Cryptocurrency is an extremely volatile asset class that has the potential to go up and down in price by double-digit percentages within hours. This volatility makes it a risky investment that can wipe out your money if you’re not careful.
Does crypto really need a government to regulate it?
A major draw for many investors in crypto is the lack of government intervention. Because cryptocurrencies don’t need a central authority, they can be used to conduct transactions across borders and are therefore safer than national currencies. This can make them more stable and more reliable as we become increasingly cashless.
Does it work as advertised?
The answer to that question depends on how you interpret the term “advertisement.” While a digital currency like Bitcoin does have a built-in security system, it isn’t 100% anonymous or totally secure. It’s important to use a strong password and to avoid sharing your private keys with others.
It’s also a good idea to store your cryptocurrency in a cold wallet. This is a hardware device that stores your private key and other information in an offline location. This reduces your chances of having your personal information stolen by hackers or other malicious actors.
Buying a cryptocurrency using a credit card is highly risky, as you’ll have to pay higher interest rates and cash advance fees than you would with a regular purchase. And if you lose access to your crypto wallet or the hardware that stores your key, you could lose all of your investments!
Cybersecurity is a growing concern for the crypto industry. Hackers have already wreaked havoc on exchanges, and they’re still getting more invasive. Some have even stolen large sums of cryptocurrency, such as the $1 billion FTX meltdown in 2022.
Scams and fraud are other major concerns for crypto investors. These scams are often centered around phishing, which is when an attacker sends out email that looks authentic. These emails can be designed to trick you into clicking a link and downloading a malicious file. They’re usually sent to newcomers, so be sure to check your email regularly and never give out any confidential information.
Stealing and scams can also happen when hackers are able to take over a user’s phone or SIM card. This can lead to a “SIM swap” where they gain access to your account and reset your login credentials.
Investing in cryptocurrency is also susceptible to pump-and-dump scams, where bad actors promote a coin to attract investors and then sell all of their holdings at a price that’s higher than they paid. Typically, these scams are carried out by people who have extensive criminal backgrounds and are looking for quick profits.
The crypto market is a young one, and it’s also prone to high levels of competition. This can make it difficult for newcomers to identify and avoid scams.
The best way to minimize your risk of losing your crypto is to invest only in coins that have established histories and are proven to be reputable. This includes cryptocurrencies that have large institutional investors with research teams and a history of success. Moreover, if you’re interested in exploring relatively unproven coins, it’s best to research the founders and their backgrounds before you buy.