Crypto Wallet Security: Essential Protection Measures
Crypto asset security centers on protecting your private key and seed phrase. Once compromised, assets are permanently and irrecoverably lost. Understanding attack vectors and defenses is critical.
TL;DR
Crypto asset security centers on protecting your private key and seed phrase. Once compromised, assets are permanently and irrecoverably lost. Understanding attack vectors and defenses is critical.
Wallet Types and Security Levels
Hot Wallet (online): MetaMask, Trust Wallet, Coinbase Wallet — browser/mobile wallets. Convenient for DeFi but lower security (always internet-connected). Cold Wallet (offline): Ledger, Trezor hardware wallets. Private key never touches the internet — most secure. Exchange accounts: not true wallets, exchange holds your keys (FTX lesson). Security ranking: Cold Wallet >> Hot Wallet >> Exchange Account. Recommendation: store large amounts (>$1,000) in cold wallet; use hot wallet for daily operations (only small amounts).