Hot Wallet: Convenience Over Security Hot wallets are your everyday crypto spending accounts. They’re connected to the internet for easy access, but that convenience comes with security trade-offs. A hot wallet is a cryptocurrency wallet that maintains an active internet connection, allowing for quick and easy transactions. Think of it as your crypto checking account…
Multi-Signature (Multisig): Shared Control for Enhanced Security Multisig wallets require multiple signatures to authorize transactions. It’s like requiring multiple keys to open a safe – no single person can move funds alone. Multi-signature (multisig) is a wallet configuration that requires signatures from multiple private keys to authorize transactions. Common setups include 2-of-3 (any 2 signatures…
Cold Wallet Backup: Securing Your Security Cold wallet backup ensures you can recover your cryptocurrency even if your hardware wallet is lost, stolen, or destroyed. It’s like having spare keys to your safe deposit box. Cold wallet backup refers to secure storage methods for seed phrases and recovery information that enable restoring access to hardware…
Phishing Attack: How Scammers Steal Your Crypto Phishing attacks are the #1 way people lose crypto. Scammers create fake websites that look identical to real ones, then steal your login credentials and private keys. A phishing attack is a fraudulent attempt to obtain sensitive information by impersonating a trustworthy entity through fake websites, emails, or…
Rug Pull: When Projects Disappear With Your Money Rug pulls are crypto’s version of old-fashioned exit scams. Developers build hype, collect investor money, then vanish into the digital night. A rug pull is when cryptocurrency project developers abandon the project and steal investor funds. The term comes from “pulling the rug out” from under investors…
KYC (Know Your Customer): The Identity Check KYC is crypto’s concession to traditional finance. Exchanges collect your personal information to comply with government regulations and prevent money laundering. Know Your Customer (KYC) is the process of verifying customer identities through government-issued documents and personal information. Most regulated cryptocurrency exchanges require KYC before allowing significant trading…
AML (Anti-Money Laundering): Fighting Financial Crime AML regulations force crypto businesses to monitor and report suspicious activities. It’s the government’s attempt to prevent crypto from becoming a money laundering paradise. Anti-Money Laundering (AML) refers to laws, regulations, and procedures designed to prevent criminals from disguising illegally obtained funds as legitimate income. Crypto exchanges and businesses…
Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Your Crypto’s Second Lock 2FA is the minimum security standard for any crypto account worth protecting. If you’re not using it, you’re basically leaving your front door unlocked. Two-factor authentication (2FA) requires two different verification methods to access your account – typically something you know (password) plus something you have (phone or…
Custodial Wallet: Someone Else Holds Your Keys Custodial wallets store your cryptocurrency private keys for you, like having a bank hold your money. Convenient but risky – if they go down, your crypto might go with them. A custodial wallet is a cryptocurrency storage service where a third party (like an exchange or wallet provider)…
Hardware Wallet: Your Crypto’s Personal Vault If you’re serious about crypto, you need a hardware wallet. It’s the difference between keeping cash in your wallet versus storing it in a bank vault. A hardware wallet is a physical device that stores your cryptocurrency private keys offline, away from internet hackers. Think of it as a…