A wrench attack (or $5 wrench attack in English) is a method of physical extortion aimed at stealing cryptocurrencies. Unlike traditional hacking that targets vulnerabilities in software or networks, this attack directly targets the holder of the funds through violence or physical threat.
Here are the key points to understand this concept:
The principle: Rather than spending millions on supercomputers to break complex encryption, the attacker uses a rudimentary tool (symbolized by a $5 wrench) to threaten the victim until they provide their passwords or validate a transaction.
The target: It aims at human vulnerability. Criminals identify individuals publicly displaying their wealth in crypto (social networks, crypto brand clothing) to target them at home or on the street.
Effectiveness: No technological security (even very powerful 4096-bit RSA encryption) can protect your funds if you are physically coerced to unlock your wallet under threat.
The trend: With the increase in security of exchange platforms, criminals are increasingly turning to this form of direct and violent crime to access personal wallets.
How do experts protect themselves?
To counter this threat, advanced users employ techniques such as:
The Decoy Wallet: An account with little money that is given under threat to satisfy the aggressor.
Multisignature: Requires validation from multiple geographically separated individuals to move funds, making theft impossible by a single isolated person.
