#CryptoSecurity101

Crypto Security: Lessons From the Trenches

As someone who's been deep in the crypto game for years, I’ve seen it all, from bull run euphoria to scam-filled bear markets. One thing I've learned the hard way: security isn’t optional in this space. It’s survival.

📢 Let’s talk basics — Hot vs. Cold Wallets 🧊🔥

🔥 Hot Wallets are connected to the internet. These include mobile apps, web wallets, and exchange wallets like OKX or MetaMask.

They’re convenient, especially for daily trading or quick access. But that convenience comes with risk.

They're prime targets for hackers, phishing attacks, and malware.

🧊 Cold Wallets, on the other hand, are offline, hardware wallets like Ledger, Trezor, or even paper wallets.

👉🏻 These are best for long-term holding (“HODLing”) because they’re immune to online threats.

👉🏻 But lose your recovery phrase or misplace the device, and you’re out of luck.

🤷🏻 My Setup? A Mix of Both 🤷🏻

Hot Wallets: I keep a small percentage of my portfolio in hot wallets for active trades and quick access. These are secured with strong 2FA (never just SMS), unique passwords, and phishing-resistant email accounts.

Cold Wallets: 90%+ of my long-term holdings live here. I use a Ledger, store my recovery phrases offline and split across two secure physical locations, and never connect the device to unknown computers.

▶️ Other Security Habits I Swear By:

✅ Don’t trust, verify: Always double-check URLs, especially when using DeFi platforms or connecting wallets.

✅ Separate devices: I use a dedicated device just for crypto transactions, no browsing, no emails.

✅ Backups: Encrypted backups of my wallets and recovery phrases are stored securely. No screenshots.

✅ Never share private keys or seed phrases, even if someone claims to be “support.”

🚨 Final Thought:

If you’re making good money in crypto but treating security like a second thought, you’re playing a dangerous game. Protect your assets like your future depends on it, because it does.