Crypto Security Guide: A Quick Protection Reminder

Crypto security isn’t a one-time setting; it’s a habit. Attackers target large platforms and individuals alike, and even the most sophisticated attacks often begin with a single compromised device or one convincing fake contact.

In this reminder, we’ve gathered the most important rules for protecting your wallet, your account and your devices in one place.

If you’ve already adopted them, take this opportunity for a quick check-up. If you haven’t, now is a good time to start.

Protecting Your Wallet

Your seed phrase (recovery phrase) is the only key to accessing your funds in a self-custody wallet. Whoever has your seed phrase has your crypto.

Write your seed phrase down on paper or a metal plate and keep it somewhere safe. Never photograph it or store it in your phone’s notes, email or the cloud.

Never share your seed phrase with anyone. No legitimate platform, support team or wallet app will ever ask for it.

Keep larger amounts in a hardware wallet. Your private keys then stay off any internet-connected device.

Separate your funds by purpose. Keep a smaller amount for everyday transactions and the larger share in cold storage for long-term holding.

Download wallet apps only from official sources: the manufacturer’s official website or trusted app stores.

Check every transaction before confirming it, especially the recipient’s address and the network you’re sending funds on.

Protecting Your Account

Protect your crypto platform account in layers: the more layers you have, the harder it is for an attacker.

Use a long, unique password for every account. A password manager means you don’t have to remember them all.

Enable two-factor authentication (2FA). An authenticator app or a physical security key is more secure than SMS codes, which can be intercepted through SIM swapping.

Protect the email address linked to your account as carefully as the account itself, since it’s the most common route for resetting passwords.

Enable withdrawal address whitelisting if the platform offers it, so funds can only be sent to addresses you’ve approved in advance.

Regularly review your active sessions and connected devices, and log out of any you don’t recognise.

Turn on notifications for logins, withdrawals and settings changes so you can spot unusual activity straight away.

Device Digital Hygiene

The device you use to access your crypto is your first line of defence.

Keep your operating system, browser and apps up to date. Updates often patch known security vulnerabilities.

Don’t install software from unknown sources, including “free” versions of paid programs, suspicious browser extensions and files received via messages.

Avoid using public Wi-Fi to access your accounts or make transactions, or use a trusted VPN.

Lock your devices with a PIN, password or biometrics, and enable disk encryption.

Consider a separate device or user profile used only for crypto activity, with no games, social media or random downloads.

Watch out for your clipboard. Some malware replaces a copied wallet address with the attacker’s, so always check the first and last characters of the address after pasting it.

Social Engineering and Phishing

Most crypto thefts don’t start with someone breaking into a system, but with someone manipulating people. Attackers pose as support staff, employers, investors or well-known figures and create a sense of urgency.

The most common patterns to watch out for:

• Fake “support” messages asking for your seed phrase, password, 2FA code or for you to install a remote access app.
• Phishing sites designed to look like the real platform. Type the address in manually or use a saved bookmark rather than links from emails and ads.
• Fake job or collaboration offers that come with a “test task” or a file to download. This approach is often used by organised hacking groups.
• Promises of guaranteed returns, giveaways and crypto “doubling” schemes. Legitimate projects don’t ask you to send them funds first.
• Deepfake videos and voice messages imitating well-known figures or someone you know.

The golden rule: if someone is rushing you or asking for something unusual, stop and verify it through an official channel.

What to Do If You Suspect Your Account Has Been Compromised

A quick response can prevent or limit the damage. If you notice unusual activity:

1. Change your account password and the password for the linked email address immediately, using a device you’re sure hasn’t been compromised.
2. Log out of all active sessions and set up 2FA again.
3. Contact the platform’s official customer support, using only the contact details listed on its official website or in the app.
4. If you suspect your seed phrase has been exposed, create a new wallet with a new seed phrase straight away and move all remaining funds to it.
5. Revoke any token approvals you’ve given to smart contracts if you use DeFi apps.
6. Scan your device with antivirus software or, in more serious cases, restore it to factory settings.
7. Report the incident to the police and keep the evidence: messages, transaction IDs and addresses.

Quick Security Checklist

Set aside ten minutes and check that:

• Your seed phrase is written down offline and no one else has access to it
• Larger amounts are kept in a hardware wallet
• Every account has a long, unique password
• 2FA is enabled via an authenticator app or security key
• The email linked to your account is also protected with 2FA
• Withdrawal address whitelisting is enabled
• Your operating system and apps are up to date
• You access the platform via a saved bookmark, not through links in messages
• You know how to contact official support

Crypto security doesn’t depend only on the platform you use, but also on your everyday habits. Small steps, repeated regularly, make a big difference.