Don't Get Dusted! Understanding The 'Dusting Attack'

In the world of cryptocurrency, security is paramount, but sometimes the most insidious threats are the smallest ones. Today, we're diving into a lesser-known but critical concept: the Dusting Attack.

Go Back
Blog Thumbnail

🕒 9:44 AM

📅 Nov 26, 2025

✍️ By k6924

What is 'Dust'?
​The term "dust" in crypto refers to a tiny, negligible amount of cryptocurrency—so small that it's usually economically impractical to spend in a transaction, as the transaction fee would exceed the value of the "dust" itself. This could be, for example, 0.000001 BTC or 0.00001 ETH.
​
The Attack: How It Works
​A Dusting Attack is a malicious activity where hackers attempt to breach the privacy of cryptocurrency users by sending minuscule amounts of 'dust' to thousands or even millions of wallet addresses.
• ​Distribution: The attacker sends "dust" to a massive number of public wallet addresses.
• ​Tracking: The attacker then monitors the activity of these "dusted" addresses. By observing how the dust is spent (e.g., when it's combined with other funds in a later transaction), they can start to link multiple addresses together.
• ​De-anonymization: The goal is to aggregate data and ultimately de-anonymize the wallet owner. If they can successfully link enough transactions and addresses, they might be able to tie the cluster back to an exchange account or a known transaction, thereby identifying the real-world identity of the wallet holder. This information can then be used for targeted phishing, extortion, or other cybercrimes.
​
How to Protect Yourself
• ​Do Not Spend the Dust: The most effective defense is to never spend the "dusted" amount. If you see a tiny, unsolicited transaction appear in your wallet, do not move it. Moving it gives the attacker the data point they are looking for.
• ​Utilize Segregation Tools: Some advanced wallets (like specific versions of Samourai Wallet or Electrum) offer features to "flag" or "do not spend" these small UTXOs (Unspent Transaction Outputs) so they are not accidentally included in a larger transaction.
• ​Increase Privacy: Use best practices for transaction privacy, such as using CoinJoin tools or ensuring you are not reusing addresses where possible.
​
While a dusting attack might not steal your funds directly, it is a serious threat to your privacy and security. Stay vigilant!