While it's impossible to completely eliminate the risk of a stock market crash, there are some steps you can take to protect your 401k from losses. One option is to diversify your portfolio by investing in a mix of stocks, bonds, and cash. This will help to cushion the blow if one asset class takes a hit. Another strategy is to rebalance your portfolio on a regular basis. This ensures that you're buying assets when they're low and selling when they're high, which can help to minimize your losses in the event of a market downturn. Finally, remember that your 401k is a long-term investment. Despite the inherent risks, the markets have always recovered from crashes in the past, and they will likely do so again in the future. By staying patient and disciplined, you can weather any storm and come out ahead in the end.