential parts of crypto self-custody — because when wealth becomes physical leverage, the threat landscape changes completely.