In 2025, physical attacks on crypto holders rose 75% worldwide, according to security firm Certik. The uncomfortable truth is that staying safe in crypto is now about your habits and real-world exposure. The good news is, much of this risk is manageable.
Here are ten ways to improve your personal security in crypto, from the basics everyone should follow to the steps that matter most if you’re a public investor, founder, or executive.
1. Don’t publicize your crypto holdings
The single most effective thing you can do is make yourself a smaller target. Bragging about gains or flexing a portfolio screenshot can get you the wrong sort of attention.
Keep your holdings private. Be careful with accounts that tie your real identity to your onchain activity.
2. Stay vigilant for scams, online and in person
The tactics change constantly, so staying current is crucial. Fake job offers are one of the most common scam vectors right now, where a recruiter asks you to complete a “coding test” or download video chat software.
Treat every unsolicited message with suspicion, and verify through a second channel before you click or sign anything.
3. Be careful what you reveal in public
Scammers can start with small details picked up in person, such as the company logo or conference lanyard you’re wearing.
Be deliberate about what you wear and what you say in public and at events. Think twice before handing your full name, industry and employer to a stranger.
4. Don’t broadcast your travel plans
While crypto is a travel heavy industry and some publicly known appearances are unavoidable, you don’t have to share every detail online. Tagging your hotel or advertising your event plans tells everyone where to find you, and when you won’t be home.
Share the photos once you’ve left: people love a good recap post anyway.
5. Use 2FA everywhere, and never SMS
Two-factor authentication is a must, but SMS codes can be intercepted through SIM-swap attacks and bypass your text-based security.
Use an authenticator app or a hardware security key on every account.
6. Use hardware wallets, dedicated devices, and split up funds
Use a dedicated device for managing your crypto, and combine it with a hardware wallet. For larger holdings, don’t keep everything in one place.
Splitting funds across several wallets, using multisig, or sharding a seed phrase all limit the damage if one part is compromised.
7. Consider investing in your physical security
Supplement your digital security with physical security. A home alarm, video cameras, and upgraded locks make you a harder target and can create a record if something does happen.
Depending on your profile, it might be worth going further, with self-defense training, a dog, or even personal protection.
8. Plan ahead
The time to think through a worst-case scenario is before it happens. Know the exits wherever you are, and agree on a check-in plan with your family and closest colleagues.
If you travel to higher-risk places, prepare a bugout plan and establish a trusted point of contact.
The last two points matter most for public investors, founders, and executives, whose names and net worth are often easy to find.
9. Consult professional security
If you’re a known name in the crypto space, the risk changes. While retail investors mostly worry about getting their wallet drained, public founders and fund managers have to worry about someone showing up at their door.
At that level it’s worth bringing in security consultants who can assess your specific exposure and develop a personalized protection plan.
10. Get Crypto Kidnap & Ransom Cover
Even the best preparation can’t fully eliminate all risk, which is why having a safety net matters. Nexus Mutual launched Crypto K&R Cover with Merrill Herzog, a crisis response and risk advisory firm staffed by former intelligence and special forces operators, alongside underwriting partners InShare and Samphire Risk.
Holders get a personalized security onboarding, access to a 24/7 global crisis response team, ransom reimbursement, and coverage options that can extend to close family.
You’re covered with Nexus Mutual
Nexus Mutual has covered crypto since 2019, and Crypto K&R Cover extends that same protection to you.
If you’re an investor, founder, or executive who wants to understand your Crypto K&R Cover options, reach out to the Nexus Mutual team at nexusmutual.io/contact.