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Security 3 min read

Safe Practices: Setting Up Your Wallet the Right Way

Don't just download a wallet, secure it. A 5-minute checklist to lock your digital door before you buy.

Key Takeaways
  • Source Check: Did I download this from the official website?
  • The Clean Room: Is my device free of viruses?
  • The Master Key: Have I written my seed phrase on paper (offline)?
  • The Lock: Is my device set to auto-lock with a password/FaceID?
  • The Test: Have I tried a tiny ($10) transaction first?

So, you’ve picked a wallet! Whether it’s MetaMask, Exodus, or a shiny new hardware device, you are one step closer to owning your financial future.

But before you transfer a single cent, we need to pause.

Think of your crypto wallet like a digital safe. Buying the safe is step one. Bolting it to the floor and setting a code only you know is step two. If you have downloaded your wallet but haven't secured your environment, you are leaving the door unlocked.

1

Download from the Source (Avoid Fakes)

Rule 1: Never click on "Sponsored" ads in Google Search results. Rule 2: Always type the URL manually if you know it, or navigate from a trusted source (like the official Twitter/X bio).

Scammers create "fake" websites that look identical to the real ones to trick you into downloading a compromised wallet.

✅ Real Example

metamask.io

❌ Fake Example

metamask-support-wallet.com

Pro Tip

Bookmark It: Once you find the correct, official website, bookmark it immediately. Only ever access the site through your bookmark in the future.

2

The Seed Phrase: Your "Master Key" 🔑

When you set up your wallet, it will give you a list of 12 or 24 random words (e.g., apple, river, dinosaur...). This is your Seed Phrase.

The Golden Rule of Crypto

  • NEVER Screenshot it: Viruses can scan your photo gallery for text.
  • NEVER Save it in Notes/Cloud: Do not type it into Google Keep, Apple Notes, or email it to yourself.
  • Write it on Paper: Use a pen and paper. Make two copies. Store them in separate, fire-safe places.
3

Lock Your Front Door (Device Security) 🔒

If your phone is unlocked and you leave it on a cafe table, anyone can pick it up and open your wallet app. You need an "extra step" to protect your funds.

  • Mobile: Enable Biometrics (FaceID/Fingerprint) for every transaction. Set auto-lock to 30 seconds.
  • Computer: Ensure your user account requires a password to log in. Set your screen saver to lock immediately.
4

The "Clean Room" Check

You wouldn't put gold in a safe that has a hole in the back. Similarly, don't put crypto on a computer that has a virus.

  • The Fan Test: Is your computer fan running loud and hot even when you have no apps open? This could be a sign of "cryptojacking" malware running in the background.
    • Windows: Check Task Manager > CPU usage.
    • Mac: Check Activity Monitor > CPU.
  • The Scan: Before you put money in, run a Malwarebytes scan (free version) to ensure you are clean.
5

The $10 Test Rule

This is the most important habit for a beginner. Never send your full investment in your first transaction.

  1. Set up your wallet.
  2. Transfer just $10 worth of crypto to it.
  3. Wait for it to arrive.
  4. (Optional but recommended) Wipe the wallet and try to restore it using your written Seed Phrase. If the $10 reappears, you know your backup works.

Now you are safe to transfer the rest.