Kraken Warns Crypto Conference Attendees on Lax Security Practices

A growing number of crypto investors are exposing themselves to serious threats by neglecting basic security hygiene at industry conferences, according to a new warning issued by Kraken security team. 

Kraken Chief Security Officer Nick Percoco noted a “troubling trend” of unlocked devices left unattended by crypto protocol representatives and project team members during public events.

Percoco emphasized that smartphones and laptops used in the crypto world are far more than communication tools. “If you’re in crypto, your digital device is not just a phone or a laptop. It’s a vault to you, your crypto assets, and your broader employer’s operation,” he said. 

Despite this, Kraken’s team witnessed instances where devices were left unsecured on tables, displaying wallet notifications in real time—making them vulnerable to theft or tampering.

Scammers Are Attending Too—And They’re Prepared: Kraken

The blog post by Kraken warns that crypto scammers actively attend conferences under false identities. By posing as legitimate participants and networking freely, these bad actors can exploit the environment for attacks. 

Among the tactics highlighted was “juice jacking,” a method of stealing data or installing malware through compromised USB charging ports. Percoco also warned about spoofed public Wi-Fi networks that can be easily manipulated to capture sensitive information.

While no confirmed cases of malicious QR codes at events have been documented, Percoco noted that a simple sticker swap on marketing material could redirect users to phishing wallets. To mitigate such risks, he advised attendees to use burner wallets loaded with minimal funds during events. “That way, if something goes wrong, your primary holdings remain protected,” he said.

Physical Security Is Also at Risk

The concern isn’t limited to digital vulnerabilities. Kraken security team observed attendees openly discussing large crypto trades in public areas, sometimes far from the conference venues, while wearing lanyards that clearly displayed their name and company affiliation. Percoco cautioned, “Even if you don’t think anyone’s listening, someone very well might be.”

Physical crypto crimes are rising globally, with self-custody advocate Jameson Lopp documenting 29 offline crypto theft incidents in 2025 alone. Chainalysis CEO Jonathan Levin recently remarked that the mistaken belief that crypto is untraceable may be encouraging criminals to attempt bold acts like kidnapping and extortion.

As crypto continues to grow, so does the need for tighter operational security.