Cryptocurrency is a relatively new concept, and many of its most popular coins have less than a decade of history. This presents a risk because we don’t have enough data on how these assets will behave in a major event, such as a war or a 2008-style market crash. New investors should consider this and keep their crypto investment as a very small percentage of their overall net worth.

Another risk is that crypto investments can be hacked or stolen. This is because most people buy their cryptocurrency through an exchange and leave their holdings in the exchange’s online wallets. Unless they move their crypto to an external wallet, the exchange will hold their private keys, making them vulnerable to hacking and theft.

Many reputable exchanges have top-notch security and invest millions into preventing hacks, but bad actors can still get around these measures. Using strong passwords, two-factor authentication and encryption on devices can help to protect your crypto. In addition, always be cautious discussing your investments and stick to well-established coins that have a long history of success.

There are also risks associated with lending or borrowing your crypto. While a number of reputable platforms offer interest rates as high as 12% per annum, it is important to remember that these platforms are not insured by the FDIC or similar government bodies in other countries. This means that they can collapse and leave you with nothing. It is best to avoid these types of platforms and only lend or borrow your crypto through a highly trusted source.

One final risk is that cryptocurrencies are not backed by any hard assets or cash flow. This means that if the market becomes bearish and prices drop, they can lose value quickly. This is why experts recommend keeping your crypto as a very small percentage of your total invested assets.

As crypto moves into the mainstream and more and more people invest in it, some of them are asking is crypto safe? The answer is yes, so long as you follow the advice in this article. However, it is essential to remember that no investment is guaranteed and that even if your crypto does increase in value, it can still lose value.

Regardless, it is a good idea to include crypto as part of a diversified portfolio of assets. It can provide a great return on investment and can be a very reliable form of currency, especially for international travel.

Of those Americans who have invested in crypto, 31% say they no longer have any stake. This is partly because they lost money on their initial investments and partly because they’re not confident that crypto is secure. The good news is that most of these jitters can be avoided with some preventative measures. These include buying from reputable exchanges, storing your crypto securely and being vigilant about phishing and scams. By following these simple steps, you can enjoy the benefits of crypto without putting yourself at risk.