As crypto moves from fringe investment to mainstream, it’s becoming increasingly important for consumers to understand the basics of this often-confusing financial technology. But is crypto safe? This article will discuss the risks and safety measures that you should consider when investing in or spending with cryptocurrency.

Cryptocurrency is a digital asset that exists on the internet and uses encryption to secure transactions. It’s also decentralized, meaning there is no central authority that manages and maintains it. Instead, an advanced peer-to-peer network called a blockchain keeps track of all transactions. This helps to prevent fraud and other security issues.

If you’re looking to invest in crypto, it’s a good idea to do your research and only buy through reputable exchanges. Some of the most popular coins include Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana. However, there are thousands of other cryptocurrencies to choose from. When researching potential investments, it’s a good idea to look at past performance and risk-tolerance levels.

Some cryptocurrencies have a lower level of volatility than others, but any investment is prone to market crashes and price drops. It’s also a good idea to diversify your portfolio and buy for the long term.

Another important thing to keep in mind is that cryptocurrencies are not backed or insured by any federal entity. This means that if the company that stores your crypto is hacked or goes out of business, you may lose your investment. This is different from regulated investments, where your money is typically protected by the FDIC or SIPC.

Lastly, it’s essential to keep your crypto safe by using strong passwords and two-factor authentication (2FA) on all of your accounts. Ideally, you should only use custodial wallets provided by a trusted exchange when trading crypto actively. Otherwise, you should only store your coins in a wallet that you own and control yourself. Creating a physical copy of your private keys and keeping them in a safe location is also a good idea.

While crypto has fascinating potential, it’s not the best place to store your savings. It’s less regulated, more volatile, and a lot riskier than traditional banking. Plus, it doesn’t offer the same protections as a bank account, so you could end up losing your money if you lose track of your wallet or get scammed. That’s why you should only consider putting some of your savings into crypto if you’re prepared to take the risks involved.