The Defiant - DeFi Podcast Is DYOR Dead? Building a Safer Web3 with Alex Katz
Nov 14, 2025
In this discussion, Alex Katz, CEO of Kerberus, a Web3 security company, tackles the notion that 'Do Your Own Research' is no longer enough in a rapidly evolving crypto landscape filled with sophisticated scams. He highlights the risks of mobile crypto, such as address poisoning and malware, while advocating for automated security solutions that protect users by default. Katz also shares insights on Kerberus' track record of zero-user losses and envisions a future where robust safeguards allow everyone, including the elderly, to navigate Web3 safely.
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Back Security Claims With Coverage
- Offer users tangible coverage to build trust when claiming high detection rates.
- Set coverage thresholds multiple times average losses, e.g., Kerberos chose $30,000 as a safety buffer.
Malware Threats To Hot Wallets
- Malware and drainer packages threaten hot wallets by stealing seed phrases and private keys.
- Hardware wallets remain the primary defense but hot-wallet protection remains necessary for everyday use.
How Kerberos Intercepts Transactions
- Kerberos runs as a browser extension sitting between the browser and wallet to analyze web-initiated transactions.
- They do not hold keys and keep privacy by hashing clipboard data for detection, minimizing personal data collection.