Protecting your crypto assets is paramount, as the decentralized nature of the blockchain means you are your own bank. Start with strong, unique passwords for every crypto-related account (exchanges, wallets). Crucially, enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) using an authenticator app (like Google Authenticator or Authy) rather than SMS, which is vulnerable to SIM-swapping attacks.
Your seed phrase is the master key to your funds; never share it, store it digitally (e.g., in Google Drive or screenshots), or type it into any website. Write it down physically and store it in multiple secure, offline locations.
For larger holdings, consider a hardware wallet (cold storage) like Ledger or Trezor, which keeps your private keys offline. Be wary of phishing scams: always double-check URLs, emails, and never click suspicious links. Enable withdrawal whitelists on exchanges to restrict withdrawals to pre-approved addresses. Remember, diligence is your best defense in the crypto world.