Unchained

Crypto Kidnappings and Physical Attacks Are on the Rise—Here’s How to Stay Safe - Ep. 775


Listen Later

The kidnapping of Ledger co-founder David Balland in France sent shockwaves through the crypto community, raising urgent questions about security for high-profile crypto holders. How do you protect yourself when criminals are willing to go beyond digital attacks and resort to violence?

In this episode of Unchained, Jameson Lopp, co-founder and Chief Security Officer of Casa, speaks about the growing trend of “wrench attacks”—physical assaults aimed at forcing crypto holders to transfer their assets. Lopp explains how these attacks are evolving, what makes someone a target, and which geographies are seeing the most attacks.

Plus, he shares what behaviors put you most at risk, how criminals are getting more organized, and why relying on exchanges for security is not as safe as you think. 

If you hold significant crypto wealth, this is an episode you can’t afford to miss.

Show highlights:
  • 2:02 How a Ledger co-founder was kidnapped and how the situation was resolved
  • 6:46 Who tends to be targeted and which geographies see the most physical attacks
  • 14:15 The riskiest behaviors that are likely to lead to wrench attacks
  • 16:01 How attackers decide who to target 
  • 20:37 How the attacks have been accelerating lately 
  • 22:16 How the Ledger team ensured the kidnappers couldn’t access the ransom money 
  • 23:44 Jameson’s top tips on how crypto holders can stay safe
  • 29:30 News Recap

  • Visit our website for breaking news, analysis, op-eds, articles to learn about crypto, and much more: unchainedcrypto.com

    Thank you to our sponsors!
    • Mantle
    • Polkadot
    • Quai Network
    • Guest
      •  Jameson Lopp, co-founder and Chief Security Officer of Casa
      Links
      • Previous coverage of Unchained on crypto security:
      • Here’s How to Protect Your Crypto and Seed Phrases From Natural Disasters
      • Reuters: Kidnapped co-founder of French crypto firm Ledger had his hand mutilated
      • Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

        ...more
        View all episodesView all episodes
        Download on the App Store

        UnchainedBy Laura Shin

        • 4.6
        • 4.6
        • 4.6
        • 4.6
        • 4.6

        4.6

        1,173 ratings


        More shows like Unchained

        View all
        The Peter McCormack Show by Peter McCormack

        The Peter McCormack Show

        2,170 Listeners

        CoinDesk Podcast Network by CoinDesk

        CoinDesk Podcast Network

        638 Listeners

        The Pomp Podcast by Anthony Pompliano

        The Pomp Podcast

        1,826 Listeners

        The Breakdown by Nathaniel Whittemore

        The Breakdown

        740 Listeners

        On The Brink with Castle Island by Castle Island Ventures

        On The Brink with Castle Island

        287 Listeners

        Markets Daily Crypto Roundup by CoinDesk

        Markets Daily Crypto Roundup

        131 Listeners

        Bankless by Bankless

        Bankless

        1,034 Listeners

        The Wolf Of All Streets by Scott Melker

        The Wolf Of All Streets

        219 Listeners

        Empire by Blockworks

        Empire

        170 Listeners

        Supply Shock by Blockworks

        Supply Shock

        120 Listeners

        Coin Stories by Natalie Brunell

        Coin Stories

        388 Listeners

        Raoul Pal: The Journey Man by Real Vision Podcast Network

        Raoul Pal: The Journey Man

        132 Listeners

        The Milk Road Show by The Milk Road Show

        The Milk Road Show

        33 Listeners

        web3 with a16z crypto by a16z crypto, Sonal Chokshi, Chris Dixon

        web3 with a16z crypto

        58 Listeners

        Bell Curve by Blockworks

        Bell Curve

        30 Listeners