3 Ways to Keep Your Crypto Secure
Trust, but verify! Security is the number one priority of a person interacting with cryptocurrency. However, not everyone realizes the importance of this issue. For instance, when we hear that people are unaware of KYC (Know Your Customer) or 2-FA (two-factor authentication), we want to sound the alarm. It seems impossible to overlook such security features, especially in our age of cyberattacks and malware. That’s why, in this article, we’ve prepared the three most reliable protection methods to help you keep your crypto assets safe.
Don’t Store Cryptocurrency on Exchanges
A common phrase among beginners is, "Why shouldn’t I store Bitcoin, Ethereum, or other coins on exchanges?" This question highlights a lack of understanding about proper crypto management. The answer is simple: when you keep your assets on exchanges, you don’t control the keys to assets. Without the keys, the cryptocurrency doesn’t truly belong to you.
Exchanges are frequent targets for hackers, with the 2014 Mt. Gox incident being a prime example. According to CipherTrace, hackers stole over $3.5 billion in crypto in 2022 alone, with a large portion of these attacks targeting centralized exchanges. This happens because exchanges store users' assets on their own platforms, meaning one successful hack can lead to the loss of funds for thousands of people. To avoid this risk, we recommend using custodial wallets. They are typically easier to use, especially for beginners, while providing a high level of key protection. Another common issue is theft during P2P trading. We previously wrote about this.
Compared to non-custodial wallets, where a person is fully responsible for security, custodial wallets are more convenient because professional providers handle the safety measures. The key here is to choose a reliable platform that implements strong security practices and multi-layered access checks. For example, the Cryptomus wallet offers all the necessary tools for secure crypto storage (KYC, 2FA) and allows users to fully manage their assets.
Use Platform's Built-in Security Features
There are many ways to protect personal data when registering on a new website. Let’s go over the important methods.
Every reputable crypto wallet provider or exchange offers users ways to protect their assets. One of the most common ways to add an extra layer of security is two-factor authentication (2FA). According to Google, 2FA reduces the risk of account breaches by 99.9%. Unlike simply entering a password, this method requires a second confirmation step—like a code from your mobile device.
Even if hackers get your keyword, they can’t access your account without that factor, making it much harder to break in. Crypto platforms and providers must support 2FA to earn user trust and keep their funds safe. For example, on Cryptomus, two-factor authentication is a compulsory feature for creating a wallet and accessing the trading platform. Enabling 2FA takes just a couple of minutes, but it greatly enhances asset protection.
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Another simple yet effective way to protect your account is by using unique passwords. Many users tend to rely on the same combinations of numbers and letters for different accounts, which significantly increases the risk of hacking. For the security of your crypto assets, we recommend creating keywords that combine uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters.
Don't forget to update it every 3-6 months. Doing this reduces the likelihood of someone hacking into your account. You can also try using a password manager, which helps generate and store complex combinations for various platforms. Such generators are widely available online.
In conclusion, we want to emphasize the importance of protecting your account. Combining 2FA and regular password checks is the foundation and a minimal step to prevent unauthorized access to your funds.
The last method we'll discuss today is working through public networks. Many people may be surprised to learn that Wi-Fi poses one of the biggest risks to your crypto security. These networks are easy targets for hackers, who can intercept your data. It's especially dangerous to enter personal information or conduct financial transactions on public networks.
To avoid this threat, always use secure and trusted internet connections. If you need to connect to a public network, use a VPN to encrypt traffic and enhance your protection. We also advise against using cryptocurrency platforms or wallets over unsecured Wi-Fi networks.
Final Thoughts
Always remember that cryptocurrencies empower ordinary people, and with great power comes great responsibility. Security is a process that requires attention to detail. Using SSL encryption, enabling two-factor authentication, and controlling access to your assets will significantly enhance your security level.
Don’t forget to enable security features and stay updated on the latest recommendations in the crypto world!