Part of the CustodyStress archive of observed Bitcoin custody incidents
CS-00503
The ransom demand was payable in Bitcoin — ironically requiring Bitcoin access that
SurvivesCase description
A Bitcoin holder's home computer was encrypted by ransomware in June 2017 during the global NotPetya outbreak. The ransom demand was payable in Bitcoin — ironically requiring Bitcoin access that the user no longer had since their wallet was on the encrypted machine. The wallet was recovered after a decryption tool was released for this ransomware variant.
Custody context
| Stress condition | Device loss |
| Custody system | Mobile or software wallet |
| Outcome | Survives |
| Documentation | Unknown |
| Year observed | 2017 |
| Country | Unknown |
Structural dependencies observed
Outcome interpretation
Access remained possible under the reported conditions.
Source
Publicly Reported
Evidence type
Forum post
Evidence link
Related cases involving device loss
This archive documents observed custody survivability failures. It does not attempt to document all Bitcoin losses or security incidents.
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Framework references
Where Bitcoin Custody Intersects Legal and Fiduciary Authority
Where custody creates gaps in estate planning, fiduciary duty, and professional responsibility.
Professional Scope Boundary Matrix
What each professional or product covers, what they do not, and where gaps form between them.
The Independent Assessment Layer in Bitcoin Custody
How independent diagnostic layers emerge when multiple parties depend on shared infrastructure.