OKX CEO Calls for Exchange-Level Security on DEX Bots

3 mins mins

Key Points:

Wallet theft risks in DEX Bot products highlighted by OKX CEO.
Star Xu advocates for exchange-level security standards.
$255,000 stolen from DeBot-related private keys.

On December 28, 2025, OKX CEO Star Xu highlighted wallet theft risks in DEX Bot products, stressing the necessity for exchange-level security standards via a post on the X platform.

This incident underscores significant security vulnerabilities in decentralized applications, prompting urgent calls for heightened security measures to protect users’ private keys and assets amid ongoing crypto industry challenges.

$255,000 Theft Spurs Call for Security Overhaul

The incident involved the theft of private keys from DeBot-related wallets, resulting in a loss estimated at $255,000. Star Xu’s statement warned of the centralized risks associated with uploading user private keys to servers, highlighting their vulnerability to hacker intrusions.

The calls for higher security standards reflect growing concerns over security practices in decentralized platforms, especially those that handle private keys similarly to centralized exchanges. Xu emphasized that high security ensures both protection and usability of private keys.

“There are several common scenarios for wallet theft. The centralized risk of private keys in DEX Bot-like products involves related products uploading user private keys to servers, storing them in plaintext or in a decryptable form. Once a hacker intrusion occurs, the risk level is effectively equivalent to that of an exchange, so the security standards for such products must meet exchange-level standards; otherwise, the risk is extremely high. Risks from code vulnerabilities in self-custody wallets or malicious intent, user terminal devices being compromised or data leaks, and the structural dependence of automated strategies on private key custody.” — Star Xu, Founder and CEO, OKX, source

Crypto Platform Attacks Surge with $3.40 Billion Loss in 2025

Did you know? The ongoing thefts highlight increasing attacks on crypto platforms, with losses in 2025 totaling over 3.40 billion.

According to CoinMarketCap, Bitcoin’s current price is $87,851.59, down by 22.75% over 90 days, with a market cap of 1.75 trillion. Bitcoin maintains a 58.93% market dominance, with a circulating supply of 19,968,371 BTC.

bitcoin-daily-chart-5342 — Bitcoin(BTC), daily chart, screenshot on CoinMarketCap at 17:17 UTC on December 28, 2025. *Source: CoinMarketCap*

The Coincu research team notes that incidences like the DeBot theft could trigger tougher regulatory scrutiny on wallet and key management practices. The push for exchange-level security might lead to innovations in cryptographic protections and pave the way for enhanced policies in decentralized finance.

DISCLAIMER: The information on this website is provided as general market commentary and does not constitute investment advice. We encourage you to do your own research before investing.