A cryptocurrency wallet is a tool that allows you to store, send, and receive digital currencies. Unlike traditional wallets, which hold physical cash, cryptocurrency wallets store your private and public keys—the cryptographic information that enables transactions on the blockchain. Depending on the cryptocurrency you plan to store, you’ll need to use a certain kind of wallet. If you want to store Monero, which is a privacy-focused cryptocurrency, a Monero wallet is a suitable choice since it’s specifically designed to enhance anonymity and security.

However, with the rise of cryptocurrencies comes the responsibility of knowing how to safeguard cryptocurrency wallets. Since cryptocurrency transactions are decentralized and irreversible, losing access to your wallet or falling victim to a security breach could mean losing your assets permanently. This makes it crucial to secure your wallet today and to take proactive steps to ensure its safety in the future.

Whether it’s for Monero or other cryptocurrencies, consider these simple yet effective ways to secure your cryptocurrency wallet.

1 Enable Two-Factor Authentication

One way to future-proof your cryptocurrency wallet is to use a two-factor authentication (2FA) process. It provides an additional layer of security to your cryptocurrency wallet by requiring two forms of verification before granting access. This makes it significantly harder for hackers to gain control of your wallet, even if they have your password.

If you’re adopting this strategy, don’t just rely on SMS-based 2FA, as it can be vulnerable to SIM-swapping attacks. Instead, use an authenticator app, which generates time-sensitive codes that are needed to log in. This way, the 2FA makes it more difficult for malicious actors to breach your account.

2 Backup and Safeguard Your Recovery Phrase

Your recovery phrase, or seed phrase, is the master key to your cryptocurrency wallet. Should you lose access to your wallet, this phrase will allow you to recover your assets. That said, it’s crucial to store this phrase securely as well as create a backup for it.

As a tip, never store your recovery phrase digitally, whether on a computer or cloud service, as these could be hacked. Instead, write it down on paper and keep it in a safe place, like a fireproof safe. For additional protection, you might consider splitting the phrase into parts and storing them in separate locations. You can also store multiple copies of your recovery phrase in different secure locations, and ensure that only trusted individuals know where to find them in case something happens to you.

3 Keep Your Cryptocurrency Wallet and Software Updated

One of the simplest yet most important steps in securing your cryptocurrency wallet is to ensure that your wallet software and apps are always up to date. Thankfully, many cryptocurrency wallet providers frequently release updates to fix bugs, patch vulnerabilities, and introduce new security features. So, be sure to stay informed or regularly check for new releases from your wallet provider. You can also enable automatic updates to ensure you don’t miss out on any important security improvements. Otherwise, you may leave your wallet exposed to potential attacks that target older software versions if you fail to update it.

4 Utilize Smart Contracts for Secure Transactions

You can also use smart contracts as a way to future-proof your cryptocurrency wallet. They’re self-executing contracts where the terms are directly written into the code. These contracts automatically enforce the conditions of an agreement, which removes the need for intermediaries and reduces the risk of fraud or manipulation during transactions.

When you set up a smart contract, you can ensure that funds are only transferred if specific conditions are met. This provides an extra layer of security and makes smart contracts particularly valuable in situations like escrow services or when establishing agreements with multiple parties. Smart contracts can also streamline the process by executing complex conditions and distributing assets or payments fairly, all of which are based on agreed-upon terms. This reduces the risk of fraud, errors, or delays, making transactions more efficient and trustworthy.

5 Diversify Your Wallets

Just as diversifying your investment portfolio spreads risk, using multiple cryptocurrency wallets can help protect your assets. You can keep a combination of hot and cold wallets. Hot wallets are connected to the internet and ideal for day-to-day transactions, while cold or offline wallets are better suited for long-term storage.

When you separate your assets into different wallets, you reduce the risk of losing everything in the event that one wallet is compromised. This also allows you to segment funds for different purposes, adding a layer of organizational security. For maximum security, use a cold wallet for storing large amounts of cryptocurrency and a hot wallet for smaller, more frequent transactions.

6 Plan for Succession

It’s also important to plan what will happen to your cryptocurrency in case you can no longer manage it. With succession planning, you can ensure your assets are passed on to trusted individuals or beneficiaries. Otherwise, you risk permanently losing your digital assets if no one else has access to your wallet.

Having said that, consider sharing your recovery phrase or access instructions with a trusted family member or using a legal service to ensure the distribution of your digital assets is handled appropriately. It’s also possible to use a smart contract that triggers access to your assets based on specific conditions, such as the confirmation of death.

Future-proofing your cryptocurrency wallet goes beyond securing your assets today. It also involves ensuring the safety and accessibility of your digital assets for years to come. Consider following these tips to help you better protect your digital wealth in an ever-evolving technological landscape. Remember, taking proactive steps now will safeguard your cryptocurrency for the future.