How Crypto Hackers Work

Crypto hackers use many different tactics to steal coins. Phishing emails.

This method involves hackers sending emails to trick people into downloading malware or exposing sensitive information. The email will usually contain a link to a page that installs malware on the victim’s device. A hacker can then use this malware to take control of the device or to secretly monitor its activity. If the victim has a hot wallet application on their device, it’s just a matter of time until the hacker steals their funds. Exploits.

• The software used to facilitate the storage and transfer of crypto currency is often targeted by hackers. Whether it’s a cross-chain bridge or a crypto currency exchange, any piece of crypto infrastructure could contain bugs and unpatched vulnerabilities. If hackers find these weak spots, they can exploit them in bridge attacks and exchange heists.

Key theft.

• The simplest way for a hacker to steal crypto is just to use the private keys that allow you to access your funds on the block chain. Anyone who has the keys to your wallet can move your coins, so if your keys leak — if they were stored in an unhashed format on a device which was later hacked, for example — an attacker can open your wallet and move any coins it contains to their own