Which hardware wallet brands are recommended for securing crypto?

Trezor, Coldcard, and BitBox02 are mentioned as reputable hardware wallet options. For Bitcoin-focused security, some prefer Bitcoin-only wallets which have less code and fewer potential vulnerabilities.

How should I store my seed phrase?

Users recommend writing your seed phrase on metal or durable paper and storing it in a flame-retardant lockbox or similar secure offline location. Adding a passphrase (25th word) creates a hidden wallet that remains secure even if your main seed is compromised.

What is address whitelisting on exchanges?

Address whitelisting is a feature that only allows transfers to pre-approved addresses. This adds a security layer by preventing unauthorized withdrawals to new addresses, with a waiting period of 48 hours for adding new addresses.

How can I improve exchange account security?

Enable two-factor authentication with an authenticator app (not SMS), use strong passwords, turn off direct messages to avoid phishing, and consider features like 'Allow List' for withdrawals. Never respond to unsolicited emails, DMs, or calls asking for verification or account updates.

Why use dice rolls to generate a seed phrase?

Computers can be poor at generating true randomness. Using 99 or more dice rolls creates a truly random seed phrase, making it more secure than computer-generated alternatives.

How to Secure Crypto Assets with Hardware Wallets and Seed Protection

Moving assets off exchanges to hardware wallets is strongly recommended for long-term crypto holdings. Reputable brands mentioned include Trezor, Coldcard, and BitBox02, with purchases made directly from manufacturers to avoid compromised devices.

Seed phrase security is equally important. Users suggest generating seeds with physical dice rolls for true randomness, storing phrases on metal in flame-retardant lockboxes, and adding a passphrase as a 25th word for additional protection.

For those using exchanges, security measures include authenticator apps for 2FA, address whitelisting to prevent unauthorized withdrawals, and ignoring unsolicited communications requesting account verification.

Recommended Wallets

Trezor Popular hardware wallet brand mentioned as top choice by users
Coldcard Recommended hardware wallet option for secure storage
BitBox02 Another reputable hardware wallet mentioned for crypto security

How to Secure Crypto Assets with Hardware Wallets and Seed Protection — infographic

To secure crypto assets, prioritize using a hardware wallet for long-term holdings and meticulously protect your seed phrase.

Utilize Hardware Wallets

Move assets off exchanges: If you plan to hold crypto for years, move most of your assets to a hardware wallet, as exchanges can be vulnerable to hacks. "If you're planning to hold for years, yeah… it’s usually safer to move at least most of it to a hardware wallet."

Choose a reputable brand: Opt for well-known hardware wallets like Trezor, Coldcard, or BitBox02, and always purchase directly from the manufacturer to avoid compromised devices. "Trezor hands down"

Consider Bitcoin-only wallets: For enhanced security, some recommend Bitcoin-only hardware wallets as they have less code, reducing the chance of bugs or backdoors. "Secure? By making it Bitcoin only and removing all the unnecessary shitcoin code."

Safeguard Your Seed Phrase

Generate seeds securely: Use methods like dice rolls to create a truly random seed phrase, as computers can be poor at generating true randomness. "Create new 24 word seed phrase using 99+dice roll, add passphrase."

Store offline and physically: Write down your seed phrase on metal or durable paper and store it in a flame-retardant lockbox or other secure, offline location. "Write down your seed and put it in a flame retardent lock box"

Implement a passphrase: Add a passphrase (a 25th word) to your recovery phrase; this creates a hidden wallet, securing your main funds even if your initial 24-word seed is compromised. "Add a passphrase to your recovery phrase."

Best Practices for Exchange Security (If Used)

Enable strong 2FA: Always use two-factor authentication (2FA) with an authenticator app, not SMS, and enable it on all exchange accounts and associated email accounts. "Good 2FA, good strong password, don't respond to phone calls from Coinbase, don't answer Users DM's (I turn mine off completely), use the 'Allow List' option where you can only send crypto to approved addresses, takes 48 hours to change it once setup, get Coinbase One, setup a daily buy (no fees, expect \~1% spread)."

Be wary of scams: Never respond to unsolicited emails, DMs, or calls asking for verification or account updates, as these are common phishing attempts. "Don’t respond to scam emails and DMs claiming you need to verify, re-verify, or update your account (or any other such nonsense)."

Utilize whitelisting: Enable features that only allow transfers to pre-approved addresses, adding a layer of security by preventing unauthorized withdrawals to new addresses. "enable whitelisting wallets feature. takes 48 hr for new wallets to be added."

Do you want to explore specific hardware wallet recommendations?