The downside of using cryptocurrency is the security risk that you have to take care of when you are holding or trading any cryptocurrency. To manage this, we gathered some of the best practices for storing cryptocurrency and keeping your coins safe from hackers and thieves.
The present article is all about how to secure bitcoin wallet or crypto wallet. No matter how much Bitcoin or crypto you have stored in your wallet, securing it is a priority. So today, we bring you 13 simple and easy steps to secure bitcoin wallet.
How to secure bitcoin wallet?
1. Set a powerful password.
This is one of the biggest factors responsible for a powerless account, and that’s why it’s in the first position on the list. But the question is: why?
The answer is simple: you are using the weakest password and the same password everywhere. Remember, you are not the only one; there are millions of people doing the same thing.
Let me show you how a non-technical person uses the password: ex. 123456789, Bob12345, Bipinrai125, 1994John,Name, pet name, and so on.
Just see those passwords? These are easy to guess; maybe they are difficult for a human but not for software or top-speed computers.
So how can you create a strong password to secure bitcoin wallet?
While creating a password, do not use your name, pet name, or any other word that is easy to guess. There are many characters on your keyboard, and these are free, so use them.
We will prescribe a password that is 16 or more characters long (especially for the crypto wallet or for other crypto things) and must contain at least three uppercase, lowercase, symbols, and numbers, e.g., “@heRM!>/4duhe29l.” This type of password is much stronger than the above example.
If you think you cannot guess this password, click here to generate one. strong password
2. Use 2FA security to secure bitcoin wallet.
If you have not enabled two-factor authentication (2FA), then do it right now. This is high-level security provided by Google. 2FA is an extra layer of security that is used to make sure that people trying to gain access to an online account are who they say they are.
First, a user will enter their username and password. Then, instead of immediately gaining access, they will be required to provide another piece of information.
If a site you use only requires a password to get in and doesn’t offer 2FA, there’s an excellent chance that it will eventually be hacked. That doesn’t mean that all 2FAs are the same.
There are several types of two-factor authentication that are in use today to secure bitcoin wallet; some may be stronger or more complex than others, but all offer better protection than passwords alone.
3. Set a mobile SMS alert (OTP).
We also know it as an OTP (one-time password). For this, set up your mobile number with your Bitcoin or crypto wallet. But this feature is not available in every Bitcoin or crypto wallet. Why? Because it involves international service and an expensive cost, and some wallets do not accept international service.
We do not recommend enabling this feature because the OTP coming to your mobile number may be delayed, which causes trouble logging into your Bitcoin wallet.
But if the wallet has this feature and accepts your country, then you should enable it to increase the security level.
4. Use a personal email address.
This kind of understanding could protect you from hackers and unwanted links coming to the email account that connects to your wallet. Bitcoin and crypto users have lots of accounts on several websites, and the result is that they are receiving lots of spam emails that contain unwanted links that may affect their wallet security.
To avoid this kind of condition, use a personal or separate email address for your Bitcoin and crypto wallets. So you won’t be confused about which email notification is coming from your wallet.
If you have several accounts on a different website and want to know if your data has been leaked or not, then click here to check the leaked data. information and password for your email by entering your email address.
5. Email Verification Alert.
This is a default feature of any website or Bitcoin wallet, but make sure you have verified your email and enabled this feature in your Bitcoin wallet or website so that every time you log in to your wallet (or do any activity), it asks for verification.
By enabling this feature, you add an extra layer of protection to your Bitcoin wallet, minimizing the risk of unauthorized access and potential loss.
It acts as a gatekeeper, requiring you to verify your email address before gaining access to your wallet or performing any activity that affects your crypto.
6. Keep an eye on browser extensions.
Yes, we know browser extensions have become a part of the browser, especially on laptops and PCs, but make sure you have given a little permission to your installed extensions.
To boost your protection, it is advisable to disable the browser extensions when not in use, particularly during sensitive tasks or work sessions. Disabling extensions ensures they do not run actively in the background, reducing the potential vulnerabilities they might introduce.
This step is only required when you are using your wallet in PC browsers.
7. Keep private keys offline.
Almost all wallets (decentralized wallets) have this feature. In this feature, the wallet gives you a few words (maybe 12–20 words) and says to verify and write it offline.
By verifying and writing down these keys offline, you ensure that even if your device is stolen or lost (or accidentally uninstalled), you can recover them by entering the private keys.
So safeguard your private keys offline and secure bitcoin wallet by implementing physical security measures, because a private key is the only way to access your wallet.
8. Secure bitcoin wallet by using a PIN lock. (In Mobile)
If you are using the Bitcoin mobile wallet app, then enable this feature and set a PIN code. By setting a personal identification number (PIN) code, you can shield your wallet not only from unauthorized access but also from individuals within your social circle, including friends, family, and children.
When setting up your PIN lock, it is essential to choose a strong and memorable PIN code. Avoid using easily guessable codes, such as your birthdate. or sequential numbers.
You can also use biometric authentication options, such as fingerprints. or facial recognition. These features give you an extra layer of security. your wallet.
9. Use your own internet connection.
This is the easiest target for the hacker; no matter how much speed a public internet connection gives you, always use your own secure connection. Public internet connections, especially those found in cafes, airports, and other public spaces, are hotspots for potential cyber attacks. Hackers can exploit the weaknesses in these networks to gain unauthorized access to your devices and intercept sensitive information.
Using a secure internet connection, you can protect your Bitcoin wallet, credit card information, and other vital personal details from falling into the wrong hands.
10. Avoid unknown or suspicious links.
We will strongly suggest that you do not open or click on the suspicious link. that is coming into your email inbox. Remember, the email you received looks normal, but it may contain a link that can give them access to your bitcoin wallet when you click on it.
You can quickly identify potentially harmful messages. Here are a few red flags to look out for: unusual senders and email addresses, urgency, poor grammar and spelling, and unwanted links.
When you see this type of email, change your email and Bitcoin wallet password immediately. If possible, transfer your money to another secure bitcoin wallet.
11. Set limits for everyday withdrawals.
This is a small step to increase the security of your Bitcoin wallet. By doing so, you can set limits on transactions or withdrawals per month, week, and day.
Setting limits for everyday withdrawals is a simple yet powerful measure. you can take to enhance the security of your valuable cryptocurrency holdings.
So in case you lose control of your wallet, you are able to protect your remaining bitcoin or other cryptos in it.
12. Delete cookie data.
This is an unseen threat. You have already noticed this when you visit the website of something. When you visit the website, it sends you a notification that says, “This website uses cookies,” which means the website is storing a small amount of data in a browser, so when you revisit the website, it will read browser cookies, including the data in your Bitcoin wallet.
After logging in to your wallet, make sure you delete your browser history. and cookie data, so other websites will not read your browser history.
13. Use multi-signature if available.
The concept of a multi-signature has gained some popularity; it involves approval from several people (say 3 to 5) for a transaction to take place.
Thus, this limits the threat of theft as a single controller or server. cannot carry out the transactions (i.e., sending bitcoins to an address or withdrawing bitcoins).
The people who can transact are decided at the beginning, and when one If one of them wants to spend or send bitcoins, they require others in the group to approve the transaction. This feature is not for you if you are just trading.
Conclusion.
Before you deposit crypto in your wallet, make sure that you note down these 12 to 13 things so that your bitcoins are safe. Maybe some of the features given above are not available in your bitcoin wallet. Or if you have other advanced security features, then enable all those features to increase your wallet security, no matter how little or how much bitcoin or crypto you have stored in your wallet.
We hope you learned how to secure your Bitcoin wallet or crypto wallet in the right manner. So, get ready to use your crypto wallet with complete security measures.