The 2025 annual report recorded about 60 "wrench attack" incidents, setting a historical record, with actual data likely much higher

The head of global policy and government affairs at the crypto analytics firm TRM Labs, Ari Redbord, pointed out: "2025 is a record year for wrench attacks," with approximately 60 reported incidents of physical attacks against crypto asset holders throughout the year. This number is significantly higher than the second-highest known number of wrench attacks in 2024 (about 41) and 2021 (36). Although the true number of wrench attacks is difficult to accurately quantify, the risk to victims is indeed increasing, or at least public awareness of such threats is rising.

"The real number could be much higher," Redbord added, "Many cases are only recorded as ordinary robberies or burglaries, with the crypto asset element overlooked; others are never reported due to victims' hesitation or doubts about law enforcement's ability to handle crypto-related crimes."

The term "wrench attack" for this type of cybersecurity risk is derived from the idea that even the most sophisticated encryption and data security measures can be undermined by physical coercion—much like a scenario threatened by a "five-dollar wrench."