Are Cryptocurrency Safe?
Although many crypto enthusiasts are bullish on its potential, cryptocurrencies tend to be more volatile than traditional stock investments. This can cause significant losses to investors who are not prepared for a sudden price drop. In addition, the lack of regulatory oversight makes it difficult to track and prevent fraud.
Security fundamentals
Cryptocurrency is a form of digital money that is largely unregulated, so it’s not covered by the same legal protections as conventional investment or securities. It can also be more vulnerable to hacks and theft than traditional currencies.
The most important thing to consider when deciding whether or not to invest in cryptocurrency is your own level of risk tolerance. If you are not able to handle volatility, it may be best to avoid crypto altogether.
Exchanges & wallets
When you buy and sell cryptocurrency, you typically transfer your coins from an online exchange to a crypto wallet that’s linked to the exchange. You can then use this to store your funds and move them around on a regular basis, but you’ll want to choose an exchange that takes crypto security seriously.
A good exchange will be a reputable institution that has taken security seriously and pours millions of dollars into protecting their customers’ funds. They will also be willing to ask you to prove your identity, follow Know Your Customer (KYC) guidelines and anti-money laundering (AML) requirements.
Choosing a crypto exchange
The first step in investing in cryptocurrency is finding an exchange that offers reliable trading. Ensure that the platform you choose is regulated by your country’s government and adheres to KYC and AML regulations. This can help protect you from fraud and scams, and it will keep you informed about the risks of investing in cryptocurrencies.
Cryptocurrency is a growing alternative asset class and has a lot of similarities to stock market investments. However, some experts are less bullish about its long-term prospects and say it is a riskier way to make investments than traditional stocks or bonds.
How to invest
There are many ways to buy and sell cryptocurrency, from traditional exchanges to crypto-specific platforms. Some of these are more secure than others, so you should check the terms and conditions carefully before buying.
How to store your crypto
A good security fundamental to consider is storing your crypto in a cold wallet instead of a hot one. A cold wallet is a USB or hard drive that’s not connected to the internet, which can be safer than a crypto wallet that’s attached to an exchange.
What’s more, some cold wallets are protected by custodians who can help you recover your crypto if the device or drive breaks or gets lost.
Getting into crypto
While crypto is more widely available than it was even a few years ago, it’s still a relatively new asset class. This can cause some people to worry about the limited history of popular cryptocurrencies and how they might react in a major crisis.