At a major crypto event this spring, Kraken’s Chief Security Officer Nick Percoco spotted unlocked laptops and phones left unattended on tables. He saw conference guests discussing large crypto trades in public hallways.
Some even use public open Wi-Fi to access random QR codes. These might seem innocent, but they are very serious openings to cyberattacks. Percoco warns that crypto conferences are soft targets now.
They attract thousands of investors, developers, and founders from all over the world. With that exposure comes liability. Publicity in these events often attracts undesirable elements. Each open phone or scanned code is a chance for somebody to steal valuable assets.
Avoid USB Ports at crypto conferences
Many attendees forget that their digital wallets are more than just applications. They are vaults. Every opened gadget can provide total access to individual or organizational money. And it’s not just about losing money. One breach can settle reputations or destroy entire projects.
Fake QR codes might seem to be a good giveaway. But one scan can drain the wallet. Shared charging stations may have malware hidden in them. Public Wi-Fi can be imitated to get credentials from victims. All these risks are increased with the size of the event.
The cryptocurrency space has always been about freedom. But that promise is pretty much shot if people neglect simple security measures. Percoco stressed the importance of using personal hot spots rather than relying on conference Wi-Fi. He recommended burner wallets for events and discouraged the use of USB stations.
Freedom demands constant Vigilance
He also called for more awareness, checking gear, limiting public talk of wealth, and identity verification. Social engineering is very effective in crowded places. Not every friendly face is genuine. Some may sign up with fictitious names or even bogus companies. A casual conversation at the hotel bar can be a precursor to a phishing attack.
Even an unattended drink can become a crime. Such events, with so much money and ambition in them, also attract invisible threats. The cryptocurrency industry is at a crossroads. With each new person who joins, it becomes less able to protect its foundational values. Security is not something that can be waited on until after a mistake has been made.
Personal habits have to change with the technology. Devices must remain locked. Wallets must remain small. Conversations must stay private. The price of freedom in crypto is constant vigilance. Without it, the next breach could happen not online, but in person in a packed conference hallway.
