Wallet Guide: How to Secure Your Coins Like a Pro

Okay, now things get serious. Buying crypto is easy, but securing it is your most important task. Always remember: "Not your keys, not your coins." If you leave your coins on an exchange like Binance, you don't technically own them 100%.

The 2 Golden Rules of Security

  1. NEVER share your seed phrase (12/24 words)! This is your master key. Whoever has it, has your coins. No support staff will ever ask for it. Write it down on paper and hide it securely. Do not store it on your computer!
  2. Do not click on suspicious links! Scammers often try to lure you to fake websites with phishing emails or messages to steal your data. Be extremely skeptical.

Hot Wallet vs. Cold Wallet: What's the Difference?

Hot Wallet

Software on your phone or PC (e.g., MetaMask). It's constantly connected to the internet.
Pro: Convenient for quick transactions and using dApps/NFTs.
Con: More vulnerable to hacks and online attacks.

Cold Wallet

A physical device (similar to a USB stick) that stores your keys offline.
Pro: Maximum security against online attacks.
Con: Slightly more cumbersome for daily use.

My Recommendation: Use BOTH Types of Wallets!

The best strategy is to split your assets. This way, you get the benefits of both worlds without compromising your security.

For the Active Part (max. 10%)

Use a Hot Wallet (like MetaMask) for the small portion of your portfolio you want to be active with – e.g., to buy NFTs or invest in new memecoins. Consider this money as "risk capital."

For the Secure Part (90%+)

Your long-term investments like Bitcoin and Ethereum belong in a Cold Wallet (hardware wallet). Here, they are safely "locked away" and protected from online threats.

The Best Cold Wallets for Your Security

The two market leaders are Ledger and Trezor. I personally use and recommend both.

Ledger

Very user-friendly, looks like a USB stick, and is often praised for its good software (Ledger Live).

Buy Ledger
Trezor

Considered a pioneer and is known for its open-source philosophy, which many security experts appreciate.

Buy Trezor

Important: Always buy a cold wallet directly from the manufacturer or an official reseller! Never used on eBay & Co.