In the rapidly evolving world of cryptocurrency, security remains a top concern for both investors and institutions. With increasing sophistication in attacks and scams, understanding how to evaluate new projects, assess exchange listing risks, and protect on-chain assets has never been more critical.
To unpack these challenges, we spoke with Tommy, a researcher at Bitget with over two years of experience in crypto market analysis, and Lisa, Operations Lead at SlowMist — a leading blockchain security firm known for its threat intelligence and anti-money laundering solutions.
Their insights reveal a comprehensive framework for evaluating token listings, identifying red flags in emerging projects, and leveraging tools to enhance personal and institutional security in Web3.
The Foundation of Exchange Listing Risk Assessment
When a new project seeks listing on a major exchange like Bitget, the evaluation process is far from superficial. It involves a multi-layered analysis combining technical, economic, and reputational factors.
According to Tommy, Bitget’s research team leads the assessment with support from audit and risk control departments. The initial screening focuses on:
- Project sector and team background
- Funding history and investor reputation
- Compliance with legal and ethical standards
Projects associated with illicit activities (e.g., gambling, political controversies) or under regulatory scrutiny — such as Pulsechain (PLS), which faced SEC litigation — are immediately rejected regardless of market hype.
👉 Discover how top-tier exchanges evaluate new crypto listings before they go live.
Tokenomics: A Key Indicator of Sustainability
Beyond compliance, token economics play a decisive role. Projects with excessively high fully diluted valuations (FDV) relative to their actual utility or development progress are viewed skeptically. As Tommy notes:
“We’ve seen VC-backed tokens drop 90% post-TGE. If the fundamentals don’t justify the valuation, retail investors end up holding the bag.”
For memecoins and non-primary listings, additional scrutiny applies:
- Contract permissions (e.g., modifiable taxes, black/white lists)
- Liquidity pool (LP) lock status
- Holder concentration and early distribution patterns
Take UNIBOT, one of the first memecoins Bitget listed. Despite concerns over mutable transaction taxes, the team concluded that its revenue model and community traction indicated long-term viability — a decision that paid off for early traders.
Similarly, ORDI’s listing was driven by strategic foresight into BRC-20’s potential to revitalize Bitcoin’s ecosystem — showing that innovation, when backed by sound reasoning, can outweigh initial skepticism.
VC Coins vs. Community Coins: Evaluating Value and Trust
The debate between VC-funded tokens and community-driven projects is central to modern crypto dynamics.
While VC coins often come with strong funding and marketing muscle, they may lack genuine decentralization or product-market fit. In contrast, community coins usually emerge organically but can suffer from poor governance or speculative volatility.
Tommy explains Bitget’s tiered approach:
- S-level projects: High traffic, solid backing, proven product
- A-level projects: Strong visibility but weaker fundamentals — still listed due to user demand
“Our goal is to offer choice while managing risk. Users decide what to trade; our job is to ensure transparency and safety.”
This balance allows exchanges to cater to diverse investor appetites without compromising platform integrity.
Post-Listing Monitoring: When Safety Doesn’t Stop at Launch
Once a token goes live, monitoring doesn’t end — it intensifies.
Bitget actively tracks all listed assets for signs of deterioration:
- Declining liquidity
- Stagnant development
- Suspicious on-chain activity
Tokens showing red flags may be marked for Special Treatment (ST). If improvements aren’t made within a set period, delisting becomes likely.
“Many teams go silent after launch,” says Tommy. “This hurts users through slippage and illiquidity. We’re tightening oversight to prevent this.”
Lisa from SlowMist adds that technical diligence must continue post-audit:
- Ongoing code maintenance
- Secure random number generation
- Use of battle-tested cryptographic algorithms
She warns against centralized control features — such as admin keys or mint functions — which create single points of failure.
Real-World Threats: Lessons from Major Security Incidents
SlowMist has responded to numerous high-profile breaches. Two cases stand out:
1. Poly Network Hack (2021) – $610M at Stake
After attackers exploited contract logic flaws, SlowMist helped trace funds across chains. Within hours, Tether froze stolen USDT. The hacker eventually returned most assets — not due to technical defeat, but public exposure and social pressure.
Key takeaway: Rapid response and transparency save millions.
2. Individual User Theft via Phishing
A user clicked a malicious link disguised as a media interview, leading to full account compromise. SlowMist traced the funds to an exchange, coordinated a freeze, and — after 3.5 months — facilitated recovery through judicial action in Taiwan.
This marked a precedent: the first case where funds were recovered without knowing the attacker’s identity, using wallet ownership proof and forensic tracking.
👉 See how advanced threat detection tools are stopping hacks before they happen.
How to Spot a Safe Project: A User’s Guide
You don’t need to be a developer to protect yourself. Here’s what matters:
| Focus Area | What to Check |
|---|---|
| Code Transparency | Is the contract open-source? Audited by reputable firms? |
| Team Visibility | Are founders doxxed? Do they have credible track records? |
| Economic Design | No Ponzi-like rewards or unsustainable yield farming |
| Contract Permissions | Are admin controls renounced? Is LP locked? |
For non-technical users:
- Use tools like GoPlus (EVM chains), RugCheck, or gmgn.ai (Solana)
- Enable wallet-level risk alerts (e.g., Bitget Wallet)
- Avoid infinite token approvals — revoke unused ones via Revoke.Cash
Lisa emphasizes:
“If you can’t understand what you’re signing, don’t sign it. Blind signing is the #1 cause of theft.”
Memecoin Risks: The Dark Side of Hype
Memecoins attract massive attention — and equally massive risks:
- Fake tokens with identical tickers/images launched before the real one
- Delayed launches enabling bot snipers to target impostors
- Developers reusing wallets from past rug pulls
Tommy advises:
“Wait for official contract confirmation. LP liquidity should be $300K–$500K minimum. And if FDV hits millions with zero social buzz? That’s a red flag.”
On Solana vs Ethereum:
- Solana: Official token standards reduce some risks
- EVM chains: Higher flexibility = higher exploit potential
Watch for:
- Transfer restrictions (can’t sell?)
- Hidden mint functions
- Blacklisted addresses
Emerging Tools for Safer On-Chain Interaction
Technology is catching up with threats.
Recommended tools:
- Scam Sniffer: Browser extension that blocks phishing sites
- MistTrack (by SlowMist): Blacklist scanner for suspicious addresses
- 1Password / 2FA apps: Secure credential management
- AVG / Kaspersky: Device-level protection against malware
“No tool offers 100% safety,” warns Lisa. “Practice zero trust. Verify everything.”
Final Thoughts: Building a Safer Crypto Ecosystem
Security isn’t just technical — it’s cultural.
As Lisa puts it:
“User awareness is the weakest link. FOMO blinds people to warnings.”
Exchanges, developers, and users must collaborate:
- Educate through resources like The Blockchain Dark Forest Survival Guide
- Implement protective features (e.g., link disabling in social replies)
- Promote tools that make safety effortless
Tommy believes the future lies in intuitive security:
“I want tools that stop me before I make a mistake — just like antivirus software does today.”
Only when safety becomes invisible will mass adoption truly begin.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What’s the first thing I should check before buying a new token?
A: Verify the official contract address from the project’s verified social media or website. Never trust unsolicited links.
Q: How do I know if a token is a “rugging” risk?
A: Look for red flags: unequally distributed holdings, unrenounced ownership controls, low or unlocked liquidity, and anonymous teams.
Q: Can I recover funds after a phishing attack?
A: Yes — if you act fast. Revoke access immediately, contact security firms like SlowMist, and report to exchanges for possible freezes.
Q: Should I trust audited projects completely?
A: No audit guarantees safety. Audits reduce risk but don’t eliminate human error or malicious intent post-launch.
Q: What’s the safest way to interact with DeFi?
A: Use wallets with built-in scam detection, limit token approvals, interact only with well-established protocols, and double-check every transaction.
Q: Are memecoins worth the risk?
A: Only if you treat them as high-risk speculation. Never invest more than you can afford to lose — and always verify contracts manually.
👉 Stay ahead of scams with real-time threat intelligence and secure trading tools.