Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Crypto
Guardian's
Handbook
Essential Strategies
to Protect Your
Cryptocurrency Investments
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consideration of ideas, spur philosophical debate, and inspire further independent
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2
About
the
Authors
Coinplate
The guide was written
by our expert team
At Coinplate, our passion for blockchain and Our cryptocurrency knowledge, coupled with our
cryptocurrency drives us to empower you with the passion for providing secure and reliable storage
knowledge and tools you need to navigate this solutions, has earned us the trust of readers and
innovative space safely and confidently. Our team of customers alike..
dedicated crypto enthusiasts not only creates best-
in-class products but also offers valuable insights STAY CONNECTED
into various aspects of cryptocurrency through our
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popular blog.
@getCoinplate
With over a decade of experience in manufacturing
durable metal products for heavy industries, we
apply our expertise to develop secure, high-quality
storage solutions for your seed phrases. Our
commitment to simplicity ensures that Coinplate's
seed phrase storage solutions are user-friendly and
easily accessible to everyone.
3
Table of
Contents
// 05 Introduction
4
Welcome to
INTRODUCTION
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As the world of cryptocurrencies continues to evolve We have designed this ebook to cater to both
and expand, the need for security and vigilance has beginners and experienced crypto enthusiasts,
never been more critical. ensuring that everyone can benefit from our expert
advice and insights.
This guide will walk you through general safety tips,
best practices for holding your crypto safely, key and So, without further ado, let's dive into the world of
backup management, and advanced security cryptocurrency security and learn how to protect
measures for high-risk profiles or large holdings. your digital assets effectively. We hope you find this
guide informative, practical, and empowering.
Happy reading!
5
General
CHAPTER 1
Safety Tips
6
General Safety
Tips
Only you, the owner, are 100%
responsible for the safety of your funds.
The cryptocurrency space is very different from the so act like it and build a solid security protocol to
traditional finance sphere. The main difference is protect yourself. You will be sleeping well while being
that only you, the owner, are 100% responsible for ahead of 90% of crypto holders if you implement the
the safety of your funds. security tips we mention later.
There is no credit card company, bank, government Also, don’t stop there and learn more about things
agency, or insurance company to protect you and we discuss, and crypto in general, it will benefit you
refund your lost funds. It might change in the future, greatly in the long run. Be aware that the attackers
but for now and probably for years to come, only you will often target you, as people are the biggest
are responsible for the safety of your funds. weakness of crypto security.
7
General Safety Tips 1/3
1. ALWAYS DOUBLE OR TRIPLE CHECK ADDRESS
AND NETWORK OF YOUR TRANSFER.
Transfers made to the wrong address will make the Be aware that there are viruses and malware which
funds disappear, the same with transfers to the will replace the address you have copied with one
seemingly correct address but on the wrong owned by scammers. We’ve had this happen to us,
network. The funds could end up inaccessible so be wise and always double-check the addresses.
forever. It could be quite confusing to make a If you use a hardware wallet to make a transaction,
transfer, for example from an exchange, because always check the address displayed on the hardware
you will be offered to use 3-4 different methods of wallet itself.
transfer, all seemingly good.
Always check if the network you use is the one
supported by the other address. If unsure, make a
test transfer first (see next tip).
8
General Safety Tips 2/3
3. DON’T BRAG ABOUT YOUR CRYPTO
PORTFOLIOS
Don’t discuss balances with anyone but your Avoid being a target of criminals and just keep your
closest ones. Consider totally avoiding talking mouth tight, both in real life and online. You should
about crypto always be cautious about discussing crypto with
other people or online, as they can pass this on to
There are many stories from all around the world of someone else.
burglars breaking into homes, the owners being
tortured, blackmailed, kidnapped, or hacked because Remember that many people assume that stealing
attackers heard about their crypto holdings. crypto is like stealing cash, easy to spend, and hard
to track, so it’s what thieves want. You would be an
You might not even have that much in your wallet, easy target if you tell around you hold $1mln in cash
but it doesn’t matter if an attacker thinks you hold a at your house, the same is with crypto.
lot. Sometimes this idea could come back to a
potential attacker even after a few years when he If a physical threat is within your risk profile anyway,
hears about bitcoin’s new all-time high in the news. learn about decoy wallets, which we mention later.
9
General Safety Tips 3/3
5. PROTECT YOUR ONLINE AND SERVICES
ACCOUNTS.
Protect your e-mail accounts, exchange accounts, Avoid putting your phone number in any services as
and other website accounts with a strong password the criminals often use sim-swapping to gain access
paired with two-factor authentication. Avoid reusing to your services, also avoid using SMS as a 2FA tool.
passwords and consider setting up a secure
password manager.
“
Lost coins only make everyone else's
coins worth slightly more. Think of it
as a donation to everyone.
Satoshi Nakamoto
10
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Holding Your
Crypto Safely
1
2
Holding Your
Crypto Safely
Protect your crypto holdings and secure your
financial future for the long term.
In this section, we will explore a range of tips and
best practices for holding your cryptocurrency
safely and securely. We'll emphasize the
importance of taking control of your own digital
assets, rather than relying on third-party wallets,
such as exchanges, investment apps, and lending
platforms. You'll learn about the crucial role of
private keys and seed phrases, and why
understanding them is vital for any crypto holder.
13
HOLDING YOUR CRYPTO
SAFELY 1/6
1. DON’T HOLD SIGNIFICANT AMOUNTS IN
WALLETS MANAGED BY SOMEONE ELSE.
This includes exchanges, investment apps, and The managers of exchanges and lending platforms
lending platforms. often use your funds to finance their own business
and invest your coins while showing you virtual
When you keep your coins in a wallet managed by a
amounts on your virtual accounts.
crypto exchange company (i.e. Coinbase, Binance),
investment app (i.e. Robinhood) or lending platform
There were multiple cases of lost funds because of
(i.e. Celsius, Nexo), you truly don’t own anything and
hacks, mismanagement, or outright fraud, and the
your coins can be taken from you without further
users were left with nothing. The recent example of
notice.
Celsius bankruptcy with almost $5bln worth of coins
lost, shows that you have to be aware of the risk and
One could think that this is similar to traditional
even better avoid it altogether and only use your own
banks, but the difference is that no insurance or
wallet with your own keys.
government will refund your stolen or defrauded
funds.
14
HOLDING YOUR CRYPTO
SAFELY 2/6
3. REMEMBER THAT YOUR SEED PHRASE IS
IMPORTANT.
Seed phrase is both a recovery/backup as well as Always make a backup of your seed phrase,
an instruction set for your wallet. preferably on a durable medium, or use ready-to-use
backup solutions like Coinplate.
With your seed phrase, anyone can access all your
addresses kept in a wallet. If you lose your seed Remember that the seed phrase can be used to
phrase you will be unable to recover your wallet make a direct copy of your wallet with all your
when it’s broken or lost. accounts and balances.
15
HOLDING YOUR CRYPTO
SAFELY 3/6
5. KNOW HOW TO SET UP YOUR NEW
HARDWARE WALLET SAFELY.
Learn how to set up your hardware wallet safely Then restart your hardware wallet and wipe it out
with this mini guide. altogether, to test your seed phrase backup. You
want to erase it and restore it from the seed phrase
Before we start. Always order the hardware wallets
you wrote down earlier. When restored, check if your
from the manufacturer’s official store or authorized
balance is the same as before, if not, you probably
reseller, even if it will cost you more. You will not
wrote the seed phrase incorrectly. Remember that
have to worry in the future if it was tampered with.
the order of words is important, you can’t shuffle
them.
First we initiate the device and check if everything
You should also check how the recovery check
works all right. Initiate your hardware wallet as a new
feature works, it allows you to see if the seed phrase
wallet, and write down your seed phrase on a piece
backup you have is correct, without risking the loss
of paper. The wallet will never again show you this
of funds. This will prove handy in the future when you
seed phrase, so be sure you wrote it down correctly,
make more backups of your seed phrase.
triple check if necessary.
Use your wallet or software that connects to your If everything went all right, you can make a return
wallet to set up addresses for your coins. Use transfer to see how to make transfers from your new
receiving address to make a small test transfer of wallet. Check the first account if successful.
coins, it should be just a few dollars. Using the
wallet’s software to check if the transfer was Finally, make a proper backup of your seed phrase,
successful and your balance increased, might take a one that will survive accidental damage, preferably
few minutes. Remember or write down the balance also disasters. With stainless steel backup devices
and coins you have. like Coinplate Alpha, in minutes you will make a seed
phrase backup that will last decades.
Triple-check if your backup is correct, you may also
use a recovery check feature on your wallet we
mentioned earlier.
16
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HOLDING YOUR CRYPTO
SAFELY 4/6
6. USE HARDWARE WALLETS THAT IMPLEMENT
INDUSTRY STANDARDS,
It allows you to use different brands and switch choose from multiple devices from different
between them if necessary manufacturers
The best hardware wallets use industry standards We advise against using hardware wallets that use
like BIP39, BIP44, and others which will allow you to their proprietary backup systems (like social
use the seed phrase you created with one device to recovery) or custom seed phrases. These could
restore your wallet on another device, even if made have their own benefits but you should first use tried
by a different manufacturer. and tested technology before trying something new.
This will protect you from losing your funds if the
manufacturer discontinues the hardware wallet
model you own because you can
18
HOLDING YOUR CRYPTO
SAFELY 5/6
8. CHECK YOUR SEED PHRASE BACKUP AND
WALLET FROM TIME TO TIME
Use your hardware wallet from time to time. Once in a while, check if your seed phrase backup is
Check your seed phrase backup from time to time. intact. You can use a recovery check feature of your
We advise at least once a year. hardware wallet to check if the seed written on the
Even if you are just holding your coins for the long backup is correct. If you have more than one
term, you should use your hardware wallet once in a hardware wallet, you can also practice recovery from
while to see if it’s not broken and update its firmware. the seed phrase from time to time, just to have
practice.
The updates are important as they protect you from
hackers that will always try to find some weak spot in Practice using your hardware wallets might prove
the firmware or software hardware wallets use. It will necessary if you ever need to perform some actions
also allow you to not forget the pin code for the on it while stressed or in a hurry. You should know
hardware wallet and remember how the thing works. what you are doing when using your hardware wallet,
and avoid mistakes.
19
HOLDING YOUR CRYPTO
SAFELY 6/6
10. DON’T OVERDO YOUR KEY AND SEED PHRASE
SECURITY
Most users should avoid adding extra layers of What about if you have a stroke? Don’t forget about
security like encryption. your heirs or significant others, who might need to
access your wallets in case something bad happens
Making your seed phrase or wallet much harder to to you.
access might be tempting. But remember that you
should find a balance between making it so hard no Keep it as simple as possible and don’t increase
one will access it and making it easy enough to complexity. If you want to add an extra layer of
access that you will be able to use it. security to your seed phrase backup: Instead of
inventing custom schemes, consider using a
You might be well aware of how your seed phrase passphrase which we discuss later, it is quite easy to
encryption works now, but you might be less sure use and widely supported.
about it in a year not to mention five or more years in
the future.
20
EXTRA SAFETY
CHAPTER 3
STEPS FOR
ADVANCED USERS
AND USERS WITH A HIGH-RISK PROFILE,
OR WITH LARGE HOLDINGS
21
EXTRA SAFETY
STEPS FOR
ADVANCED USERS
AND USERS WITH A HIGH-RISK PROFILE,
OR WITH LARGE HOLDINGS
Welcome to the advanced section of our guide,
specially designed for crypto enthusiasts with
a high-risk profile or substantial holdings. This
section is the treasure chest of extra safety
steps that go beyond the basics.
22
EXTRA SAFETY STEPS FOR
ADVANCED USERS 1/3
1. CONSIDER KEEPING MULTIPLE HARDWARE
WALLETS READY
Owning multiple hardware wallets provides an To safeguard your assets in such a scenario, it's
additional layer of security and accessibility for essential to send your cryptoassets from the lost or
your cryptoassets. stolen wallet to a new one with a different recovery
seed as soon as possible. This is why having at least
By creating copies of each other, these wallets can two hardware wallets is recommended, so you don't
store the same private keys, public addresses, have to wait for a replacement to arrive.
accounts, transaction history, and cryptoassets,
even if they come from different manufacturers like If you only have two hardware wallets and one is lost
Trezor and Ledger. or stolen, follow these steps:
1. Ensure you have a backup copy of the recovery
If one wallet is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can seed from the missing wallet.
quickly regain access to your assets using the other 2. If your remaining hardware wallet already has a
wallet. However, it's important to note that some recovery seed, wipe the device to remove it.
coins may only be supported by specific wallet 3. Create a new wallet with the remaining hardware
models, so consider owning two of the same model if wallet and note down the new recovery seed.
necessary. 4. Copy the public addresses of the coins you want
to recover and paste them into a document.
To duplicate hardware wallets, import the recovery 5. Wipe the hardware wallet again.
seed from one device to another. While hardware 6. Import the recovery seed from the missing wallet
wallets can generate unlimited recovery seeds, they into the just-wiped hardware wallet.
store only one at a time. Back up your recovery 7. Send all your cryptoassets to the public
seed(s) offline on paper or steel backup like addresses saved in your document (transferring
Coinplate to avoid losing your seed phrase. your assets to the new recovery seed).
8. Wipe the hardware wallet once more.
Using multiple hardware wallets can significantly 9. Import the new recovery seed into the hardware
enhance the security of your assets in the event wallet.
that a device is lost or stolen. If your hardware wallet Your cryptoassets will now be stored with a new and
is lost or stolen, the PIN code provides a layer of secure recovery seed, and you won't have to worry
protection against unauthorized access. However, a about the compromised seed.
determined attacker with engineering capabilities
might still be able to extract the recovery seed from On the next page, we describe the process with
the device. three hardware wallets, which makes things easier.
23
EXTRA SAFETY STEPS FOR
ADVANCED USERS 2/3
If you have three or more hardware wallets and one is Now, all your crypto assets are stored under a new,
lost or stolen, the process becomes easier and secure recovery seed.
faster:
1. Import the recovery seed from the missing wallet Understanding the advantages of using multiple
into one of your remaining hardware wallets (if hardware wallets and setting up this system is
your missing wallet was a copy of another, this crucial for serious cryptocurrency investors.
step is already complete).
2. Create a new wallet (new recovery seed) with This strategy helps back up assets and spread risk,
another remaining hardware wallet. Copy down ensuring that your investments remain secure
the public addresses of the coins you want to
transfer into a document.
3. Sign in to the hardware wallet that shares the
same recovery seed as the missing wallet.
4. Send all your cryptoassets to the public
addresses you copied earlier..
24
EXTRA SAFETY STEPS FOR
ADVANCED USERS 1/3
3. CONSIDER USING A PASSPHRASE
Passphrase is an additional layer of protection to All of these wallets will be normal wallets accessible
your seed phrase backup and an easy way to with your hardware wallet, but completely separate
create multiple wallets. entities. Some hardware wallets even let you use
Probably the easiest way to protect your seed separate pin codes for each of those, so you can
phrase backup from being used by a thief is to switch between them at ease, without ever exposing
implement a passphrase - also called the 25th word. one with the other.
The standard for creating seed phrases (BIP39) Remember to make a solid backup of your
allows using an extra encoding phrase – a passphrases, just like with the main seed phrase,
passphrase, which will be used to calculate all and keep them separate. This is an advanced
addresses and private keys. feature, you should understand it well before
implementing it.
For example, The basic 24 words seed phrase will
create and restore wallet A. The basic seed phrase
with a passphrase “bigbumblebee” will create and
restore wallet B. While the basic seed phrase +
passphrase “extramustard” will create and restore
wallet C.
25
Closing
and a quick recap
Be safe on your crypto journey with our guide
In conclusion, we hope that this guide, "Crypto Guardian's Handbook
Essential Strategies to Protect Your Cryptocurrency Investments" by the
Coinplate team, has provided you with valuable insights and practical tips to
ensure the utmost security for your digital assets. As you navigate the world of
cryptocurrencies, it's crucial to stay vigilant and proactive in safeguarding your
investments.
When it comes to holding your crypto safely, refrain from storing substantial
amounts on platforms managed by third parties. Educate yourself on private
keys and seed phrases, and opt for hardware wallets to retain full ownership of
your coins. Safely store your seed phrase backup, and never input it into an
electronic device.
By following these essential tips and best practices, you can secure your
cryptocurrency holdings and enjoy the benefits of digital assets with
confidence. Stay informed, stay vigilant, and continue learning to adapt to the
ever-evolving landscape of cryptocurrencies.
26
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27
BONUS:
Crypto Glossary –
50+ Essential Terms
As a special bonus for our readers, we have included "The Ultimate Cryptocurrency Glossary: 50+
Essential Terms and Concepts Every Crypto Enthusiast Should Know" at the end of this ebook.
This comprehensive glossary serves as a valuable reference tool, helping you familiarize yourself with
the most important terminology in the world of cryptocurrencies. Whether you're a beginner or an
experienced crypto enthusiast, this glossary is a must-have resource to enrich your understanding of
the industry's jargon, concepts, and technical terms.
The glossary covers 50+ essential terms and concepts every crypto enthusiast should know. Because
of that it is quite long. It would make the whole publication too long, so we decided to keep it on our
website. You can access the whole article free of charge.
Make sure to check it out and enhance your cryptocurrency knowledge even further. Happy learning!
28