Why strong authentication matters for crypto users
Cryptocurrency wallets and exchange accounts hold digital assets that are often irreversible to recover once lost. That makes strong, multi-layered authentication essential. Start by choosing a unique email and a password that is long (12+ characters), uses a mix of character types, and avoids reusing details from other services. A password manager will help you generate and store strong secrets without memorization.
The next critical layer is two-factor authentication (2FA). Prefer an authenticator app or hardware security key over SMS-based codes; SMS can be intercepted or SIM-swapped. Hardware keys (like those following the FIDO2 standard) provide phishing-resistant protection and are increasingly supported by major exchanges and wallets.
Beware of phishing: attackers often create convincing pages or emails to capture credentials. Always verify the domain in your browser bar and never enter credentials from links in unexpected messages. If you manage multiple accounts, give each one a unique password and enable account recovery options that use secure email providers.
Finally, keep software and devices up to date and consider separating funds: use a hot wallet for everyday activity and a cold or hardware wallet for long-term holdings. Regularly audit your account activity and set up low-balance alerts where possible. Following these practices won't make you invulnerable, but they substantially reduce common risks that target crypto users.