Protecting Your Crypto. Protecting Your Future.
In the world of digital assets, **you are your own bank**. This immense power comes with an equally immense responsibility: safeguarding your own security. Unlike traditional finance, there is no "forget password" button. Understanding the key principles below is vital for preventing permanent loss of funds.
The recovery phrase (also called the seed phrase or mnemonic) is the **master key** to your entire wallet. It is not a password. It is the cryptographic representation of your funds. If anyone gains access to it, they gain full access to your assets, even if they don't have your physical device. **Never, under any circumstance, digitize this phrase.** This means no screenshots, no cloud backups, no saving it in a note app, and absolutely no typing it into a website or software application unless you are performing a verified, official device recovery on a trusted, initialized device.
Phishing is the act of tricking you into voluntarily giving away sensitive information. Scammers often replicate official websites with incredible fidelity. Before entering *any* information, especially your recovery phrase or PIN, inspect the **URL bar**. Look for subtle misspellings (e.g., `ledgerrr.com` instead of `ledger.com`). Official communication channels will never ask you for your recovery phrase. Be skeptical of unexpected emails, social media direct messages, or sudden pop-ups urging you to "validate" or "verify" your wallet.
Only download wallet management software directly from the **official and main website** of the hardware or software provider. Avoid third-party links, app stores that are not the official Apple App Store or Google Play Store, or links provided in emails. Check that the developer name is correct. Malicious versions of popular software are often injected with code designed to steal your data as soon as you connect your device or enter your PIN. Always check for security updates and install them promptly.
If you use a hardware wallet, the most important security measure is the **physical device screen**. All critical actions—such as receiving addresses, transaction details, and signing confirmations—must be confirmed on the device itself. A sophisticated attacker might compromise your computer, but they cannot compromise the tiny screen on your device. If the details shown on your computer screen (e.g., the recipient address) do not match the details shown on your hardware wallet's screen, **cancel the transaction immediately.**