How To Secure Your Crypto Wallet In 2024: 5 Expert Tips

In the age of digital innovations and technological advancements, cryptocurrencies have taken the world by storm. With a decentralized nature, and secure and efficient transfers, many people have turned to cryptocurrencies as a digital asset. However, as the interest in cryptocurrencies continues to increase, so does the interest from cybercriminals. The methods and tactics to exploit vulnerabilities within the blockchain technology of cryptocurrencies continues to get more and more creative, making it crucial to have a high level of security for your crypto wallet.

To be able to pick the right crypto wallet, you need to have knowledge about both old and new threats, understand the complexities of blockchain technologies to understand how these threats arise, and make the right decisions regarding your crypto wallet. The latter is what this article will cover.

Hardware vs. software: Choosing the right wallet

One thing you have to consider is whether you want hardware or a software wallet. Each type offers a different level of security. Software wallets are apps installed on your computer or your smartphone. You can easily download a software wallet from Google Play which has an easy interface and high level of security. This type of wallet is more convenient than a hardware wallet, but this convenience comes at the cost of security. The software wallet is connected to the internet, which makes them more susceptible to cyberattacks.

Hardware wallets are physical devices which store your private keys offline. This means that they are not connected to the internet, making them less vulnerable to malicious cyberattacks. To find the right balance, it is recommended to use a software wallet for smaller and more frequent transactions and using the hardware wallet for more long-storage for larger amounts of cryptocurrencies.

Enabling two-factor authentication (2FA)

To add an extra layer of protection to your crypto wallet, you should use the security measure 2FA. Here you need both a password and a second form of identification to gain access to your wallet. The second form of identification could for example be through a text message or an authentication app. This will reduce the risk of unauthorized access. Since cyber threats are more sophisticated in 2024 than ever, taking such precautions are crucial. Both phishing attacks and keylogging malware are common cyber threats, but with 2FA it does not matter if an attacker obtains your password, since they would also need access to your second form of identification to get access to your wallet.

There are three different types of 2FA. The SMS-based 2FA sends you an SMS to confirm your log-in attempts. Another method is using an authentication app, where you log on to the app to confirm your log-in attempts. Lastly, and the highest level of security, is using a hardware token. This will make your authentication key a physical device.

Regularly updating your wallet software

In the digital world it is always important to keep software up to date. This is also the case for your wallet software, since developers frequently release updates with the purpose to patch vulnerabilities and improve security features. It can leave you exposed if you fail to update your wallet software. This makes it crucial to stay up to date on new updates. The rapid pace of technological advancements means that software vulnerabilities are being detected faster than ever, leading to regular updates.

You will find that some wallets offer automatic updates, whereas you might have to do manual updates in others. There are benefits with both: Automatic updates means that you don’t have to remember it yourself, but it can be risky if the update contains a bug. Manual updates mean you have to remember to start an update yourself, but if allows you to review the update details before installing it.

Be wary of phishing scams

Phishing scams have been an integrated part of the digital world for long and has also become a threat in the crypto world. Attackers continue to find new ways to trick users, with the purpose of making them reveal their private keys. It is expected that phishing schemes will become more sophisticated in 2024, especially due to the use of social engineering tactics and AI-driven methods.

Phishing attempts can take shape in various ways. It often contains fake websites, emails, or messages, which at first glance appear legitimate, but they are designed to steal your credentials. These are the most common types to keep an eye out for:

• Email phishing: Scammers send emails which are designed to look like a legitimate crypto exchange or wallet provider, often urging you to click on a link.
• Website phishing: A tactic is to use a domain name that looks almost identical to a real URL, making you enter your wallet information online.
• Social media phishing: Scammers can take the shape of support representatives or influencers on social media, or create fake giveaways to gain access to your private keys.

Use strong and unique passwords, and secure backup

Your first line of defense for your crypto wallet is your password, meaning that you should make sure you have a unique and strong password for all your accounts. A strong password should be between 12-16 characters long and include a mix of both upper- and lower-case letters, numbers, and symbols.

You should also securely store your wallet’s recovery phrase. This is the key to restring your wallet if you lose it or damage it. By storing it securely offline, you avoid digital storage methods gets hacked.

Disclaimer: This article is provided by the Client. The Client is solely responsible for this page’s content, quality, accuracy, products, advertising, or other materials. Readers should conduct their own research before taking any actions related to the material available on this page. The Crypto Basic is not responsible for the accuracy of info and any damage or loss caused or alleged to be caused by the use of or reliance on any content, goods, or services mentioned in this article.

Please note that The Crypto Basic does not endorse or support any content or product on this page. We strongly advise readers to conduct their own research before acting on any information presented here and assume full responsibility for their decisions. This article should not be considered investment advice.