Information security for your Bitcoin and crypto assets

We live in the age of the internet. It’s a medium that provides services not only to individuals but also to countless critical public institutions, including private companies, sovereign states, military forces and the police. Cyber ​​security and information security are specialist areas that exist to protect both personal data and the wide range of sensitive information that are key to the function of such services.

Over time, the disciplines required for institutions and professions to ensure cyber and information security have turned into regulations.

Only limited legal regulations currently apply in the field of Bitcoin and cryptocurrency, meaning that individuals would be well advised to take further steps to ensure the maximum security of their assets.

In this article, we explain the risks to Bitcoin and other crypto assets and what you should do to keep your assets safe.

How are your Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies at risk? How are your crypto assets secured?

We need to evaluate Bitcoin and cryptocurrency security from two perspectives: individual awareness and technical vulnerabilities.

As in all areas of cyber security, your number one priority is to be aware of risks in the first place. Just as you are conscious of having money in your pocket or the presence of a credit card in your bag, so you must develop a similar sixth sense to protect the likes of Bitcoin and crypto assets.

You can easily develop such reflexes by understanding some basic principles of information security.

As they apply to Bitcoin and crypto security, these are as follows:

• The majority of your assets should be stored in cold wallets, completely isolated from the wider internet environment
• You should pay maximum attention to your wallet software — and also to the software you use on your mobile and other operating systems. When new security patches are available, they should always be installed
• Two-factor authentication should be used

You can also store your Bitcoin and crypto assets in a range of wallet types including desktop, mobile, hardware and on paper. You should always be aware that wallets are at risk from phishing, the most common form of attack.

What is phishing? How do you spot phishing attempts?

Phishing is popular because it is easy, cheap and fast.

If you receive an email that looks like a phishing attempt, check the following things:

• Who the email is from
• Whether the email is personalised or written specifically for you
• The email domain name
• Is the email using fear as a call to action? Does it claim that your money is in danger? Does it ask you to click on a link in order to save your money?

What is the most secure Bitcoin and cryptocurrency protection method?

(Hardware wallets are among the most secure cryptocurrency storage methods)

Wallets are known as the most secure Bitcoin and cryptocurrency storage devices. The words, known as seed-words, that make up the private keys of these wallets should be carefully stored and backed up. Necessary security measures should also be taken when creating these words.

Be in no doubt that your entire online integrity, assets and safety depend on you remaining alert. Technology is no substitute for keeping your wits about you.

How secure are Bitcoin and cryptocurrency wallets?

Crypto wallets are secure if used correctly. One might even say that they are more secure than traditional (physical/digital) wallets and our current financial system.

What should institutions do about information security?

Information security should be central to any organisation. It must be integrated into all business processes and any necessary investments should be made according to the knowledge of security risks. That’s why BtcTurk has the highest security standards and policies.

Are my assets safe with BtcTurk? What security measures does BtcTurk implement to keep assets safe?

Although Bitcoin and cryptocurrency markets are not currently subject to universal regulation, BtcTurk is ready for all possibilities.

We recognise cyber-security is more essential to BtcTurk’s operations than traditional finance. For that reason we go above and beyond to secure our users’ crypto assets and keep them accessible at all times. All processes and investments are carried out with security firmly in mind.

BtcTurk’s comprehensive data security regime begins as soon as users register. We ensure this is ensured by:

• Applying regular penetration tests across the entire architecture
• Having all our information-security processes audited by top-level audit firms

To summarise the critical measures to be taken to protect Bitcoin and other crypto assets:

• Never download software from an unknown source and install it on your devices
• Do not install software from a source you do not trust on your computer, phone or other devices. Be sure to use licensed apps. You can also choose open-source applications.

You can download the BtcTurk | PRO mobile app from the App Store for devices with the iOS operating system, the Google Play Store for devices with Android operating system, and the Huawei AppGallery for Huawei devices.

Use two-factor authentication in every possible field. Using temporary authentication codes sent by SMS or software like Google Authenticator that generates temporary codes increase security.

• Do not make your Bitcoin and cryptocurrency transactions in public places

Public network connections (free Wi-Fi connections offered in public areas) are not secure and should be avoided. Furthermore, through social engineering techniques, you can loose access to your computer. This will mean attackers can steal your Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies.

You can trade Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies in minutes when you become a member of BtcTurk and safely participate in the world of Bitcoin and cryptocurrency.

With the BtcTurk | PRO mobile app, you can become a member of BtcTurk in just 5 minutes and step into the Bitcoin world. The BtcTurk | PRO app is available on iOS Appstore, GooglePlay Store and Huawei AppGallery!