#CryptoSecurity101 # Crypto Security 101 🔐🛡️

In the world of crypto, **you are your own bank**—which is empowering, but also risky if you're not careful. Here's a beginner-friendly guide to **protecting your digital assets**.

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## 🚨 Why Crypto Security Matters

Unlike banks or traditional platforms:

* **No password recovery** if you lose your keys

* **No chargebacks** on the blockchain

* **Scams and hacks** are common

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## 🔑 Core Concepts

### 1. **Private Key**

* A secret code that gives full access to your crypto.

* **Never share it. Never store it online.**

### 2. **Seed Phrase (Recovery Phrase)**

* A 12–24 word backup of your wallet.

* **Write it down offline** and store it securely (never digitally).

### 3. **Public Address**

* Like your email address—but for receiving crypto.

* Safe to share.

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## 🧰 Wallet Types & Their Security

| Wallet Type | Security Level | Example Tools | Online/Offline |

| -------------------- | -------------- | ------------------------- | -------------- |

| **Hardware Wallet** | 🔐🔐🔐🔐🔐 | Ledger, Trezor | Offline |

| **Software Wallet** | 🔐🔐🔐 | MetaMask, Trust Wallet | Online |

| **Custodial Wallet** | 🔐🔐 | Coinbase, Binance wallets | Online |

| **Paper Wallet** | 🔐🔐🔐🔐 | Manually generated keys | Offline |

> **Tip**: For large holdings, **use hardware wallets**.

## 🧠 Security Best Practices

### ✅ DO:

* Use **2FA** (Two-Factor Authentication) for exchanges

* Enable **withdrawal whitelists**

* Keep software and devices **updated**

* Store seed phrases **offline** (preferably in fireproof storage)

* Double-check URLs to avoid **phishing scams**

* Use **cold storage** for long-term holdings

### ❌ DON’T:

* Store private keys or seed phrases in Google Docs, email, or cloud storage

* Click random links or connect wallet to unknown dApps

* Reuse passwords across platforms

* Trust random DMs offering giveaways or support

## 🧨 Common Threats