🔒 Protect Your Keys Like Fort Knox
Master the security practices that prevent $3 billion in annual crypto theft
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0 / 5 completed🛡️ Security Best Practices
Your private key is your money. There's no "forgot password" button in blockchain. Let's learn how to protect your keys like your life depends on it.
⚠️ The Golden Rules
NEVER Share
- ❌Private keys / seed phrases
- ❌Wallet recovery phrases
- ❌Keystore files + passwords
- ❌Screenshots of keys
ALWAYS Do
- ✓Use hardware wallets for large amounts
- ✓Keep multiple secure backups
- ✓Test recovery before depositing
- ✓Verify addresses character by character
🎮 Security Scenarios Quiz
Decide if each scenario is SAFE or UNSAFE. Test your security knowledge!
Friend asks for your seed phrase to "help recover" wallet
Your friend claims they can help you recover access if you share your 12-word seed phrase over messaging.
Website offers to generate a wallet for you online
A convenient web tool offers to generate your private key and send it to your email.
Store seed phrase on password manager with 2FA
Using a reputable password manager with 2FA enabled to store your encrypted seed phrase.
Write seed phrase on paper and store in fireproof safe
Writing your 12-word seed phrase on paper and keeping it in a home safe with backups.
🔐 Storage Methods Comparison
| Method | Security | Convenience | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🔐 Hardware Wallet | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ | Large holdings, HODLing |
| 📝 Paper Wallet | ★★★★☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | Cold storage, gifts |
| 📱 Mobile Wallet | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ | Daily transactions |
| 💻 Desktop Wallet | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | Regular trading |
| 🌐 Exchange Wallet | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★★★ | Active trading only |
🎯 Common Attack Vectors
Phishing
Fake websites/emails impersonating wallets or exchanges to steal your keys.
"Your wallet needs verification! Click here and enter your seed phrase..."
Never click links in emails. Always type URLs manually. Bookmark legit sites.
Malware
Keyloggers, clipboard hijackers, and screen capture tools that steal keys.
Software that changes copied addresses to attacker's address
Use antivirus. Hardware wallets. Verify addresses. Clean systems for key generation.
Physical Theft
Stolen devices with wallets or seed phrases stored insecurely.
Laptop stolen with unencrypted wallet file or seed phrase in notes app
Encrypt devices. Use strong passphrases. Store seeds in secure locations.
Social Engineering
Manipulating people to reveal keys through trust or urgency.
"I'm from support. To fix your account, I need your seed phrase..."
No legitimate service EVER asks for your keys. Trust no one with keys.
✅ Security Checklist
Remember: Not Your Keys, Not Your Coins
If someone else holds your private keys (like an exchange), you don't truly own those coins. They can:
- •Get hacked and lose your funds
- •Go bankrupt (FTX, Mt. Gox, etc.)
- •Freeze your account without warning
- •Require KYC or deny withdrawals
For serious holdings, always withdraw to a wallet where YOU control the private keys.