# Home invasions emerge as top crypto attack method in 2026 Physical coercion cases targeting crypto assets show significant increase. - **Source:** [Cointelegraph.com News](https://brifing.si/source/2e81e982-0137-4db0-8ac2-351f37085775) - **Published:** 2026-07-23 - **Topic:** [Finance](https://brifing.si/c/finance) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/fd29317d-edeb-4725-b39d-7a33be2598c5 ## New threat in crypto world Home invasions became the most common method to access crypto assets in the first half of 2026. Blockchain security firm CertiK reported these attacks increased from 1 to 20 cases year-over-year. Physical coercion methods have become criminals' new choice to bypass digital security measures. ## Global surge in incidents Of 52 verified 'wrench attack' cases by CertiK, 39 occurred in Europe. France accounted for 33 cases, nearly two-thirds of the global total. French authorities reported even higher numbers, with 77 crypto-linked extortion cases in the first six months of 2026. ## Concerning financial impact Recorded financial exposure linked to attacks reached $124.1 million, showing significant growth compared to the same period last year. The figures include not just confirmed thefts but also ransom demands and frozen assets, indicating the broad impact of these crimes. ## France's countermeasures French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez announced emergency measures resulted in 200 arrests. The country launched a dedicated prevention platform and rapid-alert system for crypto holders and professionals, responding to the increasing threat of physical coercion attacks. ## Security recommendations CertiK noted that traditional self-custody advice falls short against rising physical coercion attacks. The company recommended enhanced security measures including multisignature systems, withdrawal delays, and geographically distributed signers to better protect assets. ## Wake-up call for the industry Crypto asset owners now face personal security risks matching digital threats. The shift of attacks to home environments reveals physical security vulnerabilities the industry must address. This trend marks a new frontier for maturity in crypto ecosystem protections. ## Sources covering this story - https://cointelegraph.com/news/crypto-home-invasions-wrench-attacks-certik-h1-2026?utm_source=rss_feed&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss_partner_inbound — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._