Identity Theft

Definition ∞ Identity theft is the fraudulent acquisition and use of another person’s private identifying information. This typically involves obtaining personal details such as names, social security numbers, or financial account credentials. The objective is usually to impersonate the victim for financial gain or to commit other illicit acts.
Context ∞ In the digital asset landscape, identity theft can lead to unauthorized access to cryptocurrency wallets or exchange accounts, resulting in the misappropriation of funds. Discussions frequently revolve around the security protocols employed by platforms to verify user identities and prevent such occurrences. The increasing sophistication of phishing attacks and social engineering tactics poses a persistent challenge.