How to Stay Crypto Safe

If you’re new to crypto, it’s normal to feel nervous about scams and hacks. This guide explains how to stay crypto safe using simple steps you can actually remember and repeat.

If you missed Part 1, you can start with 5 Costly Crypto Security Mistakes. When you’re ready to keep learning, you can browse more guides in the Media Hub or visit the Crypto Education Hub for structured learning paths.

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1) Don’t get tricked by fake links

Most people think of scams as “obvious spam emails”. In crypto, scams are often much sneakier: fake support chats, fake websites that look almost identical to the real one, or a “Connect wallet” pop-up that isn’t what it seems.

The goal is always the same: get you to click quickly without thinking. To stay crypto safe, slow down and follow one simple habit: you go to the website, the website doesn’t come to you.

• Type the address yourself or use a bookmark you created.
• Ignore search ads and random links in comments or DMs.
• Read wallet pop-ups slowly before approving anything.

2) Protect your phone number (SIM swaps)

A SIM swap is when a criminal convinces your phone provider to move your number onto their SIM card. Suddenly, every SMS code meant for you goes to them instead. If your exchange and email both use SMS codes, that’s a big problem.

You don’t need to be an expert to reduce this risk. A few simple changes go a long way:

• Ask your phone provider to add a PIN or “port-out lock” to your account.
• Move important logins (email, exchange) from SMS codes to an authenticator app.
• Write down backup codes and store them in a safe place at home.

3) Be careful what you show online

You can be careful with your seed phrase and still leak a lot of information in other ways. For example, posting a screenshot of your wallet with your balance and address visible makes it easier for other people to track where your crypto is.

Some simple ways to stay crypto safe here:

• Avoid posting screenshots that show your wallet name, addresses, or full balances.
• Use a new receiving address when your wallet makes that easy.
• Turn off location data in your camera app if you share photos online.

Hardware wallets are often a good next step once your crypto amount starts to feel “meaningful” to you.

4) Keep your browser simple and clean

Browser extensions can be very helpful, but every extra extension is also another thing that can go wrong. If a popular extension gets sold to a new owner, it can be updated in a way that isn’t safe.

You don’t need to delete everything, just keep it simple:

• Only use the extensions you really need for crypto.
• Remove anything you don’t recognise or never use.
• Consider using one browser just for crypto and another for everyday browsing.

5) Use stronger 2FA, not just SMS

Two-factor authentication (2FA) means you need something extra on top of your password to log in. For example, a code from a text message or an app.

A simple way to think about it:

• SMS codes (texts) – better than nothing, but easier to attack.
• Authenticator apps (like Google Authenticator or Authy) – much stronger.
• Security keys (a small USB-style device) – the strongest option, great for larger amounts.

If you’re just starting, moving your main email and exchange logins from SMS to an authenticator app is a huge upgrade.

6) Look after the device you use for crypto

Your phone or computer is like the front door to your crypto. If the device is full of old apps, random downloads, or hasn’t been updated in years, that door is easier to push open.

You don’t need a special “crypto computer”, but it helps to treat one device more carefully:

• Keep your operating system and browser up to date.
• Avoid installing random apps or clicking “yes” on pop-ups you don’t understand.
• Use a screen lock, PIN, or biometrics so someone can’t easily open your device.
• Try not to make important crypto transactions on public Wi-Fi (cafés, airports).

If you decide to use a hardware wallet, always buy directly from the official manufacturer website.

Wrap-up: a simple safety checklist

Staying crypto safe doesn’t mean becoming paranoid or learning every technical detail. It means having a short list of habits you repeat without thinking too hard.

For most beginners, a good starting checklist looks like this:

• Only use links you typed yourself or saved as bookmarks.
• Move your main logins (email + exchange) from SMS codes to an authenticator app.
• Be careful what you show in screenshots and social posts.
• Keep your browser and device clean and up to date.
• Consider a hardware wallet once your crypto amount feels “serious” to you.

If you want more help turning this into a clear plan, you can always come back to My Crypto Guide for more step-by-step explainers and tools, or browse all of our security-focused content in the Crypto Security Guides hub.

Mini-FAQ

Do I need to understand the technology to stay crypto safe?

No. You don’t need to understand how the blockchain works inside. You just need a few basic habits, like using strong logins, avoiding random links, and looking after the device you use for crypto.

Is it okay to leave some money on an exchange?

Many people keep a small amount on an exchange for convenience, especially if they trade. For longer-term savings, it’s usually safer to move most of your crypto into a wallet you control.

What should I do first after reading this?

If you only do one thing today, move your main email and exchange logins from SMS codes to an authenticator app, then write your backup codes on paper and store them somewhere safe at home.