Crypto wrench attacks surge as losses hit US$124M

• Physical "wrench attacks" targeting cryptocurrency holders caused US$124 million in losses during the first half of 2026, according to CertiK.
• The blockchain security firm said losses from the attacks increased 12-fold from the same period a year earlier.
• The rise highlights growing risks as criminals increasingly target individuals instead of exploiting software vulnerabilities.

Cryptocurrency holders lost about US$124 million to physical "wrench attacks" during the first six months of 2026, according to blockchain security firm CertiK.

CertiK said the losses were around 12 times higher than those recorded during the same period in 2025.

A wrench attack involves criminals using threats, violence or kidnapping to force victims to hand over cryptocurrency or private keys.

CertiK said the increase shows attackers are increasingly targeting people directly rather than relying only on technical exploits.

The report said personal security, secure wallet practices and limiting public exposure of crypto holdings can help reduce the risk of physical attacks.

The findings reflect a broader trend of criminals adapting their methods as blockchain security improves and more cryptocurrency wealth is held by individuals.