Wallets and Security

How crypto wallets, private keys, seed phrases, exchanges, and hardware wallets fit together.

Wallet basics

A crypto wallet manages keys, not coins. The assets live on the blockchain. Your private key or seed phrase proves control, so anyone with that phrase can move the funds.

Hot vs cold wallets

Hot wallets connect to the internet and are convenient for small balances or frequent use. Cold wallets and hardware wallets reduce online attack risk and are better suited to larger holdings.

Common threats

Watch for phishing links, fake support agents, malicious browser extensions, SIM swaps, clipboard malware, and approval scams. Always verify URLs, contract approvals, and wallet prompts.

Good habits

Use strong unique passwords, two-factor authentication, small test transactions, offline seed backups, and separate wallets for trading, long-term storage, and experimental apps.