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Navigating Cryptocurrency Security: Sim Swaps, Vendor Risks and Assertive Measures

0:0038:54

Recorded November 2023. Regulations, deadlines, requirements and products discussed in this episode reflect that date and may have changed since. For where things stand today, see our current compliance guidance or ask us.

Worth remembering

Key takeaways

  1. The host recommends avoiding your mobile number for SMS multi-factor tokens, since a SIM swap can hand attackers access to accounts, especially those holding cryptocurrency.
    “try to avoid using your telephone number, your cell phone mobile number, for SMS tokens”
  2. The host urges listeners to call their mobile carrier, request additional security controls, and set up a unique PIN to make account takeovers harder.
    “Tell them that you want additional security on your account. Set up a unique pin number for when you call the carrier, ask for any additional security controls that they can offer you to prove your identity.”
  3. The host argues crypto holders should not leave funds on exchanges, since hacks or government crackdowns can freeze assets for months or years.
    “don't keep your money on, don't keep crypto on exchanges, keep them on cold wallets”
  4. The host recommends spreading holdings across multiple cold wallets from different vendors and testing each wallet with small transactions before storing larger amounts.
    “Never trust one wallet, even if it's a cold wallet. Use multiple cold wallets, different vendors.”
  5. The host advises reviewing all vendors at least annually against a framework such as NIST 800-171, asking for policies, pen test evidence, and recent risk assessments.
    “you want to make sure that, at least on an annual basis, you're going through all the vendors you do business with and you're going through a framework like NIST 800171”
  6. Blake stresses that vendor security failures cascade, warning that if your vendor falls, you fall, so third parties must be vetted carefully.
    “obviously it's dominoes, right, like if your vendor falls, you fall, and understanding that”
  7. Both speakers urge listeners not to collect or store client information they do not need, such as social security numbers, even when a form asks for it.
    “If you don't need your clients' social security numbers, like, don't collect it, don't store it.”

The summary and takeaways were drafted with AI from the transcript below. Each takeaway is shown with the passage it comes from.

From the show notes

About this episode

What if you could protect your cryptocurrency from hackers with just a few simple security measures? That's what we're diving into today in our exploration of the fascinating yet terrifying world of SIM Swaps and cryptocurrency security. We'll shed light on a real-life cautionary tale of a victim who lost his cryptocurrency to these cunning cyber con artists and the ingenious way they laundered the stolen funds. Discover why you should never use your phone numbers for authentication and what you can do to protect yourself.

As we journey further, we'll unravel the complex web of crypto regulations and vendor risk management. With the SEC guidelines causing confusion, we'll debate the need for a more regulated crypto environment. Learn about the critical process of vendor vetting in industries dealing with confidential data. We'll also reveal the SPRS scoring system for assessing vendor security and why you must be assertive with vendors that don't prioritize security. Remember, when it comes to securing your crypto assets, the mantra should be "don't trust, verify." So, gear up for an enlightening episode that will help you navigate the murky waters of cryptocurrency security.

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Select any timestamp to play from that moment. This transcript was generated automatically from the audio and may contain errors, including in speaker names. The audio is the record.

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