Crypto conferences face rising phishing risks

Crypto events have grown rapidly worldwide in recent years. Unfortunately, this expansion has led to an increase in scams targeting attendees, according to Kraken’s chief security officer, Nick Percoco.

Recent conferences have seen lax personal security, with exposed devices and careless sharing of sensitive information. These lapses make it easier for criminals to launch phishing campaigns and impersonation attacks.

Phishing remains the top threat at these events, exploiting typical conference activities such as QR code scanning and networking. Attackers distribute malicious links disguised as legitimate follow-ups, allowing them to gain access to wallets and sensitive data with minimal technical skill.

Use of public Wi-Fi, unverified QR codes, and openly discussing high-value trades in public areas further increase risks. Attendees are urged to use burner wallets and verify every QR code carefully.

The dangers have become very real, highlighted by violent crimes in France, where prominent crypto professionals were targeted in kidnappings and ransom demands. These incidents show that risks are no longer confined to the digital world.

Basic security mistakes such as leaving devices unlocked or oversharing personal information can have severe consequences. Experts call for a stronger security culture at events and beyond, including multi-factor authentication, cautious password management, and heightened situational awareness.

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