Crypto analyst Pumpius has publicly disclosed that he received an extortion threat demanding 1,000,000 XRP, a sum currently valued at approximately $1.43 million. Pumpius indicated that although he has previously encountered similar incidents, this particular threat stands out as potentially credible. As a result, his team has moved swiftly to strengthen security measures. His warning extended beyond his own situation, urging other major XRP holders to reassess their security frameworks and remain alert. The scale of the demand has intensified concern. A request for 1,000,000 XRP signals that the target is perceived as a high-value holder. Within the digital asset sector, such large holdings often attract unwanted attention from sophisticated criminal actors. Public figures and analysts who openly discuss their positions or influence market narratives may face elevated risks due to their visibility. I’ve received an extortion threat demanding 1,000,000 XRP. While I’m no stranger to incidents like this, my team believes this one may be credible. We’re immediately stepping up security. Other major XRP holders could also be targeted. Please review your security protocols and… — Pumpius (@pumpius) February 21, 2026 The Digital Shield Pumpius’ disclosure highlights broader structural realities within the ecosystem. The XRP Ledger is public, and large wallet balances and transactions can be observed on-chain. Monitoring services and automated tracking bots frequently report significant movements, which can unintentionally reveal where substantial value resides. While blockchain transparency supports accountability, it can also create visibility that malicious actors attempt to exploit. For holders of significant amounts of XRP, hardened security is increasingly viewed as essential. Hardware wallets, commonly referred to as cold storage solutions, provide offline protection for private keys. The XRP Ledger also natively supports multi-signature accounts, which require multiple private keys to authorize transactions. This structure reduces the risk of a single compromised key resulting in total loss. More advanced users may implement air-gapped signing devices that never connect directly to the internet. Pumpius did not provide technical specifics about the threat, but his emphasis on immediately increasing security underscores the seriousness with which his team is treating the situation. The Human Shield Beyond technical defenses, operational security remains critical. Extortion often begins with leaked or publicly accessible personal data. Publicly displaying wallet balances, discussing large holdings online, or linking personal identities directly to substantial crypto assets can increase exposure. Security experts frequently referenced the so-called “$5 wrench attack,” in which physical coercion bypasses digital encryption. The most effective countermeasure is discretion. Separating identities used for exchanges from social media accounts and minimizing public disclosures about asset size are practical safeguards. We are on X, follow us to connect with us :- @TimesTabloid1 — TimesTabloid (@TimesTabloid1) June 15, 2025 Emergency Protocols and Community Vigilance Pumpius’ warning serves as a broader alert. Extortion attempts often rely on urgency and psychological pressure. Victims are encouraged to remain calm, consult cybersecurity professionals, and involve law enforcement where appropriate. The XRP community has also encountered phishing tactics, including small “dust” transactions containing malicious memos. Users are reminded to engage only through official channels and never disclose private keys or sensitive credentials. By bringing the matter into the open, Pumpius has emphasized that security risks evolve alongside asset values. His message is clear: vigilance is not optional, and proactive defense is essential for anyone holding significant digital assets. Disclaimer : This content is meant to inform and should not be considered financial advice. The views expressed in this article may include the author’s personal opinions and do not represent Times Tabloid’s opinion. Readers are advised to conduct thorough research before making any investment decisions. Any action taken by the reader is strictly at their own risk. Times Tabloid is not responsible for any financial losses. Follow us on X , Facebook , Telegram , and Google News The post Expert Sends Critical Warning to XRP Holders: Threat Demands 1,000,000 XRP appeared first on Times Tabloid .
