Security Guide

As crypto adoption grows, cybercriminals become more active — using phishing, malware, and impersonation to steal your assets.

To secure your crypto, you must consider multiple attack vectors and implement strong practices across three layers of security:

🔐 Three layers of security

🧱 1. Network Layer

  • Are your private keys cryptographically secure?

  • Is the blockchain safe from attacks (e.g. 51%)?


🧩 2. Application Layer

  • Do you use trusted apps or exchanges?

  • How are your funds stored?

  • Is your account login secured with strong passwords and 2FA?


🌐 3. Real-World Layer

  • Are your devices encrypted and secure?

  • Is your 2FA setup safe?

  • Have you set up inheritance or recovery instructions in case of death?

Your #1 job as a crypto holder: Protect your funds. Self-custody and cold storage are key.


🚨 Common Mistakes That Lead to Loss

  • Reusing weak passwords

  • Skipping 2FA

  • Sharing or exposing private keys

  • Saving keys or passwords online


📧 Email Security for Crypto

🔑 Why Email Is Important

Your email is the gateway to all your crypto accounts. It must be locked down.

✅ Best Practices:

  • Use trusted providers: Gmail, Outlook, Protonmail

  • Always enable 2FA on your email

  • Create a separate crypto-only email

  • Be wary of phishing emails that try to scare or trick you

⚡ Quick Tips:

  • Never trust email links

  • Double-check the domain of login pages

  • Use anti-phishing banners if your exchange offers one

  • Visit haveibeenpwned.com to check for data breaches


🔐 Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

📲 What You Need to Know:

  • Enable 2FA everywhere (email, exchange, wallet, social media)

  • Use authentication apps, NOT SMS (SMS is vulnerable to SIM swaps)

🛡️ Backup Codes:

  • Store them offline and securely - like your recovery phrase

  • NEVER screenshot QR codes or save them online


💼 Crypto Wallet Safety

✅ Best Practices:

  • Don’t store large amounts on exchanges

  • Use hardware wallets (cold wallets) for long-term storage

  • Verify all details on your wallet screen before confirming

  • Be cautious of malware that swaps addresses — double check recipient address


🔑 Private Keys: The Most Important Thing

  • Write down your keys on paper or metal backups (fire/waterproof)

  • NEVER save private keys:

    • Online

    • In your phone

    • On cloud services

  • Don’t share keys with anyone

  • Beware of giveaway scams asking for keys


🧠 Final Thoughts

Hacks are rare — most losses are due to user error, phishing, or negligence.

Remember:

  • Cold wallets are unhackable unless you give away your private keys

  • Security is not a chore — it's your opportunity to have peace of mind


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