80% Shocked by Loss! Survey on Crypto Asset Storage Risks for 303 Individuals

Clabo Inc. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; President: Ikuma Ueno) conducted a survey on 'Private Key and Seed Phrase Storage Methods and Loss Risks' targeting 303 individuals with crypto asset experience.

The survey results showed that while over 60% are 'self-custody proponents,' the most common storage method was 'smartphone notes or screenshots' (32.5%), revealing serious leakage risks hidden behind convenience.

Furthermore, over 80% of custodians experienced 'near-misses' such as loss or exposure to third parties. This highlights the precarious current situation where many holders continue to operate with anxiety about their management systems in a market where self-responsibility is the principle.

This report analyzes the disparity in management literacy across investment experience years and age groups, and presents the necessity for robust physical and technical defense measures to prevent emergencies.

**Survey Overview**

Survey Date: February 24, 2026 Survey Method: Internet Survey Target Audience: Males and females residing in Japan (crypto asset users) Valid Responses: 303 Organization: Clabo Inc.

**Survey Content**

**Disparity in Management Awareness by Experience Year Revealed**

**Self-Custody Proponents Exceed 60% and are Mainstream**

We conducted a survey on 'private key self-management,' the most fundamental process in operating crypto assets.

As a result, 62.05% of respondents answered that they store them themselves.

In non-centralized asset management, this self-management is a cornerstone of security, and it is evident that the majority are aware of this responsibility.

However, what is noteworthy is that about 30% of holders responded that they do not store them themselves or have never been conscious of it.

When operating solely with accounts at crypto asset exchange operators, there may be fewer opportunities to directly consider private keys.

However, for external transfers using wallets...