📋 Table of Contents
Crypto Security Guide
Securing cryptocurrency holdings is fundamentally different from traditional banking — there's no fraud reversal or FDIC insurance, making personal security practices essential.
Why Crypto Security Is Different
Unlike a bank, most crypto transactions are irreversible, and self-custodied crypto has no institutional backstop if lost or stolen — the responsibility for security sits largely with you.
Key Security Practices
| Practice | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Two-factor authentication | Prevents account access even if password is compromised |
| Hardware wallet for large holdings | Keeps private keys offline, away from hacking risk |
| Unique, strong passwords | Prevents credential-stuffing attacks |
Recognizing Common Scams
Be skeptical of unsolicited investment opportunities, "giveaway" scams promising to double your crypto, and any request to send crypto to "verify" your wallet — legitimate services never ask for this.
Common Mistakes
Keeping large holdings on an exchange rather than a private wallet, sharing seed phrases or private keys with anyone, and falling for phishing links disguised as legitimate exchange communications.
Frequently Asked Questions
A hardware wallet is a physical device that stores your private keys offline, protecting against online hacking. It's recommended for significant holdings, though smaller amounts on a reputable exchange may be reasonable for many users.
Generally no — unlike a bank password reset, losing your private key or seed phrase typically means permanent loss of access to self-custodied crypto, which is why secure backup is critical.