Physical attacks on Bitcoin holders surged 169% in 2025, primarily driven by skyrocketing Bitcoin prices, according to a report from Chainalysis.
The increase in attacks highlights the vulnerabilities faced by crypto holders, prompting significant security measures and changes in asset management strategies.
Reported physical attacks on Bitcoin holders have surged by 169% in 2025, reflecting the impact of rising Bitcoin prices. Wealthy holders are increasingly targeted due to their public profiles and the asset’s high value.
Eric Jardine from Chainalysis highlights how Bitcoin’s price surge correlates with increased attacks. He commented, “The correlation is ‘basically a one for one’. So when the moving average [price] spikes, you see a rise in physical attacks.” Crypto event organizers, such as EthCC, are coordinating with local authorities to enhance security at conferences.
169% Increase in Attacks on Bitcoin Holders
Reported physical attacks on Bitcoin holders have surged by 169% in 2025, reflecting the impact of rising Bitcoin prices. Wealthy holders are increasingly targeted due to their public profiles and the asset’s high value.
Eric Jardine from Chainalysis highlights how Bitcoin’s price surge correlates with increased attacks. He commented, “The correlation is ‘basically a one for one’. So when the moving average [price] spikes, you see a rise in physical attacks.” Crypto event organizers, such as EthCC, are coordinating with local authorities to enhance security at conferences.
Digital Asset Thefts Total $2.17 Billion by Mid-2025
By mid-2025, digital asset losses reached $2.17 billion due to theft and coercion. The primary target remains Bitcoin, but Ethereum and other crypto assets also face increased risks.
Security measures include diverting assets into multi-signature wallets and ETFs. As the Bitcoin Layer 2 TVL is projected to exceed $24 billion, institutional demand for secure custodial solutions grows.
2025 Expected to Double 2021’s Attack Incidents
In 2021, physical attacks hit a record with 35 incidents. Predictions indicate 2025 may double that, closely tied to Bitcoin’s price spikes and market enthusiasm.
Jardine from Chainalysis notes that physical attacks correlate strongly with Bitcoin price changes. High-net-worth holders are advised to avoid public displays of wealth for security reasons, as emphasized by Jardine, “If you have more value to steal, you’re going to have higher amounts stolen.”
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