Crypto Users Beware: Hackers’ New Methods Have Emerged – What Steps Are Necessary to Prevent the Loss of All Assets?

Nick Percoco, Chief Security Officer (CSO) of cryptocurrency exchange Kraken, warned users about increasing security risks at a cryptocurrency conference.

Percoco said open Wi-Fi connections, fake QR codes, unattended devices and USB charging stations used at events pose serious threats.

In a statement published on Kraken’s official blog, Percoco said that as crypto conferences become more global and large-scale with each passing year, personal security has taken a backseat. “From New York to Dubai to Singapore, these events are a sign that crypto is moving into the mainstream. However, along with this growth has come a quiet but worrying trend: Personal security measures are starting to be underestimated,” he said.

Kraken’s security team has discovered a number of open vulnerabilities at conferences they’ve attended, including laptops left idle and unlocked, and unprotected phones with wallet notifications on their desktops, showing how easily digital assets can be compromised.

“In the crypto world, digital devices are not just a phone or a computer; they are safes for you, your crypto assets, and the organization you are affiliated with. Always keep your devices locked and never let them out of your sight,” Percoco warned.

The statement emphasized that it poses a great risk for participants to discuss high-value transactions in public areas with a conference badge. Percoco stated that this situation makes it easier for malicious people to target them, adding, “Someone may be listening to you. Be careful.”

The Kraken team also warned against fake QR codes and malicious USB charging stations at event venues. “With just one QR code label change, hundreds of attendees could be put at risk. We recommend using low-balance, limited-access wallets for events,” it said.

It was also stated that users should use their own charging adapters to protect against the threat of “juice jacking,” which is the loading of malicious software onto devices via USB charging stations.

*This is not investment advice.

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