← Back to articles

Security · 12 min read

Crypto Security Checklist: 15 Ways to Keep Your Crypto Safe

Fifteen practical habits to review before sending, storing, or signing transactions with real funds.

Educational content only. No financial, legal, tax, or investment advice.

Device and account hygiene

Use unique passwords and a password manager. Enable hardware or app-based 2FA — not SMS alone where avoidable. Keep operating systems and wallet apps updated.

Use a dedicated email for financial accounts. Review login alerts and revoke sessions you do not recognize.

Seed phrase and key safety

Write seed phrases offline on durable media. Never photograph or cloud-sync them. Verify backup readability before depositing meaningful amounts.

Hardware wallets should be purchased from official sources. Treat pre-seeded devices as compromised.

Transaction discipline

Send test transactions first. Confirm network, memo/tag requirements, and address checksums. Bookmark official sites instead of clicking ads.

Review token approvals after using DeFi apps. Revoke unlimited allowances you no longer need.

15-point checklist

1) Strong unique passwords · 2) 2FA on exchanges · 3) Offline seed backup · 4) Test transfers · 5) Network verification · 6) Bookmark official URLs · 7) Ignore unsolicited DMs · 8) Verify contract addresses · 9) Revoke stale approvals · 10) Separate hot and cold funds · 11) Update software · 12) Check device integrity · 13) Use whitelisted withdrawal addresses · 14) Keep transaction exports · 15) Plan for inheritance access without sharing seeds prematurely.

Related learning projects: For audit methodology and smart contract review basics, see the Crypto Security Audits project.