With Bitcoin’s price exceeding $100,000, cryptocurrency holders face growing security risks — primarily being kidnapped or held for ransom. Alena VranovaCo-founder and Trezor co-founder, launched GlokThis company provides training and technological solutions to safeguard Bitcoin users from physical attacks.
The Kidnapping Threat is on the Rise
Glok’s data shared with Bitcoin Magazine shows that kidnappings aimed at cryptocurrency users in 2025 will exceed the amount of all 2024. Crimes have moved from ransomware on digital devices to “physical” threats.wrench attacks” coercing victim to surrender wallet credential. In one notable case, a 28-year-old Italian tourist In May 2025, the victim was allegedly tortured in an apartment in Manhattan by a cryptocurrency trader who tried to extract his bitcoin.
“The stakes are no longer just about reputation, data, and money; physical violence is becoming more prevalent,” Vranova is a state in Glok’s announcement. She points out that “any amount, even less than 0.5 BTC, can put you at risk,” The amount of money that was targeted in some cases is as low as $50, which today would be equivalent to under 0.5% BTC.
“Approximately 18 million crypto owner identities, including 2.2 million with home addresses, are circulating on the darknet, largely due to data leaks from exchanges like Gemini and Coinbase. With an estimated 700 million to 1 billion crypto owners globally, 70-80% having undergone KYC,” Vranova tells Bitcoin Magazine.
When reported incidents of crypto-related kidnappings are sorted by country and adjusted by population, the most dangerous countries are Hong Kong and the UAE, with 0.120 and 0.091 per 100,000 inhabitants, respectively — again, according to data shared with Bitcoin Magazine, data that Vranova emphasized is most likely underreported.
Who Is At Risk?
Data leakage at exchanges is a particular risk for users. Also at risk are journalists, developers, businessmen and podcasters who talk about Bitcoin in public, as well as enthusiasts who share their enthusiasm with others. “Assumed crypto wealth may be larger than actual, but criminals will not care,” Vranova explains. Many people overlook the risk of family members being targeted for attack.
Most Bitcoiners do not have the same protective habits as wealthy traditional families. “A Bitcoiner overestimates technology and underestimates the human factor,” Vranova noted that people who have this mentality are often unprepared to deal with physical threats and panic can result in situations of high stress.
Glok’s Services and Roadmap
Glok is launching in 2025 and provides training It is working to improve physical security and developing new software and hardware to complete its offering.
Its main offer is the Counter-Kidnapping Training, as well as an online checklist that will help you assess your level of risk for kidnappings involving cryptography.
App is available for download beta testing Sign-ups are available.
Glok can also be used to actively hiring software engineers The app is designed to create a global community for “Guardian AngelsIn an emergency, “who can I call?” protect Bitcoin owners The threats are also related.
“It is time to rewrite the $5 wrench attack meme,” She urged preparedness.
“This article is not financial advice.”
“Always do your own research before making any type of investment.”
“ItsDailyCrypto is not responsible for any activities you perform outside ItsDailyCrypto.”
Source: bitcoinmagazine.com
