Security is the most important skill in crypto. Unlike traditional banking, there’s no customer support to call if you lose your funds. No fraud department to reverse unauthorized transactions. No insurance to make you whole. Your crypto security is entirely your responsibility. Here are 10 rules you should never break.
Rule 1: Enable 2FA on Everything
Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds a second layer of security beyond your password. Use an authenticator app (Google Authenticator, Authy) — NOT SMS. Phone numbers can be hijacked through SIM swaps. Enable 2FA on every exchange account, email account, and crypto service you use.
Rule 2: Never Share Your Seed Phrase
Your 12 or 24-word recovery phrase is the master key to your crypto. NOBODY legitimate will ever ask for it. Not your exchange. Not “customer support.” Not a DM from someone claiming to be Vitalik Buterin. Write it on paper. Store it in a safe. Never type it on a website.
Rule 3: Use Strong, Unique Passwords
Every crypto account should have a different password. Use a password manager like 1Password or Bitwarden. Never reuse passwords across sites. If one site gets breached, reused passwords let attackers into your other accounts.
Rule 4: Verify URLs Before Logging In
Phishing sites look exactly like real exchanges but steal your login. Always check the URL bar. Bookmark your exchange and access it from bookmarks only. Never click links in emails or DMs claiming to be from your exchange.
Rule 5: Don’t Keep Large Amounts on Exchanges
Exchanges can get hacked, go bankrupt, or freeze withdrawals. Keep only what you’re actively trading on the exchange. Move the rest to a hardware wallet you control.
Rule 6: Test Transactions First
Before sending a large amount of crypto to a new address, send a tiny test amount first. If it arrives correctly, send the rest. One wrong character in an address means your funds are gone forever.
Rule 7: Be Skeptical of DMs
Nobody who DMs you first is legitimate. Scammers impersonate support staff, exchange employees, and crypto influencers. Real companies communicate through official channels, not DMs.
Rule 8: Keep Your Crypto Activity Private
Don’t tell people how much crypto you own. Don’t post screenshots of your portfolio. Don’t brag about gains on social media. This makes you a target for hackers and social engineers.
Rule 9: Use a Dedicated Email for Crypto
Create a separate email address used only for crypto exchanges. Don’t use it for anything else. This reduces the attack surface and makes phishing harder.
Rule 10: Stay Updated
Scam techniques evolve constantly. Follow reputable crypto security accounts on Twitter. Read about recent hacks to learn how they happened. The best defense is awareness. If you follow these 10 rules, you’ll be safer than 95% of crypto users.
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