Your crypto is as safe as your data: how to monitor its security online

News Publisher Sep 10, 2025 13:31

As we spend more and more time online, the risk of falling victim to malware, phishing attacks, or data breaches continues to grow.

As we spend more and more time online, the risk of falling victim to malware, phishing attacks, or data breaches continues to grow. But for crypto traders, the stakes are even higher. With direct access to valuable digital assets, your personal data isn't just sensitive — it’s a high-value target. In this article, we’ll explore the online risks that crypto traders face and how you can take better care of your security online.

What privacy risks do crypto traders face online?

One of the most serious threats for crypto traders is an Account Takeover (ATO) attack. This type of attack happens when a hacker gains full control of an online account, including access to personal data, settings, and transaction permissions. Once in, they can change credentials, make unauthorized trades or withdrawals, and even erase the account entirely. For crypto traders, this can be catastrophic and lead to a completely drained wallet.

Here are some common methods hackers use to carry out such attacks:

• Credential stuffing attack: cybercriminals use automated tools and botnets to try large numbers of stolen username and password combinations across multiple websites. These credentials are often obtained from previous data breaches or bought on dark web marketplaces. Because many people reuse the same login details across different platforms, attackers can often gain access to valuable accounts. For crypto traders, this is especially risky: if a reused password grants access to a trading account or wallet, it could lead to the theft of funds or sensitive information in seconds;
• Targeted account takeover attacks: unlike broad attacks such as credential stuffing, targeted account takeover attacks (often referred to as spear phishing) are targeted and highly personalized. Attackers use personal information leaked online, such as names, emails, or platform affiliations, to craft convincing phishing emails and social engineering schemes aimed at a specific individual. These tailored tactics increase the chances of success by making the communication appear legitimate;
• Synthetic identity theft: this method involves creating a fake identity by combining real personal data — such as a Social Security number (SSN) or date of birth — with made-up details like names or addresses. These fake profiles are then used to open accounts on crypto exchanges, bypass Know Your Customer (KYC) checks, and in some cases, access loans or credit lines. In the crypto space, this tactic allows criminals to operate under false identities, launder money, or conduct fraud with minimal risk of being traced.

Staying informed is key: monitor your data for leaks with Alert

The best way to prevent attacks that exploit your personal data is to keep that information off the internet altogether. However, in today’s connected world, and especially within the crypto trading space, completely avoiding online exposure is nearly impossible. Fortunately, you can take steps to monitor and stay aware of what happens to your data once it’s out on the web — and that is by using a data leak monitoring tool like Surfshark Alert.

Here’s what you can do with Alert:

• Monitor your email, credit card, and ID for leaks: by simply entering your information into Alert, you can begin monitoring the web for any leaks of your sensitive data. Alert does all the work for you — if your information is exposed, you’ll receive an email notification so you can act quickly to secure your accounts;
• View a summary of past leaks: once you start monitoring, you’ll be able to see past leaks involving your data;
• Monitor as much data as you need: you can monitor multiple email addresses, credit cards, and IDs, allowing you to watch over all important data without any restrictions.

Why is Alert a great tool for crypto traders?

For crypto traders, taking care of personal data is crucial due to the high risk of targeted attacks like phishing and account takeovers. Here’s how Alert can help you do that:

• By monitoring your email addresses, credit cards, and IDs with Alert, you gain early warning of any data leaks that could put your funds at risk. Alert’s automated monitoring means you don’t have to constantly search the web yourself — if your information leaks, you’ll be notified, so you can act fast to secure your accounts and wallets. 
• Receiving a summary of past leaks helps you understand your exposure and take preventive steps; 
• With the ability to monitor unlimited email addresses, cards, and IDs, Alert gives you reliable coverage, allowing you to keep all critical data under watch.

Crypto security starts with data security

In the fast-moving world of crypto trading, protecting your digital assets means protecting your personal data first. Given the sophisticated and targeted nature of online attacks, being proactive about your data security is essential. By staying informed about potential leaks early, you can act quickly to secure your accounts and lessen the risk of severe losses. 

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