This article will list and show you some easy steps that you can use to protect your Cryptocurrency as you signup to trade on an exchange.

1. A special Email Address and Password.

You must use a special email address for https://www.binance.com, https://www.kucoin.com, https://www.gate.io or any other exchange you use. Keep your email address secret. Don’t reveal your special email address to your family and friends. They don’t need to know it. For the above reason, never use a facebook or twitter email for your trading account.

2. Use a Secure Email Provider.

Your email is your primary gateway into the exchange and alt-coin market. You need to have an email to signup for an account with any exchange. All transactions and account details for your exchange are sent to your email for verification. You must make sure your email provider is known, respected and offers very secure. Stories of Yahoo Mail user data being stolen and the frequent hacks are not encouraging to have an account with them. Also, if you have to use a domain email, make sure you have control of the domain. You could use your work email only to have it deleted by your employer. Use Proton Mail if you want email that completely encrypted and secured. Gmail is also recommended.

3. Use 2FA for your Email and Exchange Accounts.

Two Factor Authentication (2FA) also known as two step verification, is an extra layer of security that is known as “multi factor authentication” that requires not only a password and username but also something that only, and only, that user has on them, i.e. a piece of information only they should know or have immediately to hand — such as a physical token or a unique code available only to you.

Make sure to secure both your Email and Exchange account with 2 FA. If only your secure the Exchange account, a hacker can crack your email and send a ticket and request your exchange to disable 2 FA and hence get entry into your account and vise-versa. If you use the 2 FA, use one that makes use of an App such as Google authenticator. You can get it on Google Play and the App Store

Google Authenticator

4. Secure your internet connection ie WiFi.

WiFi is a security weak point. There are just too many variables. Older routers use weak encryption methods that are no longer secure. Many have default admin passwords that are extremely easy to guess. WiFi password is often shared with guests, and if one person has a password sharing app on their phone, then there could be millions of people having access to your wifi, including a hacker sitting outside of your window sniffing all your traffic. I recommend always using a wired connection if possible. If you have to use a WiFi, especially an open one at airport, mall or restaurant, route all your traffic through a VPN.

5. Use a good Antivirus Software.

Subscribe to a good Antivirus Software. Compared to losing coins, the small fee is very cheap. Keep it up to date.

A good Antivirus software

6. Secure your computer and Phone.

Don’t install too much software and apps on your computer and phone. Be careful about browser plugins as well. Only install the well-known ones such as AdGuard, HTTPS Everywhere etc. Don’t install anything that’s new on the market. There have been many cases of plugins stealing passwords, private keys, or replacing the receiving address for the crypto transaction you are about to send.

I recommend using Linux and LineageOS for your computer and Android phone respectively. Use this computer for crypto trading. And that’s it. You probably could use this computer for hot wallets as well, if your crypto funds are not too large. If you have to use Mac or Windows, that’s great too.

These are some simple measures to help protect your accounts so that your cryptocurrency portfolio is protected. If you think this article helps, please help spread the word. The more people become security conscious, the safer our community will be.

All the best as you venture into Cryptocurrency trading.