Topic: Bitcoin security tips for beginners (Read 287 times)
One of the best security habits I learned as a newbie was that I always did a double check on the bitcoin address before sending. This is because I am aware that there are malwares used by hackers to could change the bitcoin address once I copy and paste it into a bitcoin exchange. So the measure I take is to always double check and sometimes, I copy the first half and intentionally type the remainder.
I would just say Uphold the word privacy in the private keys, that’s why it’s called that in the first place, how ever you want to save it that would be convenient for you make sure it is easily recoverable by you when you need to, many Crypto-currency asset has been lost because the owners couldn’t get the private keys anymore. Being secured doesn’t have to be complicated, keep your wallet on devices you are most likely to be the only one accessing.
4. Make Use of Hardware Wallet: The most secure way to store your Bitcoin is in a hardware wallet.
Personally, I believe setting up a cold wallet on a secure airgapped device is safer than using a hardware wallet. Some may even argue that paper wallets are safer.. The advantage of hardware wallets is they are easier to use and they are more convenient for daily usage.2. Don’t save your recovery seed digitally: Keep your 12-word secret recovery phrase off any digital storage. Everything that is online as you may well know is vulnerable to hackers.
Saving your wallet seed or wallet file digitally doesn't mean it has to be online. You can save them on a USB or airgapped device which has never been and will never be connected to the Internet or to any other network. A digital backup of your wallet is not a bad idea as long as you know what to do to keep it safe. 
People who are new to the crypto world are impossible to directly use a hardware wallet, most of them will actually use an online wallet even exchange wallet because they think it's safe as long as they use double security like 2fa, even though it's not safe at all because the platform can be hacked.
Therefore, this thread gives you the choice of what security you should use and what you should do to make it more secure. I've also been a beginner, but today's beginners will benefit more because a lot of people talk about good security for beginners so they can avoid scammers and some mistakes. The use of 2FA security is also quite good but you need to learn other security. Hardware wallets are a good recommendation, but even if you use the wallet application on a mobile device or computer, you need to pay attention to security and don't be careless.
I will also add that never share to anyone your private or seed phrase. Use only the official links of a wallet before downloading it and putting your recovery phrase there. Make sure that your device is not compromised for some malwares that will result for your bitcoin and other crypto to disappear suddenly. Use multiple layer of security on hardware wallets. There are some that use fingerprint to approve transaction not just putting a 4-digit pin or alphanumeric password.
Telegram scams are the most obvious types of scams we have seen recently as you would be added to some fake groups without your wish and then they will promote some shitcoins there or send you links with lucrative offers and under greed or carelessness you click on them and rest work is done by them by taking control of your funds or you yourself deposit in their wallets.
So just have the settings that only your contacts can add your to group as by default it's set on for everyone which is risky as you are paraded by scammers in your telegram account.
Telegram>Settings>Privacy and security>Groups>My contacts
I know. If anyone need a more guides to avoid scam on Telegram.So just have the settings that only your contacts can add your to group as by default it's set on for everyone which is risky as you are paraded by scammers in your telegram account.
Telegram>Settings>Privacy and security>Groups>My contacts
- Impersonating scam on Telegram
- Do this if you don't want to be dragged to different telegram ICOs
- Some Telegram tips for newcomers in the crypto community
- One more thing, if any stranger contacts you on Telegram and give you financial invitation, you should ignore it. If you look back at these users a few weeks later, you will see they turn to Deleted accounts. Scammers confirmed!
Quote
This is safety step along with 2FA with TOTP methods but also remember most of them have authenticator installed on same device and in case it's gone your security steps also fail so be sure about the same.
Yeah. I have it too. You can also set up 2FA password. 
- Restrict people who can add you to groups. The less exposure to potential scam groups, the less risk you will see and click on hazardous links.
So just have the settings that only your contacts can add your to group as by default it's set on for everyone which is risky as you are paraded by scammers in your telegram account.
Telegram>Settings>Privacy and security>Groups>My contacts
This is safety step along with 2FA with TOTP methods but also remember most of them have authenticator installed on same device and in case it's gone your security steps also fail so be sure about the same.
4. Make Use of Hardware Wallet: The most secure way to store your Bitcoin is in a hardware wallet. It provides a considerably higher and thorough level of protection. A hardware wallet is a physical device that is not connected to a network that enables you to store your bitcoin offline. It uses an encrypted USB key that has an onboard computer running in its own unique operating system. There are various kinds of hardware wallets which are explained in the link below.
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/guide-hardware-wallets-which-one-is-a-good-choice-4578719
Cybercriminals utilize advanced methods to crack into BitCoin wallets to steal funds covertly outside the owner's awareness.
You make it sound like cypbercriminals have to be that advanced in tech to be able to wreck havoc. A simple pm promising a great ROI to a greedy newbie can swerve a scam to a criminal's favour, even here. Many people who think (erroneously that is) that Bitcoin is a hyip or a get rich quick type of investment will fall for anything that's a shortcut to riches. To a greater extent, most people get scammed because of their own greed to hit it big instantly. BTW, you don't have to write Bitcoin like it's two different entities with a capital letter c.Quote
2. Don’t save your recovery seed digitally.
5. Avoid storing your BitCoin in exchanges
Nothing can be farther from the truth with number 2. People shouldn't do that. However, number 5 can only be practicable for those who hodl and not the regular traders who need their coins for daily engagement. You don't want to be transferring Bitcoin/cryptos every time you want to trade. 5. Avoid storing your BitCoin in exchanges
Clicking on the links we see on internet is first step we should avoid as they can put virus in our device looking for funds in our wallets and before we know about it the wallet is drained out so stop clicking on links as your security step
- Don't click on unknown links from people who don't know.
- Don't click on strange links from people you know.
- As always, set up 2FA for all of your accounts (email, Telegram, Discord, etc.) if they allow you to customize your account settings this way.
- Restrict people who can add you to groups. The less exposure to potential scam groups, the less risk you will see and click on hazardous links.
- Avoid any "too good to be true" offer from strangers. Very likely scam and hazardous links.
I’ve been saving my recovery seed phrase digitally and stored it on my cloud storage since I start in crypto way back 2015. I knew the danger of storing it digitally but I know how to properly protect it so I’m fine and no history of losses even before.
I hope you really know what you're doing because that's very risky even with the standards of a security expert. There's a good chance that you're overestimating your security.I believe beginner should know these steps for basic and also they should also know too how to protect them even by not doing this by the book method like trust only hardware wallet because it will be very inconvenient to carry always your hardware wallet or make a quick transaction if you are using hardware wallet only as safety precautions.
You don't necessarily need to put 100% of your money on your hardware wallet, just like how you don't put 100% of your money in your bank; you have some on-hand physically for easier purchasing. 
The best thing about security tips for Bitcoin is:
1. Avoid linking your PC or phone to any connection and you shouldn't downloading any malicious software especially you installed the crack version (which is you don't know the credibility of the sources).
2. You shouldn't click random sites and use only https to prevent from any risk to get infected by a malware.
3. Don't ever publish your email, address etc since if they can link your address to other personal information, you might got blackmailed.
Clicking on the links we see on internet is first step we should avoid as they can put virus in our device looking for funds in our wallets and before we know about it the wallet is drained out so stop clicking on links as your security step and follow the rest steps also to be more secure as your funds could be gone easily with your one mistake only. 1. Avoid linking your PC or phone to any connection and you shouldn't downloading any malicious software especially you installed the crack version (which is you don't know the credibility of the sources).
2. You shouldn't click random sites and use only https to prevent from any risk to get infected by a malware.
3. Don't ever publish your email, address etc since if they can link your address to other personal information, you might got blackmailed.
The more accurate expression is airgapped that seeds did not connect to the Internet and will not connect (Air gap (networking)).
Some of very old guides about air-gapped walletsOne of worst practice is making backup, exclusively password and save it in email, Dropbox, Google Drive. Storing personal and vulnerable things on third-party services are very risky practice.
Offline mode gives a false sense of security, as the hacker may be connected using Bluetooth or any connection other than the Internet, and there may be viruses on your computer that record data and transmit it when you connect to the Internet.
The more accurate expression is airgapped that seeds did not connect to the Internet and will not connect (Air gap (networking)).
The rest of advises are good.
The more accurate expression is airgapped that seeds did not connect to the Internet and will not connect (Air gap (networking)).
The rest of advises are good.
Well for me --there are no good and secure wallets if you don't know how to protect your seed. This is very important of all when it comes to storing your assets, because for me --even though I am using an open-source wallet like Electrum for how many years but I did not get even hacked because I know how to protect it and just to be vigilant upon using your wallet online.
Storing on the exchange or any custodial wallet is very risky, anytime an exchange or custodial wallet has a right to freeze your account if you will violate the terms.
However, though OP has given good advice, there are still many factors to consider of storing your bitcoin safe.
Storing on the exchange or any custodial wallet is very risky, anytime an exchange or custodial wallet has a right to freeze your account if you will violate the terms.
However, though OP has given good advice, there are still many factors to consider of storing your bitcoin safe.
Pick an open source wallet, and most importantly, how to keep our private keys. As long as your seed/private key is safe, no one can attack your crypto assets. Hardware wallets will increase your security somewhat, but not make you absolutely safe, if you don't know how to store your private keys, so will any wallet.
Storing assets on exchanges is not really a good idea, but since one is trading on them on a daily basis, storing assets on exchanges is inevitable, the best way is that you should only leave a part of your assets just enough for work, the rest should be in your personal wallet.
1. Keep Private Keys Offline
2. Don’t save your recovery seed digitally.
3. Use Dedicated Hardware
4. Make Use of Hardware Wallet
5. Avoid storing your BitCoin in exchanges
You're actually repeating your own words, this mean you're only give 3 guides.2. Don’t save your recovery seed digitally.
3. Use Dedicated Hardware
4. Make Use of Hardware Wallet
5. Avoid storing your BitCoin in exchanges
The best thing about security tips for Bitcoin is:
1. Avoid linking your PC or phone to any connection and you shouldn't downloading any malicious software especially you installed the crack version (which is you don't know the credibility of the sources).
2. You shouldn't click random sites and use only https to prevent from any risk to get infected by a malware.
3. Don't ever publish your email, address etc since if they can link your address to other personal information, you might got blackmailed.
Well for me --there are no good and secure wallets if you don't know how to protect your seed. This is very important of all when it comes to storing your assets, because for me --even though I am using an open-source wallet like Electrum for how many years but I did not get even hacked because I know how to protect it and just to be vigilant upon using your wallet online.
Storing on the exchange or any custodial wallet is very risky, anytime an exchange or custodial wallet has a right to freeze your account if you will violate the terms.
However, though OP has given good advice, there are still many factors to consider of storing your bitcoin safe.
Storing on the exchange or any custodial wallet is very risky, anytime an exchange or custodial wallet has a right to freeze your account if you will violate the terms.
However, though OP has given good advice, there are still many factors to consider of storing your bitcoin safe.
That's the best practice but find out the coins the wallet support in case you are looking to store some altcoins in them so to be sure beforehand.
Trezor supports less coins than Ledger, but we are still talking about almost 2000 different coins and tokens. There are differences between Trezor One and Trezor T when it comes to crypto support. Ledger supports even more and there are no differences between the 3 currently available models (except the missing support for some assets in the new Nano S Plus). I would argue that if the coin you are holding has been around for a while but it's still not supported by either/both Trezor and Ledger, it's not an asset worth holding at all. 2. Don’t save your recovery seed digitally.
You should be storing your seeds phrases offline in multiple places with extra copies but be sure they are accessible only by you.You don't need to have any SS for it on your device also and don't share it with others also.To add extra layer of security add passphrase to them but remember you also need to backup it in case you have added them with seed phrases.But if you want to save them on metal devices to protect them from extreme conditions then you can have a look at this thread : Securing Seed phrase with washers
4. Make Use of Hardware Wallet
That's the best practice but find out the coins the wallet support in case you are looking to store some altcoins in them so to be sure beforehand.But if you are planning to have Ledger Nano Model X then don't buy it as there are many technical bugs and battery issue with it.5. Avoid storing your BitCoin in exchanges
If you want to loose control over your funds and don't care about them at all then leave them on these CEX who will put restrictions on you for using your funds only.Enjoy giving away your coins to them.
Maybe the OP can also revisit this old but still very relevant topic regarding security tips:
[1]Best practice handling Bitcoins
We also need to protect our computers and or PC as well as they are the first one to be vulnerable to hackers and cyber criminals. So another basic that we need to know in the beginning. Don't used crack anti-virus software, just just the genuine one even if it cost you some money because you might regret not getting them in the beginning as they are the first wall of defense.
[1]Best practice handling Bitcoins
We also need to protect our computers and or PC as well as they are the first one to be vulnerable to hackers and cyber criminals. So another basic that we need to know in the beginning. Don't used crack anti-virus software, just just the genuine one even if it cost you some money because you might regret not getting them in the beginning as they are the first wall of defense.
Jump to: