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Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum give users control of their own assets through decentralized systems. But with great power comes great responsibility. If…


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Full Guide on How to Secure Your Crypto Assets
Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum give users control of their own assets through decentralized systems.
But with great power comes great responsibility. If you fail to properly secure your crypto holdings, hackers can easily steal your funds.
Fortunately, proven methods exist to keep your cryptocurrency wallets safe. This guide will walk you through essential security strategies, from setting up your hardware wallet to storing recovery phrases.
Follow these steps, and you can lock down your crypto riches against almost any cyberattack.
Why You Must Safeguard Your Cryptocurrency
Cryptocurrency thefts occur frequently. Hackers constantly probe networks for vulnerabilities, even attacking major exchanges and protocols. If they detect a weakness in your defenses, they can drain your wallets in minutes.
That’s why seasoned crypto users take security seriously. They enable all available protections, eliminate simple errors, and stay vigilant against evolving threats. With so much at stake, half measures simply won’t cut it.
But achieving bulletproof security requires forethought and care. Rushing through wallet setups or cutting corners on secret phrase storage often ends in disaster. Follow this guide to get it right the first time, before you accumulate crypto wealth worth protecting.
Choose the Best Hardware Wallet for Your Needs
Hardware wallets like the Ledger Nano S allow you to store crypto assets offline, removing most cyber risks. Think of them as external hard drives that replace online software wallets. Hackers can compromise a web wallet if they infiltrate your computer. But breaching a hardware wallet requires physical access to the device itself.
Leading hardware wallet brands include:
- Ledger: Maker of the highly popular Nano S and Nano X models. Legitimate devices only available through the company’s official website.
- Trezor: Produces the Trezor One and Trezor Model T hardware wallets. Like Ledger, only buy directly from the official Trezor site.
- GridPlus: Offers the Lattice1 hardware wallet, though supply constraints are common.
Always purchase wallets directly from the vendor, never through third parties like Amazon. Avoid used or secondhand devices, that could have been tampered with.
For optimal security, use a hardware wallet for significant, long-term crypto holdings. Keep a “hot” software wallet on your computer for active trading and transactions.
Read this guide to find an in-depth review of the best crypto wallets
Secure Your Secret Recovery Phrase
When first configuring your hardware wallet, it will generate a 24-word secret recovery phrase. This phrase gives you a backup way to restore access to your crypto holdings if you lose the device.
Treat this phrase like a master password. Never store it electronically. Never type it into a phone or computer. Write it down by hand or stamp it into professional-grade metal plates. Split it into shards using Shamir’s Secret Sharing Scheme. Distribute the pieces among trusted locations and people.
Destroy the original paper note after securing the phrase elsewhere. For maximum redundancy, buy a backup hardware wallet and set it up with the same recovery phrase. Test restoring from the phrase to ensure it works when needed.
With your master recovery phrase locked down, you can now confidently deposit cryptocurrency into your ultra-secure hardware wallet. But danger still lurks if you become careless or complacent…
Avoid Common Errors That Compromise Security
Hardware wallets block remote hacking attempts. But cybercriminals employ advanced social engineering tactics to trick users into authorizing illicit transactions.
For example, you might connect your wallet to a phishing website masquerading as a legitimate platform. Or approve a malicious contract that drains all your funds days after the fact. Stay vigilant when approving withdrawal transactions and authorizing on-chain interactions.
Turn your hardware wallet into an impregnable vault:
- Use distinct addresses for active trading and cold storage.
- Regularly revoke contract approvals after completing transactions.
- Carefully check transaction details before signing.
No single trick can secure your crypto assets for good. Security requires implementing layers of protection and staying informed about new threats. Commit to becoming an expert in crypto self-custody, and your digital wealth will remain under your control.
Enhance Security With Airgapped 2FA Devices
Two-factor authentication (2FA) offers another layer of account protection beyond passwords. For crypto accounts, the most secure 2FA options remain entirely offline.
One method uses an old iPod Nano loaded with Yubico Authenticator software. Keep the iPod in airplane mode permanently, and generate 2FA codes without Internet connectivity. For additional security, enable 2FA with a YubiKey on the airgapped iPod itself.
Is this overkill? For some, certainly. But it exemplifies the hardcore cyber hygiene of experts protecting enormous crypto fortunes. Compare costs to potential losses, and decide which levels of precaution match your risk appetite and assets.
Conclusion
Safeguarding cryptocurrency is a nuanced affair. Striking the ideal balance between security and convenience takes experience and care. But implementing the essentials, like hardware wallets and offline secret phrase storage, drastically reduces your exposure to attacks.
Stay vigilant in your crypto security practices. Follow guides like this one to lock down vulnerabilities before your assets grow. And take time to master self-custody.
Becoming your own bank requires assuming responsibility for private keys. With crypto’s great power comes great security responsibility. Wield both wisely.
Global Leaders in Finance Declare Crypto Fraud Widespread, Unveil Action Plan
The influential corridors of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and G20 are buzzing with chatter about the double-edged sword of cryptocurrencies.
Sure, the allure of rapid and low-cost cross-border transactions and financial inclusion is undeniable. But here’s the real kicker—those promises have yet to materialize fully, and the world’s financial watchdogs are uneasy.
Let’s dig into what the major players have up their sleeves, and why you should be paying attention.
Unveiling the Master Plan
Last week, the Financial Stability Board of the G20, along with the IMF, took a significant step by rolling out a comprehensive action plan. The objective?
To mitigate the potential risks cryptocurrencies pose to global economic and financial stability.
This is a timely shift in regulation, especially in the wake of the collapse of major crypto exchange platform FTX last November, which rocked markets and inflicted investor losses.
What Are the Specific Risks?
The G20 and IMF are concerned about a laundry list of issues tied to cryptocurrencies:
- Monetary Policy Interference: A widespread adoption of digital assets could undermine the effectiveness of established monetary policies.
- Capital Flow Management: There are worries about cryptocurrencies bypassing traditional capital flow controls.
- Budgetary Risks: The potential for cryptocurrencies to siphon resources away from the real economy is a concern.
- Global Financial Stability: The sheer volatility and decentralization of crypto assets could endanger financial equanimity worldwide.
What’s on the Regulatory Agenda?
So, what’s the meat and potatoes of the action plan? Here’s what you can expect:
- Compliance with Existing Laws: The G20 and IMF are calling for adherence to current legal frameworks as they pertain to cryptocurrencies.
- Timeline for Implementation: They’re giving their members deadlines to implement recent recommendations from the Financial Stability Board and the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO).
- A More Cohesive Approach: While the European Union adopted its first set of rules for crypto assets, known as MiCa, earlier this year, the global approach remains scattered. The newly released plan aims to harmonize these efforts.
- Tackling Fraud and Manipulation: Make no mistake—fraud and market manipulation in the crypto space were termed as “all too common” in their official document.
Tax Policy and Deficit Control
The action plan doesn’t stop at simply regulating cryptocurrencies. It takes a broader economic view by urging governments to avoid massive deficits. Why?
Such missteps could weaken traditional currencies and inadvertently make cryptocurrencies an appealing alternative.
On top of that, the regulatory framework aims to clarify tax treatments of crypto transactions.
What Does This Mean for You?
If you’re an investor, trader, or merely crypto-curious, this development should be on your radar. It’s a signal that global economic guardians are catching up with this swiftly evolving space, and their moves could have ripple effects that directly impact your digital assets.
FAQs
What are the major concerns about cryptocurrencies? The G20 and IMF have identified multiple risks, including interference with monetary policy, capital flow management issues, budgetary risks, and threats to global financial stability.
What is the plan for regulation? A comprehensive action plan has been unveiled, pushing for compliance with existing laws, a timeline for implementing recommendations, a harmonized global approach, and measures to tackle fraud and manipulation in the crypto sector.
How does this impact me? If you’re invested or interested in cryptocurrencies, the unfolding regulatory scenario could significantly affect the value and legality of your digital assets.
Are there any economic implications besides regulating cryptocurrencies? Yes, the plan also urges governments to control deficits to avoid weakening traditional currencies, which could make cryptocurrencies more attractive. It also aims to clarify the tax treatments of crypto transactions.
While we’re still far from a tightly regulated crypto world, these steps by the Financial Stability Board and IMF signal a changing tide. So, whether you’re knee-deep in blockchain technology or just starting to dip your toes, stay informed. Trust me, as someone with two decades in copywriting, particularly focusing on finance, you won’t want to miss what comes next.
Cardano ADA explained

Cardano is a decentralized, open-source blockchain platform. It uses a proof-of-stake protocol to achieve consensus and facilitates peer-to-peer transactions. Cardano also has its own internal cryptocurrency, called ADA. ADA is used to facilitate transactions in the network.
Cardano ADA is an open-source blockchain platform
Cardano is a decentralized platform based on the Bitcoin and Ethereum blockchains. It allows users to build decentralized applications using smart contracts. The ADA token is an integral part of the Cardano ecosystem, allowing users to participate in governance on the platform and earn rewards. In addition to facilitating transactions, the ADA token can also be traded on exchanges. It is also a fully decentralized project, meaning that any user with an account can participate in the governance and use of the Cardano network.
Cardano uses a proof-of-stake (PoS) protocol to secure the network and ensure the safety of smart contracts. It also uses a consensus mechanism called Ouroboros to reward token holders for staking their ADA. The Ouroboros consensus protocol is a mathematically-verified consensus mechanism that secures the network and validates transactions. This mechanism is unique, and ensures top-notch security and longevity for the Cardano network. This system also makes use of peer-reviewed insights and evidence-based methods to ensure the integrity of the network.
As a result of its innovative design and promising roadmap, Cardano is an attractive investment. However, investing in a cryptocurrency is risky. It is best to invest only what you can afford to lose. Also, don’t expect huge gains overnight. Nevertheless, the ADA currency can prove to be a profitable long-term investment.
It uses a proof-of-stake protocol
Cardano’s proof-of-stake (PoS) mechanism is called the Ouroboros algorithm, and it is based on behavioral psychology and economic philosophy. It also provides benefits like low energy usage and global propagation. Cardano users can use it to purchase, sell, and mine the native token, ADA. They can also develop decentralized applications using smart contracts.
Staking ADA is done using a digital wallet and multiple staking pools. This allows the network to remain decentralized and prevent single-pool control. Delegators can stake their own coins, but the rewards are proportional to the amount of stake they’ve delegated.
Unlike Bitcoin’s proof-of-work system, Cardano uses a proof-of-stake mechanism to secure its network. Instead of using computing power to generate blocks, ADA relies on a pool of trusted server nodes run by a stake pool operator. These nodes keep combined stakes and ensure everyone is able to participate in the network.
It has a fixed monetary policy
The Cardano ADA has a fixed amount of coins in its circulation. This is a feature that makes it different from other cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin. It prevents inflation by limiting the number of coins in circulation. While Bitcoin’s supply is limited to 21 million, Cardano’s limit is 45 billion coins. While the limit seems excessive, it is actually designed to prevent inflation and maintain stability.
The limited supply of Cardano ADA ensures that it is more inflation resistant than other cryptocurrencies. This feature makes it an attractive choice for investors. The demand for ADA tokens is expected to grow as the Cardano network matures. The layered architecture of the Cardano blockchain also enables scalability, which is essential for a decentralized system. The number of smart contracts and DApps that are built on the Cardano blockchain is another factor that makes it stable and reliable.
The Cardano community plays a major role in the development of the Cardano network. In order to maintain a healthy community, the platform relies on incentives to keep stakeholders engaged in development. As part of the incentive to participate in the project, the Cardano community collects transaction fees and adds a fixed amount to ADA reserves. A percentage of this pot is sent to the treasury and the rest is distributed to epoch rewards.
It has a mobile wallet
Cardano ADA has a mobile client for both Android and iOS. You can download the client on either of these devices and use it to store your crypto. The wallet has advanced security features and supports instant payment. You can also use the client on your desktop computer or online. To use it, you need to have a Guarda account. Create a strong password and back up your wallet before you use it. You should also use two-factor authentication to protect your funds.
You can use the Cardano ADA mobile wallet to store and transfer ADA. The app also allows third-party developers to build their own apps, making the platform more versatile. You can even exchange ADA with other cryptocurrencies. However, the wallet currently only supports ADA, although other cryptocurrencies will be added soon.
The Yoroi wallet is one of the most popular wallets for Cardano ADA, and it allows you to manage your ADA on your smartphone. The app is lightweight and does not use much bandwidth. The iOS App is also small enough to be downloaded without any data transfer. Furthermore, Yoroi does not require you to store the full blockchain on your device, which makes it an excellent choice for mobile users. Additionally, Yoroi never stores your private keys on any central servers, so you can trust that your funds are safe.
-23% in 8 weeks: Should you sell Bitcoin?
After a recent high of $13,829 on June 26, 2019, the price of Bitcoin hit a low of $9095 before returning above $10,000, with a value of $10,700 per BTC on Tuesday, August 20.
The oldest of the cryptocurrencies experienced an almost continuous increase between April 2 and its last highest. It is therefore legitimate for investors to start questioning the possibility of a sales signal on Bitcoin.
Analysis of buyer and seller signals on the king of crypto-currencies
Several signals, both on the Bitcoin chart and the blockchain data, indicate the possibility of a return of the downward trend on the BTC. Be careful; however, the BTC may see its valuation soar upwards. A drop in valuation is simply one of the possible scenarios. You can always head up here ▷Acheter Bitcoin en 2019 – Meilleurs Sites avec Achat à Moindre Frais for more information.
1 – A decrease in the number of confirmed daily transactions
Confirmed Daily Transactions or Confirmed Transactions Per Day is a relevant indicator to be noted on the blockchain. The evolution of the number of confirmed daily transactions allows us to study the “real” use of Bitcoin as a currency. Although this data alone is not enough to indicate a trend, it serves as an indicator that must be compared with others so that we can conclude.
After a recent high of 379,181 confirmed transactions on June 30, 2019, the number of transactions recorded on the blockchain decreased significantly, reaching 306,908 transactions on July 29, a 19% decrease. This figure reflects a sharp slowdown in use and therefore demand for Bitcoins for this month of August 2019.
2 – Increasingly low bullish peaks
Since the last high of $13,829, the Bitcoin price has failed to rise above $14,000. The previous high points of the BTC reached $13,162 and $12,292 respectively on July 10 and August 6. Besides, the symbolic threshold of $10,000 for Bitcoin was broken twice downward between July 16 and 18, then between July 24 and August 1. A clear signal that Bitcoin sellers are taking control to sell Bitcoin, at least in the short term.
3 – The NVT Ratio increased sharply
The NVT Ratio or Network Value to Transaction was created and popularized by Willy Woo to estimate the valuation of a cryptocurrency. The aim here is to compare the total value of the Bitcoins in circulation with their actual use within the network.
The higher the value of the TGS, the greater the risk of a bubble and a sudden drop in prices, as demand does not justify such a high price for Bitcoin. On the other hand, if the NVT ratio is low, it means that Bitcoin is underestimated, the demand for tokens within the network being high, it will feed a future increase.
Over the past two years, the average value of the TGS ratio was 402.92. However, there was a recent bullish peak with a value of 2,199.71 on August 12. This unusually high value, almost 5.5 times the average value of the last two years, indicates that there is a risk of a fall in the price of Bitcoin. The BTC is overvalued compared to its actual daily use, according to this indicator. Read more here!
Selling Bitcoin: a short-term decision
We can conclude that selling Bitcoin may not be such a bad idea in the short term taking these three downward signals into account. The oldest cryptocurrency may be overvalued at this time, and its prices may need to be adjusted downwards.
However, it will be interesting to monitor the evolution of these indicators. After a potential drop in the price, it is very likely that in the medium term this will offer the possibility of buying Bitcoins at a “good price” by anticipating a future bullish wave.
Libra: US Congress officials call for the suspension of the project
Discussions with regulators
The Financial Times revealed in early June that Facebook had begun talks with the Commodity and Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), the US agency responsible for regulating exchanges, including futures and derivatives in the United States. Christophe Giancarlo, its president, said he was “only at the first exchanges” with the social network but said that “it was brilliant”, following a demo. “We feel a solid interest in better understanding of this product. However, we can only act following an official referral, and nothing has been presented to us,” he added. According to several American media reports, Mark Zuckerberg has already consulted the Treasury and the SEC, the US financial policeman, to determine the nature of the GlobalCoin. The two institutions have not confirmed or denied this information. It should also be noted that the boss of the US giant met with the governor of the English central bank, Mark Carney.
What is the libra?
The libra will be a crypto-currency indexed to a basket of stable fiat currencies (not yet defined), probably the dollar, euro, pound sterling, and yuan. It will, therefore, be a stablecoin, i.e., a stable cryptocurrency. For example, if the price of bitcoin is $10,000 and you exchange 1 bitcoin for libra, you will have 10,000 libra units. If the price of Bitcoin drops to $5,000, you will still have $10,000 in libra. In addition to being stable, Facebook’s crypto will be instantly exchanged since it will not need to go through the banking network.
What is the purpose of the libra?
The libra will be able to be exchanged between Internet users as it is now possible to make money transfers peer-to-peer via applications such as Lydia, Pumpkin, or PayPal. It will be possible to exchange libras via an app created by Facebook: Calibra. It is a wallet that will allow you to buy, sell, and store Facebook’s crypto. Finally, it will also be via the Facebook, WhatsApp, and Messenger platforms. In total, more than 2.7 billion people use at least one platform of the group’s ecosystem (Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, and WhatsApp) each month. The bookstore will also be used to pay for purchases from partner merchants. At the moment, we can count Uber, Booking, Spotify, eBay, Lyft, and Iliad, among others. As far as transaction costs are concerned, the chances are that they will be low.
The Libra blockchain
Libra cryptocurrency is based on a “permission” blockchain, which means that access to the protocol must be validated, unlike Bitcoin, a public blockchain, open to all. Facebook wants the blockchain to be without permission in the long run, but that this is not possible because “there is currently no proven solution that can offer the scale, stability, and security necessary to support billions of people and transactions around the world within a network without permission,” it is written in the presentation document.
Why Bitcoin could replace cash
The changes brought by digital currency technology has completely disrupted the payment market. The method of payment preferred by the new generations (especially millennials) when they shop in physical outlets is the bank card. And today, it is becoming increasingly rare to see cash payments in retail.
Bitcoin to replace cash and restore the balance
Bitcoin is a cryptocurrency that is not controlled by governments and banks. Its technology allows a total decentralization of money transfer from a private individual to a private individual. Bitcoin could, therefore, replace cash and become the “digital cash.”
Indeed, there are some similarities between Bitcoin and cash:
- Bitcoin is difficult to track, and transactions can be anonymous through decentralized exchanges. The same applies to money, where payments are made manually.
- Bitcoin very often escapes taxation because earnings are not reported and control bodies are not at the level. Cash also often escapes taxation and allows traders not to report all their income.
- Bitcoin is exchanged from one person to another without going through a third party (Bank). Cash is also transferred from one person to another, and payments are made by hand.
Small businesses are short of cash
A few years ago, retailers used not to report all the money they received. It allowed them to have a part that was exempt from taxation and left them a little bit of fat. This cash was reinjected into the economy and supported other businesses that in turn spent on local businesses.
This scenario no longer exists today because most of the payments are digital and are therefore declared. Local commerce has also suffered from competition from pure digital players that have disrupted entire markets (Amazon example). In short, small businesses lack cash.
Tomorrow the cash will disappear
We are moving towards a “zero cash” society. In some countries, such as Sweden, less than 15% of payments are made in cash. And politicians believe that a “zero cash” society would reduce tax evasion.
Bitcoin will continue to grow
If the theory demonstrated in this article tends to be realized and Bitcoin replaces cash, then cash could be used by billions of people around the world. And its value is also likely to increase sharply in the coming years.
Imagine a world where Bitcoin payments will be accepted everywhere; you can pay for your holidays in Bitcoin, pay for the work in your house in Bitcoin, etc. And these transactions will not necessarily be declared!
Yes, but then the state will have less control? Isn’t that dangerous?
What is dangerous is the limitless control and the reduction of freedoms. Bitcoin and species help to restore the balance. I don’t think Bitcoin will replace traditional currencies, but it will be used as a complement to give power back to the little people!
What Does The Future Look Like For Cryptocurrency?
Cryptocurrency has always commanded a large audience and has also shown us ways in which we can use the underlying blockchain functionality, which will improve the current systems. Cryptocurrency booming and revolution has been referenced a lot of times, but the question is what can be expected from cryptocurrency in the next few years. Since it has changed a lot over the last couple of years, we should see if it will affect our lives in ways that we don’t know yet.
Some people predict that the next couple of years will see considerable changes in cryptocurrency as institutional money continues to enter the market. This would mean that big investments would take an intense revolutionary step forward. The number of daily cryptocurrency interactions is going up per year, every year, this clearly indicates growth and in a positive way. Moreover, there is also a big possibility that cryptocurrency may get floated on the NASDAQ, which can potentially add further credibility to the blockchain and its uses. Some even cite that in the year 2019, we would see a shift in a leading force behind cryptocurrency. If Bitcoin opens a vault and lets the mainstream to understand the complexities of cryptocurrency, it will see cataclysmic changes in the near future.
Just like for everything, there are critics of cryptocurrency and also its uses in the future, and some of these critics cite that the volatility of Bitcoin especially may actually render the coin boom to be worthless. It is undoubtedly possible that Bitcoin may actually lose its value as other alternatives may gain immense value and end up taking the market share, which would have been reserved for Bitcoin. This possibility actually combines with the idea that cryptocurrency is actually just the start of what blockchain functionality actually offers.
Leading Currency: Crypto currency!
With modernisation world is witnessing many changes with time. It is no amusement with how advanced the things have grown into. If you need to purchase any product, you do not have to go out looking for it in hundreds of shops and instead you prefer getting it online. With exciting offers and discount, it also becomes exciting and feasible for you to shop. We are walking through the digital world today already and are waiting for such advancements in advance. Such digitalization has improved the growth of the counties not just fundamentally but also economically. Cryptocurrency is also a great example of digital world. Cryptocurrency is nothing but a digital currency which made a jump through educational platform when the encryption technology cryptography did not just remain a virtual format of knowledge but entered the real world and introduced Bitcoin. Just when this currency was introduced it started getting investors and started growing with pace. Soon, it got huge investments from big brands like Microsoft and the value of bitcoin raised to about 233$ per coin, which in no way is a small amount and this became a day to remember in the history of cryptocurrency.
Though it is still facing many challenges in the markets and almost is stuck in between the debates of what are the future scope of this currency and specially the bitcoin. This debate caught an urge and currency was banned in many countries including India although the growth did not stop. Even today, the bitcoin value is rising with time and has got many leading competitors too trying to raise their bars in order to stand right by the shoulders to bitcoin.
