A significant cybersecurity incident has sent ripples through the French cryptocurrency community, as the crypto tax platform Waltio recently disclosed a major data breach. This event has not only compromised the personal information of thousands of users but has also triggered an urgent investigation by French authorities, coupled with serious warnings about potential physical threats to those affected.
Data Breach Exposes 50,000 Users
The incident came to light following reports that a hacking group known as Shiny Hunters successfully infiltrated Waltio's systems, seizing personal data from approximately 50,000 users, predominantly located in France. The stolen information is believed to include sensitive details such as names, addresses, and data related to users' digital assets. Following the breach, Shiny Hunters reportedly issued a ransom demand to Waltio, underscoring the severity of the cyberattack.
French Authorities Investigate and Warn of "Wrench Attacks"
In response to the alarming breach, French authorities, including the Paris Public Prosecutor's Office and the National Cyber Unit, have launched a preliminary investigation. Their immediate focus is to ascertain the full extent and nature of the stolen data and identify the affected Waltio users. Crucially, authorities have issued a stark warning to those impacted by the breach, cautioning them about the heightened risk of "wrench attacks." These dangerous schemes involve criminals kidnapping or illegally detaining individuals, sometimes with violence, to coerce them into transferring their digital assets. The warning highlights a serious escalation in the potential consequences of such data compromises, moving beyond financial theft to direct physical danger for crypto holders and their families.
