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Cryptocurrency investment is high-risk and complex. The market is volatile, regulators are still rallying to form a policy framework, and numerous scams and fraudulent activities have emerged in recent years. A Web3 security firm, DeFi, found that hackers stole around $2 billion in cryptocurrencies in 2023 and around $3.8 billion in 2022.

Its no surprise that India, too, has witnessed numerous crypto scams, given that the market is forecasted to reach $343.5 million in 2024, with a user penetration rate of 18.78%. Remember that investing in cryptocurrency requires obtaining appropriate financial advice and investing in only what you can afford to lose.

Related: Why Is the Crypto Market Rising Today?

A cryptocurrency is a digital asset that exists on a network of computers running in a ledger of transactions built on blockchain technology. These digital tokens, like Bitcoin and Litecoin, do not exist in a physical form. Crypto wallets store cryptocurrencies, which is fundamental to safeguarding the ownership of digital assets.

A crypto wallet is software that creates and stores public and private keys, allowing users to send, receive, store, and monitor crypto assets. A public key contains a long string of alphanumeric characters shortened to make up a wallet address used to receive cryptocurrencies. A private key is required to process the transaction.

Both public and private keys are used to perform successful cryptocurrency transactions. As the name suggests, a public key (like a QR code) is visible to the public and is used to receive cryptocurrencies. The sender, on the other hand, needs a private key to process the transaction. A private key is private to users and protects their digital assets from unauthorized access.

Malicious actors may try every method to access the private key and steal cryptos stored in the wallet. Remember, if you accidentally lose or destroy the private key and seed phrases, your cryptos will be lost forever.

Crypto exchanges are online platforms that help traders buy and sell digital currencies in exchange for cash, fiat currencies, or crypto tokens. They allow users to create an account, add funds to trade their investment in INR to buy cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin or Litecoin, trade crypto tokens for another, or receive the value of their return in cash to their bank account.

There are two types of crypto exchanges. A centralized crypto exchange (CEX) functions like a bank setup that traders trust to conduct transactions or store their digital assets. This means giving complete control to the centralized crypto exchange, including access to the private key. For this reason, CEX is called a custodial wallet, as users dont have access to private keys.

On the other hand, a decentralized crypto exchange (DEX) leverages blockchain technology to add security to your trading. Such crypto exchanges eliminate third partiesand instead, buyers and sellers directly trade crypto tokens for one another without using cash or fiat currencies. DEXs are known for providing non-custodial wallets, also known as self-custodial, as they provide users complete control of their private keys.

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Hot wallets are online software for sending, receiving, storing, and monitoring crypto assets. They function like online banking, where users can access their crypto wallet and public and private keys via smartphones, desktops, laptops, and tablets connected to the internet. Users need to be connected online to access their crypto wallet.

Cold wallets can be classified as offline wallets that use physical or hardware devices, such as a USB drive or smartcards, that store users public and private keys. It comes in various physical forms depending on the users needs. Some cold wallets also perform all the functions required to complete a transaction from a single online device. Cold wallets can also include paper-based documentation, which functions like physical shares. It can be used to store large amounts of cryptos given the security, however, the drawback is that the funds can be permanently lost if the devices are misplaced, lost, or damaged.

When it comes to storing crypto safely, users can choose hardware wallets or self-custody wallets, however, that might be complicated for some people given their infrastructure, according to Nischal Shetty, an experienced software developer who founded a popular crypto platform in India, WazirX.

Shetty explained that crypto platforms comply with regulators and law enforcement to prevent illicit transactions and ensure multi-level KYC checks, ID verification for onboarding users, and fund withdrawalsoverall required to provide a secure operating environment for all users.

Managing crypto assets via wallet has pros and cons, says Sumit Gupta, who co-founded the cryptocurrency trading platform CoinDCX.

Gupta explained that while traditional cold wallets offer robust security, they require careful handling of physical devices. Self-custodial wallets provide greater control but pose the risk of asset loss if seed phrases are forgotten. Centralized exchanges offer convenience but involve trusting a third party with funds.

It is crucial to choose a compliant crypto platform for legal protection and recourse in case of unforeseen events, added Edul Patel, founder of a crypto investment platform, Mudrex.

Patel explained that users need to regularly update security measures, such as two-factor authentication and encryption protocols, across all storage solutions to add protection against evolving threats to a great extentall of which balances convenience with security, empowering investors to manage their cryptocurrency holdings effectively while minimizing potential vulnerabilities.

Featured Partners

Legacy

Over 1 Million Investors Trust Mudrex for Their Crypto Investments

Security

Mudrex is Indian Govt. recognized platform with 100% insured deposits stored in encrypted wallets

Fees

Enjoy zero crypto deposit fees and industry's best fee rates.

Multiple Award-Winning Broker

Listed On Deloitte Fast 50 index, 2022 Best Global FX Broker - ForexExpo Dubai October 2022 & more

Best-In-Class for Offering of Investments

Trade 26,000+ assets with no minimum deposit

Customer Support

24/7 dedicated support & easy to sign up

Welcome Bonus On First Deposit:

Get $30 in your verified trading account on your first deposit.

Variety:

Trade CFDs in crypto, forex, stocks, metals, commodities & more!

Intuitive & Cheap:

Designed for traders of all levels, from beginners to professionals.

Please invest carefully, your capital is at risk

Cryptocurrencies can be stored in three different ways, as follows:

YesCold wallets use physical devices, like USB or smart cards, to store large amounts of cryptocurrencies, and come with a set of security features to access the device. However, you can lose crypto assets permanently if the devices are misplaced, lost, or damaged.

A crypto wallet is software that creates and stores public and private keys, allowing users to send, receive, store, and monitor crypto assets.

Original post:
Safest Ways To Store Your Cryptocurrency In 2024 Forbes Advisor INDIA - Forbes