The security of bitcoins?

[Jochen]

Hi,

How does the security of bitcoin really work? I know its open source, but what if the software of the bitcoin wallet crashes or fails. Also, u need to have some backups to be sure of your wallet. How do older people going to trust that with no pc knowledge? If they anyhow got backups in the house and the house burns down they lose all the money( if bitcoin would be worldwide added as main valuta in many years maybe ) and doesnt seems really user-friendly. Are they any biometric securitys for the bitcoin wallet in development ? I like bitcoins but i think if this "problem" can be made better, bitcoin will take a fast leap forward. U guys have heard any news about the further development of that?


Grtz

[nerFohanzo]

If your wallet is encrypted with strong password, you can store it online, for example as email attachment. This way, if your house burns down, you will still have your BTC 

[Jochen]

Yea, but i heard that the last time alot of people their account has been hacked. What do you think the safest way is to encrypt it and how?

Grtz

If your wallet is encrypted with strong password, you can store it online, for example as email attachment. This way, if your house burns down, you will still have your BTC  

[lilbitz]

Here's a simple guide that I found super useful: http://www.reddit.com/r/Bitcoin/comments/1pxy4w/basic_bitcoin_security_guide/

Bitcoin is extremely secure, but you need to be careful. It's like cash: once it's gone, it's gone. But you can take simple precautions to minimize your risk. Over time, as people become more comfortable with bitcoins and there are more services available for new users to store and manage their bitcoins, everything will be much easier. Keep in mind that people were skeptical of broad adoption for computers and the Internet as well. It takes time for people to learn how to use new technology.

[CaribbeanBitcoin]

Always keep your coins in an offline wallet brotha! Multibit is a good one.

Don't leave it in an online wallet like Mt Gox or Coinbase! There's too many hackers making chaos stealing everyone's Bitcoins on sites like that!