Reflections on a Swatting: Inside One Bitcoin Engineer’s Security Battle

October 16th, 2017 started off like any other Monday. I awoke at 6 a.m. and drove to the YMCA to play racquetball, ready to start the week with a win.

When I finished playing, I tweeted out a cute quip:

I then hit the steam room and the shower to relax and freshen up. Upon returning to my neighborhood, I encountered an unusual problem: a police cruiser with its lights flashing was blocking the entrance. I came to a stop and rolled down my window:

“Hi Officer, is there a problem? I’m just trying to get to my house.”

“Sorry, we have to secure the area due to an ongoing incident.”

“Is it an active shooter?”

“Unclear, but we have information that he has long guns on the premises.”

“Well shit, what should I tell my family to do? They’re at the house.”

“Call them and tell them to get in the car and exit the community.”

“Will do!”

I pulled off the main road and found a place to park so that I could call the house.

“Hey, don’t panic but the police are locking down the neighborhood due…