If you want to avoid someone controlling your Bitcoin, then choose non-custodial wallets like Electrum.
Ways to protect it:
- Only use traditional or old known wallets like Electrum.
- Make a cold storage wallet to store your Bitcoin. A PC or a device that you decided to never connect it to the internet.
- Wallet generation: make sure it's totally offline; don't use 3rd party or online wallet generation
- Add a passphrase as an extra layer of protection
- Multisig wallet: another extra layer of protection, but the downside is the transaction fee is higher than the standard wallet.
- Learn how to make an unsigned and signed transaction to keep your cold storage wallet safe from online attacks.
- Make sure no other person has access to this device, even your family, to protect your wallet from physical attack unless you trust them
Heres a few ways how to make a cold storage:
[Tutorial] How to make a cold storage Bitcoin wallet with TailsOS and USB FlashOther sources that beginners should read, under sticky threads:
Beginners & HelpFor now, don't use hardware wallets, or if you know how to disassemble a unit, you can use a hardware wallet to avoid having a tampered or implanted wallet.
Do you want to learn more? Then check this:
[Mega resources for newbies] Check here, find most of your need, before asking.