How to Protect Your Cryptocurrency

Protecting digital assets is about layered defenses: strong authentication, clean devices, careful signing habits, and privacy. Adopt the habits below and you’ll neutralize most common threats.

1) Strong, Unique Authentication

• Unique passwords for every service: Use a password manager to generate/store 20+ char random passwords.
• Prefer app-based 2FA (TOTP): Use Authy, Aegis, or Google Authenticator rather than SMS (SIM-swap risk).
• Security keys when supported: FIDO2/WebAuthn (e.g., YubiKey) adds strong phishing resistance for exchanges/emails.
• Recovery hardening: Store backup codes offline with your other disaster-recovery materials.

2) Anti-Phishing & Link Safety

• Type, don’t click: Use bookmarks for exchanges and wallets; avoid ad links and unsolicited DMs.
• Check domain & TLS: Exact spelling, expected TLD, valid HTTPS. If anything feels off, bail out.
• Zero seed sharing: Your seed phrase/private key is never required by support, ever.
• Beware “urgent” language: Countdowns and scare tactics are classic social engineering.

3) Device & Browser Hygiene

• Update everything: OS, browser, wallet apps/firmware. Many attacks rely on old bugs.
• Minimal extensions: Dedicated browser profile for wallet actions; remove unnecessary plugins.
• Malware defenses: Use reputable AV on desktop, limit sideloading on mobile, and avoid cracked software.
• Clipboard awareness: Double-check addresses on a hardware wallet screen before sending.

4) Wallet Practices That Save You

• Hardware wallet for size: Confirm amounts and recipients on the device screen; reject anything unclear.
• Segment by purpose: Separate wallets for trading, NFTs, and long-term holdings; keep hot balances small.
• Review approvals: Periodically revoke stale token approvals and disconnect unused dApps.
• Test sends: For large transfers, do a tiny test transaction first.

5) Privacy & Exposure Management

• Don’t flex balances: Public bragging invites targeted scams.
• Separate identities: Use different emails and handles for exchanges vs. socials; consider aliases.
• Travel mode: When traveling, reduce on-device wallet exposure or carry a low-balance hot wallet only.

6) If Something Feels Wrong (Quick Plan)

1. Stop signing. Disconnect wallet/extension.
2. Move funds from the affected wallet to a fresh, secured wallet (hardware if possible).
3. Revoke suspicious approvals; rotate passwords and 2FA on related accounts.
4. Scan devices; update firmware/software; restore from clean backups if needed.
5. Document what happened (links, txids) for any exchange/support reports.

Summary

Use unique passwords with app-based 2FA or security keys, keep devices clean and updated, treat links with skepticism, and segment wallets by purpose. Small habits dramatically reduce risk.

What's Next

Next, compare Cold Storage vs. Hot Storage to build a split strategy that balances security and convenience.