What is the best way to keep your crypto safe for long-term investment and regular trading?

The issue of safe crypocurrency storage is just as important as its acquisition. There are various varieties of wallets, each with its unique set of tasks and working principles.A cryptocurrency wallet stores digital assets in the same way that cash is saved in a wallet. This is a program for sending and receiving digital currencies, as well as managing their balances and interacting with different blockchains. Private and public keys are also stored in a cryptocurrency wallet. The public key is the address (account) to which digital money is transmitted and where other users can view it. The private key is used to establish a digital signature, which is necessary to complete the transaction.

To handle and secure your crypto assets, you'll need a wallet. Wallets that are hot and chilly. There are many different types of bitcoin wallets, but the main distinction is whether they are "hot" or "cold." 

A hot wallet is always connected to the Internet and accessible.

A cold wallet is an offline wallet that is not connected to the Internet.This type of wallet can likewise receive funds at any moment, but only the owner has access to them. All cloud-based internet wallets, most mobile and software wallets, and exchange wallets are considered hot wallets. 

Hardware wallets, paper wallets (a QR code and address printed on paper with a private key that allows you to hold and transfer cryptocurrency), USB drives, and other storage devices are examples of cold wallets. For keeping digital assets, a hardware wallet is regarded as the safest alternative. Personal keys are stored on an external device, such as a USB drive, in hardware wallets. Some hardware wallets have web interfaces and can support numerous currencies, allowing you to not only store cryptocurrencies but also conduct online payments. 

The negatives include the wallet's cost, which starts at $79, as well as the risk of losing or stealing it.The most popular wallets are made by the company Ledger. Trezor and KeepKey, on the other hand, serve as analogs. It's critical to buy a hardware wallet straight from the manufacturer. Buying elsewhere is risky due to the possibility of internal wallet alterations leading to asset  theft.

For example, if a user misplaces his passwords or keys, he can reclaim his funds. Custodial wallets are available on several cryptocurrency exchanges (Coinbase, Binance, and so on) and brokerage services. This type of connectivity makes it easier to interact with other products on these platforms, and it might be useful for transactions (for example, due to the absence of commissions within the ecosystem). Because third parties hold keys, it is critical to choose a custodian wallet with caution, as custodian access to the wallet is also a negative. An order from the government or a court, as well as a hacker attack, might cause the user to lose access to their wallet and funds. Just to put things into a proper perspective, In 2021, crypto-criminals made a record $14 billion.
A paper wallet is another sort of non-custodial wallet. Because of their impracticality, they aren't as popular. The public and private keys are printed on a simple sheet of paper in this wallet. QR codes for both keys can be placed on the device. Giving the sender a public key is required in order to receive money on such a purse. To transmit cryptocurrency, you must first initiate a transaction and then enter a private key into your wallet. The usage of QR codes simplifies both of these actions.

Because third parties hold keys, it is critical to choose a custodian wallet with caution, as custodian access to the wallet is also a negative. An order from the government or a court, as well as a hacker attack, might cause the user to lose access to their wallet and funds. Just to put things into a proper perspective, In 2021, crypto-criminals made a record $14 billion.
Chainalysis has released an excerpt from a new report on crypto-crime. In 2022, Coinbase declared that wallets related to Russian persons and companies on US sanctions lists would be blocked. Because exchanges offer extra financial services, custodial wallets are the best alternative for speculative trading. For instance, peer-to-peer lending, interest-bearing deposits, derivatives, lunch pools (platforms that let users to earn additional tokens), and so on.

The main takeaway from this article is proper cyber hygiene.

1. This starts with using a secure password, including capital letters, numbers, and characters which makes it very in crypto exchanges and NFT trading platforms. This makes it super hard for brute forcers to crack your passwords and access your portfolio. 
2. Using the 2 FA (two-factor authentication) in our accounts refers to an additional verification while accessing your wallets or accounts in Crypto exchanges. Use valid emails, phone numbers, and QR Codes to help add a layer of security to your account. 
3. Keep your wallet passphrases safe. Do not advertise them in public because that is just inviting trouble or doing something as dumb as tatooing the on your body. Make sure they are easily accessible and avoid losing them, because there goes your wallet too. 
4. Always check the website that you access is the official one designated for your preferred platform. For example, while using the Pancake Swap platform to acquire a rare token. Make sure it reads pancakeswap.finance, nothing else but that. This helps prevent Phishing attacks that redirect you to another website or platform similar to the original one just to harvest your credentials.
5. Update your crypto application regularly and refrain from ignoring update requests and security tips from your crypto exchange platform. While still in matters applications, makes sure you get your application from trusted outlets like Google PlayStore or Apple Store to avoid downloading malicious software which will gather more than your crypto credentials in your phone.
6. Finally, avoid scams and fake airdrop offers. Be smart with your crypto and never commit to anything that is not legit or approved. You can do that by doing your research and identifying a scam easily.

That's it for now. Make sure to be safe while navigating the crypto world. Be sure to check more educative articles right here at MY CRYPTO INFO. Happy trading!!