Main Takeaways
Crypto users are stepping up their security game, demanding smarter tools and real-time protection from exchanges.
Simplified and localized security education is essential to helping users understand emerging threats in their regions.
Binance is doubling down on security with cutting-edge tech, proactive education, and real-time risk detection to keep users safe.
Are crypto users getting more serious about security? A recent Binance survey of nearly 30,000 users across Asia suggests they are. From enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) to calling for smarter, real-time protections, users are taking a more proactive role in safeguarding their assets. But while foundational habits are improving, the findings also reveal critical gaps that exchanges and the wider industry still need to address.
From Awareness to Action
The findings show that 80.5% of users have enabled 2FA, suggesting that basic safety practices are widely adopted. A significant 73.3% also said they double-check recipient addresses before making transfers, showing attentiveness to daily risk. However, adoption of more advanced tools still lags behind.
Only 21.5% of respondents use anti-phishing codes, while just 17.6% have enabled address whitelisting. Over a third of users still store their private keys on internet-connected devices – with that number climbing to 42% in Southeast Asia. These behaviors suggest that while the crypto community is getting savvier, ongoing education is still essential to close the existing gaps and promote more advanced security practices.
The Growing Trust in Exchanges
As scams grow more sophisticated, users are turning to centralized exchanges not just for access, but for protection. While 40.7% of respondents reported having experienced some form of crypto-related scam, the majority now show increased readiness to act. Over half said they would immediately contact their exchange to freeze assets if targeted.
Trust in exchange-based protection systems is also high, with 84% of users expressing confidence in tools like Binance’s SAFU (Secure Asset Fund for Users), which serves as an emergency user protection reserve.
Appetite for Smarter Exchange Security
Users aren’t just more alert – they also have higher expectations. Many now see exchanges as active partners in security, not just platforms on which to trade.
The survey revealed that 62.5% of respondents consider real-time threat interception to be their top security priority. More than half expressed interest in device-level protections, such as alerts for malware or compromised devices. Nearly half support features like biometric authentication and suspicious address databases. This shift points to a growing appetite for intelligent, automated safeguards that can keep pace with emerging threats.
Decentralized Wallets: More Than Just Storage
This call for smarter security isn’t just limited to centralized platforms – users are also rethinking the role of decentralized wallets. No longer seen as simple storage tools, wallets are now viewed as active security layers.
The most desired wallet feature was enhanced private key protection, selected by 62.8% of respondents. Many also emphasized the need for better backup and recovery options, along with scam-detection features such as phishing alerts and suspicious transaction monitoring.
Binance is responding to these concerns with the security features of Binance Wallet, which uses keyless MPC (multi-party computation) technology to enhance the safety of user funds. This eliminates the need for seed phrases, splitting private keys into three encrypted parts, so no single party ever holds the full key. By distributing access, this approach significantly reduces the risk of theft or loss, even if one part is compromised.
Simplified and Localized Education as Key
But better tools alone aren’t enough. The survey revealed that education remains a critical piece of the puzzle. More than half of users said existing materials are too technical and difficult to understand, and many expressed a preference for localized, real-world case studies to help them make sense of threats in context.
The channels where users are most exposed to scams vary by region – for instance, X (formerly Twitter) and Telegram are dominant across much of Asia, while Facebook leads in Southeast Asia and WhatsApp remains widely used in India. This makes it essential for exchanges to tailor educational outreach to fit each market.
Encouragingly, 61.3% of users said they would be willing to participate in exchange-led anti-scam simulations, particularly if gamified or paired with rewards, showing not only interest but enthusiasm for proactive learning.
Binance’s security teams are already working to meet this demand, regularly publishing easy-to-understand articles that break down complex topics like smishing, phishing, and more. These resources aim to break down complex threats into digestible, actionable insights that empower users to spot red flags before they fall victim.
Binance’s Commitment: Strengthening Security on All Fronts
The urgency for stronger security isn’t just theoretical. According to Chainalysis’ 2025 Crypto Crime Report, illicit cryptocurrency addresses received $40.9 billion in 2024. While this figure may continue to rise as more malicious activity is uncovered, the good news is: illicit transactions now make up a much smaller share of overall crypto activity – dropping from 0.61% in 2023 to just 0.14% in 2024. This shift reflects the real impact of security improvements across the industry.
Binance is playing a key role in this transformation. In 2024 alone, we prevented more than $4.2 billion in potential user losses, helped recover $88 million in stolen or misplaced assets, and shielded over 2.8 million users from malicious actors.
“As the industry evolves, so do the tactics of bad actors,” said Jimmy Su, Binance’s Chief Security Officer. “We’re investing heavily in localized anti-scam education that is practical, accessible, and tailored to users’ real needs.” This educational push is paired with an acceleration in security infrastructure. “We’re also ramping up the rollout of real-time risk detection systems,” Su added, “and working closely with regulators and law enforcement across Asia to better protect user assets.”
Final Thoughts
Crypto security is clearly evolving – and so are users’ attitudes and behaviors. From foundational habits like enabling 2FA to growing interest in real-time threat detection, the community is making a noticeable shift from reactive to proactive protection. This momentum is encouraging, but the journey doesn’t stop here.
True safety in the digital-asset space requires shared responsibility. While users are becoming more vigilant, exchanges must continue building smarter, safer systems that meet those rising expectations. At Binance, we’re committed to leading that charge – investing in cutting-edge technology, strengthening protections like SAFU, and delivering practical, localized education that empowers users to stay one step ahead.