#CryptoSecurity101 Why self-custody is no longer optional

In 2024, I trusted a centralized exchange for everything. Then, one morning, withdrawals were "temporarily" suspended. It took 3 months to recover some of the funds. It was my wake-up call.

Since then, I have learned a fundamental truth: if it’s not your keys, it’s not your cryptocurrency.

Cryptocurrency security is not just about hardware wallets or 2FA — it’s a mindset. Most people only discover this after the fact. Don’t be one of them.

🔐 Here are the fundamental rules I follow:

Use cold storage for long-term investments.

Ledger, Trezor — choose one. Learn how to use it. Rely on yourself, not the platform.

Do not use the same passwords. Ever.

Use a password manager. A breach shouldn’t cost you your entire wallet.

Be paranoid — in a good way.

Phishing emails, fake airdrops, "support" in DMs — they are traps. In the cryptocurrency world, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

The future of finance is decentralized. But with freedom comes responsibility. Security is not a one-time setup — it’s a habit.

Do a favor for your future self. Lock it in now.