How can I "protect" my wallet

[Velkro]

Store your coins on several offline encrypted devices. Simple as that

[avatar_kiyoshi]

Yeah so that is the question. If anyone could point me in the right direction, I would much appreciate it

I am currently using bitcoin core as a wallet. Its on my laptop which I use daily. I have malwarebytes pro and microsoft security essentials (if that matters at all, which I does not think it does)

Is there a better safer wallet? How do people even steal coins from wallets(not looking for a specifc answer here, more like how is it possible since my wallet is on my computer?)


If I put bitcoin core into an encrypted folder would that do anything for protection?

The point is make a private keys save, use strong pass, dont click link which you dont know or download something from site that is not trusted first cek that link or file on virustotal.com. Becareful with link, email, file, which will pishing on your pc. Put antikeyloger too, for more security.

[LiteCoinGuy]

you can use a hardware-wallet:

https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=899253.0

[erikalui]

Like others have advised, I too believe that paper wallet is the best option but it is better to keep less BTC in your account and having about 0.1 BTC is the max your wallet should have to avoid any hacking or stealing of BTC.

[Akbarkoe]

store your coins in wallet local
download wallet armory.

[grandFX]

I think, it is better you use F2A to protect your wallet
and use strong pass with combine numbers, letters and symbols.

[champbronc2]

Use https://www.bitgo.com

It's mind-numbingly simple, but it's also institutional grade security.

[ranochigo]

Yeah so that is the question. If anyone could point me in the right direction, I would much appreciate it

I am currently using bitcoin core as a wallet. Its on my laptop which I use daily. I have malwarebytes pro and microsoft security essentials (if that matters at all, which I does not think it does)

Is there a better safer wallet? How do people even steal coins from wallets(not looking for a specifc answer here, more like how is it possible since my wallet is on my computer?)


If I put bitcoin core into an encrypted folder would that do anything for protection?

Antiviruses doesn't do much, so don't rely on them. The best method is not to download any programs thats suspicious and use Google Chrome since it would most probably have better virus protection than other browsers. No wallet is safe, SPV wallets doesn't protect you from malware hacking, same as full chain wallet.

You could try putting majority of the coins in a cold storage and put a small percentage on the desktop wallet.

Encrypted folders won't work since Bitcoin Core wouldn't be able to be used without a password. And when you key in the password, a malware could possibly have captured the password.

[Muhammed Zakir]

Store your coins on several offline encrypted devices. Simple as that

Legit. Ideally store these devices somewhere unprobable like inside your closet in between clothes or something.

Hope it has waterproof hardware(s)!

   -MZ

[Q7]

The best option right now to secure your coin is either using paper wallet or hardware wallet. While I'm not over enthusiastic about having paper which reminds me of my fiat money, I suggest you look into having the hardware wallet. Maybe this can be your starting point https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=899253.0

[viboracecata]

Export your private key, and print it, then store your paper somewhere you think it safe, meanwhile, you can store you wallet on some cdroms

[cambda]

I preffer hardware wallet. But there are more hardware wallets available on market so choose wisely . Generally hardware wallet without showing what is signing on its own display is less secure.

[tidus1097]

Use coinbase active 2FA. My wallet still safe.

[bitkilo]

I would just say no online walle is safe and only keep what you need and can afford to loose in one.

If you have more than say $50 of btc put it on a paper waller, if your not 100% on how to do this with making a mistake then oreder a mccelium entropy device that can make paper wallets without touching a computer. (When they finally ship them)
Legdger wallet is another cheap option.
Trezor hardware wallet if you get a lot of coins.

[arvindr]

The best way for me, is to back up to a cold storage for large amounts.
For smaller amounts, you might keep it on a multibit wallet, but if you aren't sure of your computer, then using localbitcoins or an online wallet is fine too.
but any amount over 1 BTC should be moved to cold storage

[jjacob]

Use cold storage.
Keep only coins which you need on a daily basis on your desktop wallet.

[sifter]

All you need to do is encrypt it.

And have an anti virus installed to detect and remove keyloggers.

[bitkilo]

All you need to do is encrypt it.

And have an anti virus installed to detect and remove keyloggers.

I know this is a way but would you trust say 20btc in an online wallet and just relying on your encryption method and your anti virus software or would you feel safer having it totally offline in your hands on say a paper or hardware wallet?

[Muhammed Zakir]

All you need to do is encrypt it.

And have an anti virus installed to detect and remove keyloggers.

You can't rely on that forever. Even if you have the best antivirus which have ever built(there is none currently), it won't protect your wallet. If ypu have a USB(atleast 4 GB), you can easily create a linux-cold-storage.

I know this is a way but would you trust say 20btc in an online wallet and just relying on your encryption method and your anti virus software or would you feel safer having it totally offline in your hands on say a paper or hardware wallet?

I prefer cold storage. But for some people, cold wallet isn't a good choice as they travel a lot or they don't have enough things to make a cold storage wallet. Even to spend from paper wallet, we need a smartphone or a webcam but in some jobs we will have to live in particular place such as a rig where camera-related things aren't allowed. So there is issues with everything but more than that it's pure laziness.

   -MZ

[ranochigo]

All you need to do is encrypt it.

And have an anti virus installed to detect and remove keyloggers.

I hate to say this but this method is seriously flawed. Encrypt the wallet with what? There are programs which allows people to bruteforce the encrypted files. Furthermore, whenever you use the wallet, you would have to unencrypt it using the password. In the process, a keylogger or malware on your computer would have captured it already. Antivirus CAN remove viruses and malwares but ever heard of crypters? They can allow the virus to pass the AV's test with no detection. If this happens, your wallet would be ultimately hacked.