Security Best Practices

Protect your digital assets with these essential security measures

Essential Security Checklist

🔐 Wallet Security

🛡️ Account Security

🌐 Online Security

Wallet Types & Security Levels

Hardware Wallets

Highest Security

Features:

  • Private keys never leave the device
  • Offline storage capability
  • PIN protection and recovery phrases
  • Support for multiple cryptocurrencies

✅ Pros:

  • Maximum security
  • Immune to computer viruses
  • Easy to use
  • Backup and recovery options

❌ Cons:

  • Cost ($50-$200)
  • Physical device can be lost
  • Less convenient for frequent trading

Recommended:

Ledger Nano S/X, Trezor Model T, KeepKey

Software Wallets

Medium Security

Features:

  • Free to download and use
  • Available on multiple devices
  • User-friendly interfaces
  • Integration with DeFi protocols

✅ Pros:

  • Free and convenient
  • Easy to set up
  • Mobile-friendly
  • Good for small amounts

❌ Cons:

  • Vulnerable to malware
  • Requires secure device
  • Online connection needed

Recommended:

MetaMask, Exodus, Trust Wallet, Atomic Wallet

Exchange Wallets

Lowest Security

Features:

  • Integrated with trading platform
  • Easy to buy and sell
  • Customer support available
  • Insurance coverage (some exchanges)

✅ Pros:

  • Convenient for trading
  • No setup required
  • Quick access to funds
  • Some insurance coverage

❌ Cons:

  • Not your keys, not your crypto
  • Vulnerable to hacks
  • Exchange can freeze accounts
  • Limited control over funds

Use for:

Trading only - never store large amounts

Common Scams & How to Avoid Them

🚨 Phishing Attacks

What it is: Fake websites or emails designed to steal your login credentials.

Warning Signs:

  • URLs that look similar but aren't exact
  • Urgent messages asking for immediate action
  • Poor grammar or spelling
  • Requests for private keys or seed phrases

How to Avoid:

  • Always verify the website URL
  • Bookmark official websites
  • Never click links in suspicious emails
  • Use hardware wallets when possible

💰 Fake ICOs & Tokens

What it is: Fraudulent investment opportunities promising unrealistic returns.

Warning Signs:

  • Guaranteed high returns
  • Pressure to invest quickly
  • Lack of whitepaper or team information
  • No clear use case for the token

How to Avoid:

  • Research the team and project thoroughly
  • Read the whitepaper carefully
  • Check for community reviews
  • Never invest more than you can afford to lose

🎭 Social Engineering

What it is: Manipulation tactics to trick you into revealing sensitive information.

Warning Signs:

  • Impersonation of trusted figures
  • Requests for "verification" of personal info
  • Fake customer support messages
  • Pressure to act immediately

How to Avoid:

  • Verify identity through official channels
  • Never share private keys or seed phrases
  • Be suspicious of unsolicited messages
  • Take time to verify before acting

🔗 Malicious Links & Downloads

What it is: Malware disguised as legitimate software or links.

Warning Signs:

  • Downloads from unofficial sources
  • Software that asks for excessive permissions
  • Unexpected pop-ups or redirects
  • Slow computer performance after installation

How to Avoid:

  • Only download from official sources
  • Use antivirus software
  • Keep software updated
  • Be cautious with email attachments

Our Privacy Tools Methodology

Following the strict criteria established by PrivacyTools.io, we have evaluated hundreds of privacy and security tools. Our recommended providers meet these rigorous standards:

🌍 Jurisdiction

Operating outside Five Eyes countries (USA, Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand) to avoid government surveillance and data requests.

🔓 Open Source

Open-source software allows community review and verification of security claims. Transparency builds trust.

🔐 Strong Encryption

Military-grade encryption standards (AES-256, ChaCha20) to protect your data from unauthorized access.

💰 Crypto Payments

Accept cryptocurrency payments to maintain anonymity and avoid traditional financial tracking.

📝 No Logging Policy

Verified no-logging policies with independent audits to ensure your activities aren't recorded.

⏰ Test of Time

Long operating history with proven track record of protecting user privacy and security.

Privacy-First Security Tools

Based on our evaluation of 185+ privacy tools, these are the only ones that meet our strict criteria:

🔒 Privacy VPNs

Audited

We compared 185 VPN providers, but only these met our strict criteria:

  • ProtonVPN: Switzerland-based, open-source, accepts crypto
  • Mullvad: Sweden-based, anonymous payments, no accounts required
  • IVPN: Gibraltar-based, independently audited, crypto payments
  • Surfshark: Netherlands-based, RAM-only servers, audited by Cure53
✓ Outside Five Eyes ✓ Open Source ✓ Crypto Payments ✓ No Logs

🌐 Privacy Browsers

Open Source

Browsers designed for privacy and security:

  • LibreWolf: Firefox fork with enhanced privacy protection
  • Brave: Built-in ad blocking and privacy features
  • Tor Browser: Maximum anonymity through Tor network
  • Firefox Focus: Mobile browser with automatic tracking protection
✓ Anti-Fingerprinting ✓ Ad Blocking ✓ Open Source ✓ Regular Updates

🔑 Password Managers

Audited

Secure password management solutions:

  • Bitwarden: Open-source, free tier, self-hostable
  • KeePassXC: Local storage, open-source, offline
  • 1Password: User-friendly, strong security, family plans
  • NordPass: Audited, cross-platform, zero-knowledge
✓ Open Source ✓ Zero-Knowledge ✓ Audited ✓ Cross-Platform

☁️ Encrypted Storage

Audited

Secure cloud storage with client-side encryption:

  • Proton Drive: Switzerland-based, zero-knowledge encryption
  • Internxt: Spain-based, no KYC, crypto payments, lifetime plans
  • Nextcloud: Self-hosted, open-source, full control
  • NordLocker: Zero-knowledge, cross-platform, audited
✓ Zero-Knowledge ✓ Open Source ✓ Crypto Payments ✓ Audited

💬 Encrypted Messaging

Open Source

Secure communication platforms:

  • Signal: Gold standard for encrypted messaging
  • Session: Decentralized, no phone number required
  • Element: Matrix-based, end-to-end encrypted
  • Status: Ethereum-based, decentralized, crypto-native
✓ End-to-End Encryption ✓ Open Source ✓ Decentralized ✓ No Metadata

Hardware Wallets for Crypto Security

For storing cryptocurrency, hardware wallets provide the highest level of security:

Ledger Nano S Plus

Best for: Beginners and cost-conscious users

Features: 100+ cryptocurrencies, secure element, USB-C

Price: ~$79

Ledger Nano X

Best for: Advanced users and mobile access

Features: Bluetooth, larger screen, 5,500+ cryptocurrencies

Price: ~$149

Trezor Model T

Best for: Open-source enthusiasts

Features: Touchscreen, open-source, 1,000+ cryptocurrencies

Price: ~$219

KeepKey

Best for: Large screen preference

Features: Large display, simple interface, 40+ cryptocurrencies

Price: ~$79

Emergency Response Plan

1

If You Suspect a Compromise

  • Immediately transfer funds to a new, secure wallet
  • Change all passwords and enable 2FA
  • Revoke any API keys or permissions
  • Contact exchanges if accounts are compromised
2

If You've Been Scammed

  • Document everything (screenshots, transactions)
  • Report to relevant authorities
  • Warn others in the community
  • Learn from the experience to prevent future scams
3

Prevention is Key

  • Regularly review your security practices
  • Stay updated on new threats and scams
  • Use multiple layers of security
  • Never rush into investment decisions

Additional Security Resources

Educational Resources

Security Tools

Community Resources