You don't need to encrypt your wallet. What if you forget the passphrase or maybe even die - your family can't reach into your cold dead brain and retrieve the passphrase! This would be worse than having your wallet stolen as the coins would be gone forever.
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/howto-create-a-100-secure-wallet-17240
This is all you need, and you have all the tools at hand to do it.
Spend a little time on it and make sure you're happy with the process. You are now 100% responsible for securing your own coins so it's worth the time investment. Heck, after Cyprus this will be even more secure than keeping your money in a bank.
Topic: Can non-techies keep their Bitcoin secure easily? - page 2. (Read 1611 times)
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A paper wallet maybe the best option for op
Yes, but it is too complicated to generate secure paper wallet for average person
That and I do not have a printer; all I have is my laptop, a 2.0 GB USB drive and a Windows smartphone.
You can write the public and private keys down instead. Just go with blockchain.info for now and/or get an electrum wallet and encrypt it and back it up on the usb.
http://electrum.org/
A paper wallet maybe the best option for op
Yes, but it is too complicated to generate secure paper wallet for average person
That and I do not have a printer; all I have is my laptop, a 2.0 GB USB drive and a Windows smartphone.
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Activity: 3934
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A paper wallet maybe the best option for op
Yes, but it is too complicated to generate secure paper wallet for average person
Hmm... maybe, It's definitely daunting at first. Just try send a little bit of BTC to test it out; if nobody nabs it after a while, keep topping it up bit by bit and you should be fine. The first thing to remember is just read as much info as you can about wallets and safely storing them. It seems impossible to be able to store them safely at first, but you quickly gain confidence.
Could I try buying a few mBTC, put it on a USB Wallet and bounce it back and forth between the USB Wallet and my blockchain.info Wallet, just to get a feel for how BTC transactions work? Is that a good idea?
Yes, you could do that, or get another cheaper Cryptocoin to play around with. FTC and IFC both use the same wallet applications, so if you get used to one you'll be used to 'em all, and if you do somehow lose the coins it wont be as bad as losing any BTC. You can usually get free IFC sent to you from people on these forums. Just keep an eye out for giveaways.
A paper wallet maybe the best option for op
Yes, but it is too complicated to generate secure paper wallet for average person
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At this point, I would say that wallet security is definitely still beyond the average person. Hopefully, sooner than later, options will emerge that make securing your coins less technical.
Check out this link for some information: http://bitcoin.org/en/secure-your-wallet
The best way to secure your coins is to keep them offline. So, ideally you would have an offline machine or storage medium (flash drive, or paper, for instance) that cannot be reached through the internet.
When I decided to get serious about security, I bought a cheap Ubuntu notebook to keep strictly offline. I verified the PGP signature of my wallet download and transferred the install to the notebook. Offline, it can still generate a wallet and address -- I use this address on my online machine to send coins to cold storage.
If you keep coins on an online machine, make sure you encrypt your wallet with a strong password, set firewall to deny incoming connections, and ensure that your antivirus software is adequate/operational and fully updated. And don't keep your passwords saved on your machine. (All of this is still true with an offline machine)
You may look into running Linux/Ubuntu as a LiveCD on your Windows machine (disable networking/unplug all cables upon mounting), so you can simulate an offline machine without affecting your Windows OS.
https://en.bitcoin.it/wiki/How_to_set_up_a_secure_offline_savings_wallet
Also, take a look into PGP/other encryption. I prefer to keep the directory that houses my wallets/backups encrypted as an extra layer of security. It's complicated, though, and may take some time to get the hang of using it. You can encrypt single files using terminal commands (http://askubuntu.com/questions/98443/encrypting-files-and-folder-through-terminal) or look into something like TrueCrypt.
Damn it. I made this sound even more complicated. The fact is, it may take some time and frustration to understand everything. I still feel lost, myself, much of the time.
Check out this link for some information: http://bitcoin.org/en/secure-your-wallet
The best way to secure your coins is to keep them offline. So, ideally you would have an offline machine or storage medium (flash drive, or paper, for instance) that cannot be reached through the internet.
When I decided to get serious about security, I bought a cheap Ubuntu notebook to keep strictly offline. I verified the PGP signature of my wallet download and transferred the install to the notebook. Offline, it can still generate a wallet and address -- I use this address on my online machine to send coins to cold storage.
If you keep coins on an online machine, make sure you encrypt your wallet with a strong password, set firewall to deny incoming connections, and ensure that your antivirus software is adequate/operational and fully updated. And don't keep your passwords saved on your machine. (All of this is still true with an offline machine)
You may look into running Linux/Ubuntu as a LiveCD on your Windows machine (disable networking/unplug all cables upon mounting), so you can simulate an offline machine without affecting your Windows OS.
https://en.bitcoin.it/wiki/How_to_set_up_a_secure_offline_savings_wallet
Also, take a look into PGP/other encryption. I prefer to keep the directory that houses my wallets/backups encrypted as an extra layer of security. It's complicated, though, and may take some time to get the hang of using it. You can encrypt single files using terminal commands (http://askubuntu.com/questions/98443/encrypting-files-and-folder-through-terminal) or look into something like TrueCrypt.
Damn it. I made this sound even more complicated. The fact is, it may take some time and frustration to understand everything. I still feel lost, myself, much of the time.
Good advice. A paper wallet maybe the best option for op, or blockchain.info if you're prepared to keep 'em online, I've had no problems with it and the two factor authentication which sends a code to my mobile phone which I need to log in is reassuring.
At this point, I would say that wallet security is definitely still beyond the average person. Hopefully, sooner than later, options will emerge that make securing your coins less technical.
Check out this link for some information: http://bitcoin.org/en/secure-your-wallet
The best way to secure your coins is to keep them offline. So, ideally you would have an offline machine or storage medium (flash drive, or paper, for instance) that cannot be reached through the internet.
When I decided to get serious about security, I bought a cheap Ubuntu notebook to keep strictly offline. I verified the PGP signature of my wallet download and transferred the install to the notebook. Offline, it can still generate a wallet and address -- I use this address on my online machine to send coins to cold storage.
If you keep coins on an online machine, make sure you encrypt your wallet with a strong password, set firewall to deny incoming connections, and ensure that your antivirus software is adequate/operational and fully updated. And don't keep your passwords saved on your machine. (All of this is still true with an offline machine)
You may look into running Linux/Ubuntu as a LiveCD on your Windows machine (disable networking/unplug all cables upon mounting), so you can simulate an offline machine without affecting your Windows OS.
https://en.bitcoin.it/wiki/How_to_set_up_a_secure_offline_savings_wallet
Also, take a look into PGP/other encryption. I prefer to keep the directory that houses my wallets/backups encrypted as an extra layer of security. It's complicated, though, and may take some time to get the hang of using it. You can encrypt single files using terminal commands (http://askubuntu.com/questions/98443/encrypting-files-and-folder-through-terminal) or look into something like TrueCrypt.
Damn it. I made this sound even more complicated. The fact is, it may take some time and frustration to understand everything. I still feel lost, myself, much of the time.
Check out this link for some information: http://bitcoin.org/en/secure-your-wallet
The best way to secure your coins is to keep them offline. So, ideally you would have an offline machine or storage medium (flash drive, or paper, for instance) that cannot be reached through the internet.
When I decided to get serious about security, I bought a cheap Ubuntu notebook to keep strictly offline. I verified the PGP signature of my wallet download and transferred the install to the notebook. Offline, it can still generate a wallet and address -- I use this address on my online machine to send coins to cold storage.
If you keep coins on an online machine, make sure you encrypt your wallet with a strong password, set firewall to deny incoming connections, and ensure that your antivirus software is adequate/operational and fully updated. And don't keep your passwords saved on your machine. (All of this is still true with an offline machine)
You may look into running Linux/Ubuntu as a LiveCD on your Windows machine (disable networking/unplug all cables upon mounting), so you can simulate an offline machine without affecting your Windows OS.
https://en.bitcoin.it/wiki/How_to_set_up_a_secure_offline_savings_wallet
Also, take a look into PGP/other encryption. I prefer to keep the directory that houses my wallets/backups encrypted as an extra layer of security. It's complicated, though, and may take some time to get the hang of using it. You can encrypt single files using terminal commands (http://askubuntu.com/questions/98443/encrypting-files-and-folder-through-terminal) or look into something like TrueCrypt.
Damn it. I made this sound even more complicated. The fact is, it may take some time and frustration to understand everything. I still feel lost, myself, much of the time.
I have no idea what encryption actually is; if it's just assigning a password, I've already done that. I'm fairly confident in my password; long, mixed-case letters, numbers and symbols. If you're asking me to do some actual programming, that's beyond my skill set. I really don't want to risk screwing up this computer.
I already have a blockchain.info wallet (albeit an empty one). I had asked on another thread if it's possible to set up a wallet on a 2.0 GB USB drive; didn't get any answers. Could I set up an "offline" Wallet on that?
Could I try buying a few mBTC, put it on a USB Wallet and bounce it back and forth between the USB Wallet and my blockchain.info Wallet, just to get a feel for how BTC transactions work? Is that a good idea?
Hi there,
My suggestion would be to encrypt your wallet with Passphrase.
My suggestion would be to encrypt your wallet with Passphrase.
Is Passphrase a program or an app? Or are you asking me to assign a password to my wallet?
I setup a blockchain.info account, and I was required to assign a password from the start. I think it's pretty strong, but I have no idea how secure that site is or if my computer is secure; that's why I'm afraid to get started.
I think the post earlier was suggesting that you assign a passphrase to your desktop wallet (like Bitcoin QT), if you have one. Encrypting your wallet is the first step.
At this point, I would say that wallet security is definitely still beyond the average person. Hopefully, sooner than later, options will emerge that make securing your coins less technical.
Check out this link for some information: http://bitcoin.org/en/secure-your-wallet
The best way to secure your coins is to keep them offline. So, ideally you would have an offline machine or storage medium (flash drive, or paper, for instance) that cannot be reached through the internet.
When I decided to get serious about security, I bought a cheap Ubuntu notebook to keep strictly offline. I verified the PGP signature of my wallet download and transferred the install to the notebook. Offline, it can still generate a wallet and address -- I use this address on my online machine to send coins to cold storage.
If you keep coins on an online machine, make sure you encrypt your wallet with a strong password, set firewall to deny incoming connections, and ensure that your antivirus software is adequate/operational and fully updated. And don't keep your passwords saved on your machine. (All of this is still true with an offline machine)
You may look into running Linux/Ubuntu as a LiveCD on your Windows machine (disable networking/unplug all cables upon mounting), so you can simulate an offline machine without affecting your Windows OS.
https://en.bitcoin.it/wiki/How_to_set_up_a_secure_offline_savings_wallet
Also, take a look into PGP/other encryption. I prefer to keep the directory that houses my wallets/backups encrypted as an extra layer of security. It's complicated, though, and may take some time to get the hang of using it. You can encrypt single files using terminal commands (http://askubuntu.com/questions/98443/encrypting-files-and-folder-through-terminal) or look into something like TrueCrypt.
Damn it. I made this sound even more complicated. The fact is, it may take some time and frustration to understand everything. I still feel lost, myself, much of the time.
Check out this link for some information: http://bitcoin.org/en/secure-your-wallet
The best way to secure your coins is to keep them offline. So, ideally you would have an offline machine or storage medium (flash drive, or paper, for instance) that cannot be reached through the internet.
When I decided to get serious about security, I bought a cheap Ubuntu notebook to keep strictly offline. I verified the PGP signature of my wallet download and transferred the install to the notebook. Offline, it can still generate a wallet and address -- I use this address on my online machine to send coins to cold storage.
If you keep coins on an online machine, make sure you encrypt your wallet with a strong password, set firewall to deny incoming connections, and ensure that your antivirus software is adequate/operational and fully updated. And don't keep your passwords saved on your machine. (All of this is still true with an offline machine)
You may look into running Linux/Ubuntu as a LiveCD on your Windows machine (disable networking/unplug all cables upon mounting), so you can simulate an offline machine without affecting your Windows OS.
https://en.bitcoin.it/wiki/How_to_set_up_a_secure_offline_savings_wallet
Also, take a look into PGP/other encryption. I prefer to keep the directory that houses my wallets/backups encrypted as an extra layer of security. It's complicated, though, and may take some time to get the hang of using it. You can encrypt single files using terminal commands (http://askubuntu.com/questions/98443/encrypting-files-and-folder-through-terminal) or look into something like TrueCrypt.
Damn it. I made this sound even more complicated. The fact is, it may take some time and frustration to understand everything. I still feel lost, myself, much of the time.
Hi there,
My suggestion would be to encrypt your wallet with Passphrase.
My suggestion would be to encrypt your wallet with Passphrase.
Is Passphrase a program or an app? Or are you asking me to assign a password to my wallet?
I setup a blockchain.info account, and I was required to assign a password from the start. I think it's pretty strong, but I have no idea how secure that site is or if my computer is secure; that's why I'm afraid to get started.
Dont know if still active, but look for hardware wallet project:
[PREORDER] Trezor: Bitcoin hardware wallet
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/eshop-launched-trezor-bitcoin-hardware-wallet-122438
[PREORDER] Trezor: Bitcoin hardware wallet
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/eshop-launched-trezor-bitcoin-hardware-wallet-122438
Hi there,
My suggestion would be to encrypt your wallet with Passphrase.
My suggestion would be to encrypt your wallet with Passphrase.
I discovered Bitcoin earlier this week and this forum shortly after; I've wanted to dip my toes in it, but in all honesty, I've been afraid to buy even one mBTC because of all the stories of hacking and scams I've read on here.
I've been trying to learn about how to set up a safe, secure Wallet, but when I read about people doing things like running Unix to access Apache servers on the Tor Network and encryption and writing subroutines in Java, it's all alien to me; I have no idea how any of these things work.
I just have an ordinary, Windows 8 laptop; I have no idea what kind of security features it has or if it's secure; I don't know if I've ever been hacked or had a virus. I have no idea if it's safe to set up a wallet on my computer. What can I do? What can an average computer user do to set up a safe, secure Wallet and keep their Bitcoins as hack/scam-proof as possible?
I've been trying to learn about how to set up a safe, secure Wallet, but when I read about people doing things like running Unix to access Apache servers on the Tor Network and encryption and writing subroutines in Java, it's all alien to me; I have no idea how any of these things work.
I just have an ordinary, Windows 8 laptop; I have no idea what kind of security features it has or if it's secure; I don't know if I've ever been hacked or had a virus. I have no idea if it's safe to set up a wallet on my computer. What can I do? What can an average computer user do to set up a safe, secure Wallet and keep their Bitcoins as hack/scam-proof as possible?
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