Cryptocurrency seems to be a risky investment, especially for those who don’t understand the technology behind it. It can be prone to roller-coaster price fluctuations, and it also doesn’t have the same legal protections as other types of investments, like bank accounts and credit cards. But is crypto really that much of a risk?
Most people who know about cryptocurrency have a low to no confidence in its reliability and safety. And it’s not just that they’re concerned about losing their investments. Roughly one-in-five Americans who have invested in crypto say that their investments hurt their personal finances.
With that said, the answer to the question is yes, crypto can be considered safe if you’re careful with your purchases. The best way to ensure that you’re not being scammed or hacked is to only invest in reputable exchanges, store your cryptocurrency securely, and use 2-factor authentication to secure your accounts. You should also try to diversify your investments by buying a variety of different cryptos.
The biggest security concern with cryptocurrency is hacking and theft. Cryptocurrency is stored digitally, making it susceptible to hackers who may target exchanges or users who haven’t backed up their private keys. These issues can result in loss of your funds, which is why it’s important to protect yourself with strong passwords and 2-factor authentication, and always back up your crypto on a hard drive or hardware wallet.
Another common security concern is the risk of losing money to a Ponzi scheme. Since crypto is still so new, it can be easy for dishonest project founders to steal from unsuspecting investors. For example, Ruja Ignatova launched OneCoin in 2015 with the promise that it would overtake Bitcoin. She took $25 billion from investors before disappearing.
Despite the risks, crypto is a great option for those who want to be more independent of traditional financial services and banks. It can give you more control over your money and provide a better level of privacy than other payment methods. However, it’s still a risky investment and should be kept as a small percentage of your net worth. To reduce your risk, be sure to only buy from a reputable exchange and avoid discussing your investments with others. If you can’t afford to lose your investment, it might be a good idea to keep it in a cold wallet where it’s less likely to be stolen or hacked. And remember, the old adage “if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is” is very relevant in the crypto space.