If you’re new to crypto, you’ve probably heard the phrase “not your keys, not your coins.” It sounds dramatic — but it’s actually one of the most important lessons in the entire crypto space. In this world, you are your own bank, which means you get full control over your money... but also full responsibility.

Unlike a traditional bank account, there’s no support team to help if something goes wrong. No reset button. No recovery email. That’s why understanding how to keep yourself safe in crypto isn’t just smart — it’s essential.

The most important thing you’ll ever receive in crypto is your recovery phrase (also called a seed phrase). It’s a string of 12 or 24 secret words that give access to your wallet. If you lose that phrase, you lose your crypto. If someone else gets it, they can steal your funds — and there’s no way to get them back. It’s like a master key to a vault. You should never take a screenshot, never copy-paste it into your phone, and definitely never share it with anyone. The best practice? Write it down and store it in a safe place only you can access.

Scams are unfortunately common in the crypto space. They don’t usually look like obvious red flags — in fact, they often come disguised as helpful people, flashy opportunities, or support staff offering to “help you recover lost funds.” You might get a message on Telegram, Discord, or Twitter from someone claiming to represent a crypto project. Or you might click a link that looks like the real website — but it’s a fake version designed to trick you into giving up your wallet permissions.

This is why it’s so important to slow down, double-check URLs, and never trust DMs offering “guaranteed profits” or “airdrops” that require your wallet info. If something seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Another key part of staying safe is knowing which platforms to trust. Stick to well-known wallets like MetaMask or Trust Wallet, and only use dApps (decentralized apps) through official websites. Bookmark pages you use often, so you don’t accidentally land on a fake version. And when your wallet asks you to sign or approve something — read it carefully. Some scams trick people into approving a transaction that gives the scammer full control of their wallet without even realizing it.

If you’re holding a larger amount of crypto, consider getting a hardware wallet. It’s a small device that stores your private keys offline — away from hackers or malware. Think of it like a safe for your digital money. It adds an extra layer of protection, especially if you plan to hold your crypto long-term.

Lastly, protect your online accounts. Use strong passwords and two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever you can — especially on exchanges and email accounts linked to your crypto wallets.

Staying safe in crypto isn’t about being paranoid — it’s about being prepared. The freedom of Web3 means you don’t have to rely on banks or middlemen anymore. But that also means you have to take security into your own hands.

And the good news? With just a little awareness and a few smart habits, you’ll be way ahead of most people — and ready to explore the world of crypto with confidence.