Bitcoin Security Guide
- KISS, Keep it simple stupid! Don't screw yourself out of your Bitcoin due to complexity.
- Learn The 10 Commandments of Bitcoin Self-Custody.
- Check out this Podcast Episode about the basics of self-custody.
- Get a COLDCARD Hardware Wallet,
this is how you set it up.
- Get a SEEDPLATE Bitcoin Metal Backup.,
this is how you
use it. Remember paper backups and electronics can burn and break. [If you are ready to take this one step further, you can split this backup in two parts very easily
with SeedXOR.]
- Make extra encrypted backups, at least two more and store them in geographically separated locations. This is how you set up an encrypted MicroSD backup.
- Passphrases are great security improvement, but it's one more thing to have to backup. Here is
how you set up a passphrase. Make sure that if you use a passphrase, you have a minimum of one metal backup of the passphrase too.
- Test everything!
- Now choose a software wallet, I recommend:
- Did some random person on twitter tell you do something complicated with Computers, Laptops, Raspberry Pis or Old Phones? Listen to this podcast and checkout this site
- Bonus, I also recommend keeping a backup of the last known working version of the software wallet you chose.
Could come in handy in case the wallet becomes abandonware and/or you're no
longer around to help the stakeholders. Follow this Twitter bot and learn to check signatures bitcoinbinary.org!
- Test a small amount, both deposit and spend. Become comfortable! And make sure to test backup recovery before depositing
real money!
- Keep learning – there are lots of videos and great Podcasts. As you acquire more knowledge you can increase the
security and complexity of your setup based on your needs.
- Finally, check out this step-by-step guide on how to
set up the whole bitcoin custody solution by Matt Odell