Wrench attacks: Solutions exist to protect yourself

Wrench attacks—physical coercion of crypto holders to force transfers—are an escalating threat in France, prompting Journal du Coin to outline available protective measures. The article highlights practical defenses such as using multisignature wallets requiring multiple approvals, duress wallets holding small decoy balances, time-locked or vault-based withdrawal schemes, and keeping holdings split across cold storage and exchanges. It matters because these attacks target individuals directly rather than on-chain security, meaning even well-protected wallets can be compromised through violence against the owner. The piece reflects growing concern in France following a series of high-profile physical crypto robberies. To watch: whether French regulators and exchanges introduce dedicated safeguards, such as withdrawal delay options or panic buttons, and whether such attacks spread to other jurisdictions.