Bitcoin Forum

Well, there are so many ways for you to protect your money or account from hackers. I will list down all of the ways I know to prevent hackers from your account.
1. It would help if you created a strong password - do not create a simple password, try to put capital letters and characters or symbol on your password.
2. Add 2FA on your account - it is very recommended for everyone, once the hacker knows your account information, it will still be hard for them to access it because of 2FA.
3. Protect your computer - The main reason why we get hacked is because of an unsecured network, do not click untrusted advertisements or links to prevent viruses on your computer.
4. Keep your account on your self - only means do not share it with anyone.

Those 4 are my ways to secure my account; if you know more ideas on how to secure your account from hackers, feel free to comment is so we will all be benefited from it.

1. There's endless possibilty of good and strong password, but never neglected that hacker being an a##hole never stop them to steal your things digitally.
2. For 2 FA , i preferable authy beside normal GA, since authy more convenient to use and have backup solution which using your phone numbers or mail
3. This one is the main attack of many hackers, since wallet got installed to this device. For suggestion i've got something better which using ledger or nanos. If u want to try it, then check them out before u want to buy it.
4. Just kindly remind that u need backup for yourself, which will help u later just in case u forgot something or password ( i ve made many backup hidden in my house..LOL ) .

And i want to add something just to remind about wallet. Do backup your wallet befero u transfer it to your address, give them good enough password to protect and never follow someone who asking u  to typing something on console screen. I've meet person who asking for help on internet and give them access remotely on screen only. But that doesn't stop hackers to get what they want, which is very important. Yes..private key .. thank god he only give them address which have no bitcoin there.

Not sure why were talking about passwords and accounts here. If you hold bitcoin or certain cryptocurrencies, do NOT store them through exchanges. Non-custodial wallets people, non-custodial wallets. Nacho keys, nacho bitcoin(or crypto in general).

Use Hardware Wallet if you really want to secure your assets here in crypto currency world.  Because even you use Strong Password,  enable 2fa,  hackers have still way to access our wallet and not even hackers even the centralize wallet they have power to Freeze/Hold our account and force us to submit KYC to get our assets back again to us.  Thats why always use wallet that we hold our private keys!

Well said mate, hacker is hacker they will try their best to steal your property, money, and even your wallet, so you should be so careful and make ways to secure your account correctly, there are so many ways that you can use to protect your account, as what I have posted above as well as on your post.

Yes, the private key must be so safe because it is your way to access your wallet. If you share it with anyone, then it will be easy for them to access your account. So the best thing you should do is to keep it on yourself, do not trust everyone here, because the only person that you must believe is only yourself, because at the end of the day no one will stand on you. Being selfish about this case is not bad; you are just protecting yourself or your account from hackers.

Also, it is very unsafe to store your backup phrase and private key in your mail or on cloud storage facilities available on the internet including google drive. Do not make it a habit of using the same password for your accounts. Always use different passwords that are complex and difficult to memorize. If you have your private key and UTC files on your system, make sure you are the only one that has access to the computer. always verify the exchange website before entering your account information.

I think Beginner's and Help is an appropriate board about this kind of thread. This topic has been quite very common and it has been discussed so many times when it comes to the security protection of your investment.

These links that might help you(them) that related to this topic according to the number you've stated

1. There are a lot of them but only these are correlate to this topic.

• Safeguard your crypto investment and avoid getting scammed. (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=2970157.0)
• HOW TO protect yourself from Scammers (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=3415026.0)
• [GUIDE] How to Create a Strong/Secure Password (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5132378.0)

2. I dont think as of now that 2FA for adding an extra layer for security is more safe and reliable after seeing this post

• A new virus is attacking Google 2FA app (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5229210.0)
• 2FA - Important Precautions with Google Authenticator (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=3178131.0)

3. & 4. Are the same.

• [GUIDE] Use this for identifying Scam/Phishing Websites & Exchanges in Crypto (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5122515.0)
• What to do to avoid phishing sites (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5171134.0)

The best protection is the cold storage of cryptocurrency. It may be old-fashioned, uncomfortable, and other problems, but it is the best way to protect your assets from various unpleasant situations that may occur for any reason. But of course there are also vulnerabilities if something happens to the computer.

One sure way to protect your bitcoins or Alt coins is not to store them in large quantities on online services. Your storage strategy should allow for you to hoard most of your coins in Paper wallets <offline> or hardware wallets and only storing a small amount of coins in these online wallets. < A 95% cold storage / 5% hot wallets might be a good strategy if you want to reduce your losses >

Also, using case sensitivity and symbols in a short password has shown that it is still more vulnerable than using a long password that are much harder to Bruteforce.  ;)

Also using Password managers for passwords related to your Crypto currencies, are not a good idea. Several people have reported that some Password managers was exploited to get people's secret passwords.  

1. Don't store all of your coins at the exchanges but use a hardware wallet or paper wallet.
2. When you use 2FA or authy, you can install on different mobile phones or different computers, and if you connected 2FA or authy to the internet, make sure that it is safe.
3. You can use a different computer or laptop to browse the internet, and don't use the same computer or mobile phone with the 2FA or authy or wallet inside the computer or mobile phone.
4. Only you will know what you do, so you need to make sure everything is safe for you and your assets.
5. We don't have to be paranoia with the hacker because there is no 100% guarantee for keeping you safe, but we can be careful about what we want to do.
6. Pray that you will be safe when you want to do something.

I agree,
Protect your crypto means protect your wallet.
As a crypto owner we should be aware that not all of the wallets are safe specially the web wallets.
The best way to protect our crypto is by storing it on hardware wallet or paper wallet and make sure that your passphrase is secured too.

When you say protect your crypto currency
This not only means protecting your wallet it self but also the balance inside.
Even how protected  your wallet is if you can be easily fool by fake investment or nice words from people it can also be gone. Without even the needs of your keys.

there are many cases where exchanges tends to eat your crypto balance, I've read some complaints about it. I have a balance on my exchange account for like a year now, surprisingly it is still there  ;D I guess they are not into less $5 balances lol.
This is too much for me, I mean who why do you an another set of devices when you can just use the same as what you are using. There are many ways to be secured browsing the internet like knowing the sites security, download from safe sources etc.

I've been on this in a while now and I still get mini heart attacks whenever I do something with my funds like withdrawing or depositing haha, I guess it is not only me though?

Hardware wallet can also help to protect your cryptocurrency, aside from it is not connected online the passphrase it generates is really random. It also have the feature of requesting for secondary password that can really help to increase the security of its user.

It just means that we have to secured our funds not only with hackers but also from scammers because they are a trickster who's going to deceive you just to exploit your funds. Many of us have lose some of our funds because of falling into fake investment, so don't let yourself be deceive by their words and promises especially when it seems to good to be true. Never forget to do your own research so you will not end up being victimized by them. Anyway, using a hardware wallet is the best way to protect your assets because it has good security.

Protect your cryptocurrency means that you are protecting your account and the balance inside your wallet because if you didn't protect it by using ledgers and private keys then probably you will be able to lose your balances and also you maybe become a victim of scam or hack.
Think always the worst part that may happen to you because someday you will just blame yourself if something bad happens on your cryptocurrency.

I've done everything you listed, so far I have not experience my account get hack (God forbid), so everyone should follow the simple steps and be responsible in protecting their accounts. Treat what we have in our account as a valuable asset so would not take it for granted, these coins that we are holding are going to worth a good amount in the future.

My own ways of securing my cryptos

I used trusted wallets and exchangers with strong passwords. I know it is still not safe because it is still connected on the internet wherein malicious sites and phishing is possible. In that case my back up is to use offline wallets with strong password also. I must never forget to create a back up of my wallet or back up plan. I am also keeping my private keys private.
Above all, let us be always aware of what we have so we know how to protect it. Do not be too careless because hackers are just waiting out there.

1.Strong passwords are a must,if the hackers use brute force software or some sort of social engineering.
However,having a strong password is not enough.
2.Two factor authentication is getting more and more compromised these days.Nevertheless,it's still a must.
3.Using Anti-virus and not clicking on suspicious links or banners-This is common sense,and it's about overall internet hygiene and security,not just crypto security.
4.Don't share your account-WTF dude?Sharing your account with someone else is the dumbest thing to do.
I think that even most wallets and crypto exchange platforms forbid the usage of one account by many people in their Terms of Service.

What I am doing is I always update my password every month, even if you create a strong password if you become a victim of phising it is still useless. That's why changing it every month can help to maximize the security level of my wallet. It is to avoid hackers from having the access to my wallet.
It is still not safe but you can avoid clicking suspiscious links to avoid phising. So, it is better to avoid it every time and keep raising our awareness about hacking, also, we should keep using strong passwords and change it frequently.

Well said mate, I have read an article about securing your accounts, and one of the advice that I have read is, do not use the same password on your different accounts, I do not know why is it advisable for them, but I think it is to prevent all of your accounts to be hacked if your account gets hacked. It has the same password on your different account it may also be hacked as well. But the best way for them to secure our account is to add Capital letters and use symbols or characters.

We should also be careful on clicking some links offered by someone because that is their way for you to access your account if you log in on that.

Your balance is your cryptocurrency itself, so what are you talking about?

But well said on the part of the fake investment, there are so many fake websites that will offer you good earnings, do not believe on that especially if there are no reviews on that websites because it is possibly a scam website.

All of these should be taken note by all of us specially the newbies who has no experience so far of getting hacked. If we really want to secure our wealth and investment, the best way we could do is to make sure that we have the strongest password and has 2FA so that no one can ever access our account and steal anything from it. The devices we are using too should always be protected and kept secured all day and all night cause we don't know when will the hackers hit us up. It would be best if we do all these precautions to avoid any loss of large amount of money now and in the future.

I also want to add up always check the website that you are loggin in,
There are so many phishing sites out there so always check the url before putting up your informations.
Don't click random website because it might harm your computer or phone.

One of the growing transactions today is with the use of cryptocurrency and many people would like to use it to store their money, or some of them are want to earn more with profit because with the use of it you can make too like just a single investment. The cryptocurrency is one of the most secured transaction today, and there is a zero or a small percent probability it will be hacked because all of the transaction or the funds we are sending into different wallets are encrypted only people who made the transaction can see the number of send and receive history. The only thing that can be hacked is our accounts or the cryptocurrency wallet because those are prone to the hackers, the hackers are rapidly growing too, and also their skills and knowledge are evolving too, some of the reason why they get our information is the device we use some of them are sending of email, click baits, and adware banners that if you click you will direct into other tab and has a virus or trojan also it is better if we are going to avoid the public wifi and use a two-way authenticator to make sure your security. Always make sure you secured your wallet too to prevent the loss of our money or funds.

I think the security tips you have provided are quite enough, but I would like to add a tip, I believe it will help keep my account safer. That is, I use a separate computer and phone just to access the exchange and not use for any other purpose. That will help avoid malicious code, viruses spreading from malicious emails, web.

You can decide to be making use of hardware/offline wallets for storing your bitcoins like Nano wallet. These type of wallets are very secure and you have to be careful not to lose them though. There are people who store their wallets using paper wallets, but don’t try that, use ledger instead, with paper wallets anything can happen and you will end up losing your coins. Another advice I will give you is never to store your coins using exchanges wallets.

No matter how difficult you try to make your wallet there is the possibility that the exchange might be hacked and you might be affected, so avoid such exchanges except when you want to trade. Just move the amount you want to trade on exchange and keep the rest in a secure wallet, except the exchange has a cold storage like Coinbase or Xapo.

Well said mate, even the cloud storage data cannot be safe because it can also access by the hackers, having a strong password isn't enough, so the best way for you to secure your accounts is to use different passwords on your multiple accounts as what you have said, that is so important because it can prevent the hackers from accessing your account. Do not click some offered hyperlinks by people or organizations that you don't know because that is one of the main techniques of hackers and spammers to hack your account, especially if it requires you to log in to your account.

Indeed, there are still a lot of websites that are considered as an untrusted site, which aims to hack personal data or your account data. So the best thing that you can do to prevent that thing is to read some reviews on the website before logging in your account do not trust suspicious people that will send you a link for no reason.

Nothing is really safe when dealing with the internet, there are always gaps that hackers can penetrate. The tips given by the OP are quite good, I add a few points: 1) always update your wallet software or application, 2) encrypt backup files related to your wallet, 3) password related, avoid using keywords that are related to your personal data, such as name, date of birth, etc. 4) do not use a wallet that can be reset by using a mobile number or email

I recently activated the 2FA protection on my accounts, I even have installed an authenticator on my email and primary accounts so no one could access it aside from me. I was thinking you'll advise us to use virus protection on our computer but glad that you said to never open unsecured or untrusted sites because it is more doable. Anyway, thank you for the advice  :D

Well said mate, the way of storing your bitcoin or your keys is which can be called as cold storage is also a good way in protecting your e-wallet from the hackers. Yes you are the only person who can be access your e-wallet if you have that cold storage but of course all things have its disadvantages as well as this kind of storage because if you misplaced it or if this will be broke then you won't access your wallet anymore, which is really sad for you. So I never try that kind of storage because I am not good at keeping some things, I always forget where did I put it. So for me it is still inadvisable.

Indeed, there are still so many ways for us to keep our money or e-wallet secured, We can use all of the suggested tips so we can be comfortable that our money won't steal by hackers, but the hacker is hacker they will make ways to take things they want. Their standard way to hack your account is by the unsecured websites or advertisement that pops up on your screen. So do not click those things, especially logging in.

Those mentioned were really important securing our accounts. It is best to always have a 2fa for security purposes, some said it was a hassle to put some 2fa but if it is for the sake of our stored coins why to be bothered by typing some codes?
 
 Just to add some;
 

• Never ever sign up untrusted websites and do not click suspicious links which offers rewards provided by emails, etc.
• Do not download apps in uncertified and unlicensed sites.

 Just to let you know, hackers always think and find a new way to get in touch and entered our phone system. It is best to always think twice or thrice before clicking and fall from their bait because they are using this new technology to mislead and attract more victims. Remember, awareness is always the key to protect our crypto coins.

Two Factor Authentication or 2FA is a very useful feature of the cryptocurrency wallet. You must consider this one first in choosing your wallet since this is the better way to secure your cryptocurrency. Hackers will be having a hard time to hack your wallet since you have 2FA security activated into it.

May I know why you say so? What is the correlation of what you've said on the vulnerability of having an unprotected account? AFAIK, all of wallets got this kind of feature. I using a non custodial wallet with such kind of feature for 3 years and I haven't encountered a single problem so far :). Did you got a bad experience upon this? Please, enlighten us further :).

It's a great list and I believe this is the ABC's of securing your account. Having a strong password mainly a combination of alpha-numeric, a symbol and capitalization is a must, and do not use a password that is somehow can be related to your personal information such as name, date of birth, address and etc.

I would also like to reiterate to have an alternate e-mail, different for each purpose to avoid losing all control over your accounts just in case a breach occurs, or something you can put as a back-up to recover your account.

You mentioned everything I know in protecting our account from hackers. It is true 4 ways to protect our account from hacker attacks
mentioned in the opening post is quite effective if we apply in protecting our account. By running these tips, I am still safe from hackers.
So if we can all run these tips with true, then the same as we maintain and protect the cryptocurrency we have.

Use Hardware Wallet if you really want to secure your assets here in the crypto world, Always use a different password that is complicated and difficult to memorize, activate 2fa, Don't click random websites because it can damage your computer or phone.

Yeah, he talks about how to secure our online accounts which is very far from protecting our cryptocurrencies. Well, OP then you had to mention that you talk about online wallets and also online exchanges like blockchain.com binance and etc.
For even better security, to my mind you have to use linux instead of windows and you have to use laptop/pc only for logging in certain websites and use original OS and not cracked ones.
Not only that but you have to make password reset procedure hard.
Also only use secret email adress, that only you know and you haven't send anything from this address to anyone except the websites you use.

Speaking of 2FA security, Android Google Authenticator users should take note: A new virus is attacking Google 2FA app (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5229210.0)


Indeed, the focus on "accounts" screams third party custody. First and foremost, people should protect their cryptocurrency by storing it in their own [offline] wallets.

Passwords have their place, though. You need a good password or passphrase to encrypt your wallet.

It's important that we'll know how to keep our holdings properly and that includes the proper handling of our wallets. We could also use wallets like hard wallet and paper wallet if we're not comfortable storing something online. It is our responsibility to keep our wallets safe. As for me, it's better to use a hardware wallet so we'll be the one to control our personal earnings. I have been using it for years and I'm glad to say that my holdings are safe and secured.

Well this is basically correct. Protecting your account is simply taking care of your crypto holdings. There are people who are being hacked because they are not taking good care of their private keys and wallets. Think of your wallet as your child. If you won't be secured to your child, it could be loat or stolen and that is simply the same, if something is important to you, you should not be making risky actions because  once you lost your account it would be hard to recover it back.Hardware wallets is another option. Such wallet promotes additional security to your holdings. Also, avoid sharing private informations because it would make you prone to losing your belongings. When it come on random websites, always check for the credibility because there are scam websites. Also, avoid accessing your account in multiple devices because that is another way to get your account stolen.

5 - Check the domain name of the wallet website you visit because hackers can create fake website (Phising Website) always check before open especially if you visit
 - Forkdelta and other DEX -
 - MEW - Myetherwallet, and all wallet that need private keys to access.
4 - Always use Hardware wallet and store your private keys in safe.

Foremost, to ensure the safeguard of your cryptocurrency you have to be meticulous to the storage of your it, meaning it is very crucial to its safety the choice of hardware wallet. Storing of cryptocurrency online would require extraordinary diligence and vigilance because of the risk that is always confined with it. The security of your account will depend in part on how well you protect it and how strong your password is for your wallet. It would also be helpful to have an extra layer of security for the account and an  updated software to protect your device from viruses and hackers.

"Account"?  What account are you talking about?   Are you talking about an account on an exchange?  An account on your computer?  

I don't have a bitcoin "account".  I have an offline wallet.

The best way to protect your bitcoin is cold storage except for what you intend to use immediately.

Seems like this thread is really suitable if you move to beginner and help section.

I see the content is indeed very helpful especially for newbie out there. As for an old member , they might have known it.

Other than that, almost all exchange right know will always suggesting for new user to use all security feature that they offer including 2FA.

Safety measurements of crypto currency holding has no different from what we are doing with our physical assets for years. I mean to say we must follow what experts are suggesting for protecting them from hackers or from fire or from any other critical situations. Without listening to experts suggestions and opinion, I believe no one could get a right knowledge for protecting their crypto assets.

Before crypto, people must be familiar with online transactions like Internet banking or virtual visa card or paypal/payza accounts. What were the protection steps they have followed for those things, they must follow again given that adding few new things additionally required for the case of cryptos. But it is always good to remind people about protecting their crypto stash by having discussions like these. Good work OP!

indeed to secure cryptocurrency assets can use the option in the hardware wallet but you must know when you want to access your wallet then I recommend to access it on a device that is completely safe from any virus because if you have done security with the wallet hardware then still there is a potential for hackers to hack your assets.

Protecting your wallets and accounts are same as protecting your funds and investments... Never bother to click different links that asked your personal informations. Google and SMS authentication are really a big help. Instead of keeping your funds in exchanges put it in a wallet with strong security. Backed up all your wallet phrases and never shared it to anyone.. Better safe than sorry at the end..

Well said mate, there are so many untrusted links that we may encounter online, there are times that if we click the link or the advertisement then it may cause virus that can be a spy on our computer or cellphone and will see anything what we are doing in our computer, there are a lot of professional hackers in this online world, always be wise and know what are the legit and what are the scam, do a proper research to be knowledgeable about that thing because it will really help you to protect your account from hackers.

Actually, for me, using a hardware wallet is not safe at all because I am a person that is not good in keeping things, so if I will going to use a hardware wallet, there will be times that I might forget where I put my hardware wallet. The worst thing on having that hardware wallet is, if you misplaced or if this is damaged, you cannot access your wallet anymore.

The First one is what i am surely does everytime because i know the feeling of being hacked ,the Second is also for me are required specially if you are a legit account why not use 2fA if this is will keep you safer?The third i may add stop entering sites that you don't really need to so it will be more safer on your part because phishing sites always use that way The Fourth well i don't know if there are someone who shares account?i mean even in our wife or GF i never shared accounts.

Bonus:
5. Restrict to save your passwords even on your PC
6. Do not set same passwords for every account

To make our life easier we choose to use the same account password which is risky at all because if your one account has been hacked, then expect your other accounts. There a recent hack on the 2FA security so I guess its not a 100% secure at all so make sure to change regularly your password, keep everything secured on your vault box and spread many back-ups of your wallet. Protection is better than cure, because if you got hacked, its too impossible to recover it so use everything to become secured.

I think these can be covered already by the number 1 point of OP since using strong password means dont set similar passwords if you have many accounts.

This is very scary if even 2FA can be by pass already. In my accounts this is the most strong protection already but knowing this could make me nervous. Was the recent hack even proven to be legit and effective? Or maybe there is a mistake also by the victim lead to the hacked event.

Furthermore, do not use any other devices that isn't yours including, laptop and cellphones. There are some circumstances that you can forgot to log out your crypto accounts or wallet so there's a possibility that the people who own that device might hack you. Safety first and always use your device no matter what happen and take care of your belongings to prevent loss. You're the only one who is responsible for your account and don't let anyone make you give them your account wallet.

Hackers are very good at fooling people so before they catch you up, learn how to prevent being hacked. Seek information on how you will protect your cryptocurrency so that you'll not be worried and you'll become comfortable accessing your crypto wallet. Strong passwords are really helpful and effective, I used a long and hard to memorized password so that they can't easily remember my password once they got it.

But when you got hacked, be accountable for that, and that means that your effort is not enough when protecting your accounts. So as early as you can, before that happens, learn and practice increasing the security of your wallet because it is not easy to earn the money that you have there.

i have read some post about yeah hacking of 2FA that's why this is scary  because the way we expect to be safety is the way we will be prone to hacking.

and yeah stronger password means we will be setting password each accounts or even if we use the same at least we will use different sizes and rambled numbers for strict using.

I definitely agree with all the ones you have listed but this last point always get me a bit worries sometimes you know. We all know the huge number of bitcoins that have been lost in circulation together with other coins. i think it will be best to trust your wife or a sibling close to you so that in case anything bad happens to you the funds can be of help to your family members.
Or there can be a trusted firm like we have lawyers who testify to our wills in order to share our properties equally among our heirs.

Another option would be to choose a hardware wallet, which would make it impossible for the invested money to disappear.
The private key should always be kept in a place where you only know yourself, maybe in a new email account. I was put in the situation of losing a lot of money because of the inattention, and now I am very careful with the private keys. It is best to make a small investment, get a Ledger Nano S type wallet and the fear of hacking will disappear.