How to Store Bitcoin Securely
A Beginner's Guide to Cryptocurrency Protection, Self-Custody, and Hardware Wallets
Quick Summary: Learn how to protect your cryptocurrency from hackers, scammers, and your own mistakes. This book walks you through hardware wallets, seed phrase security, and the proven practices that separate those who lose everything from those who don't.
What You'll Learn
- How Crypto Wallets Work - Understand what wallets really are and why controlling your keys matters
- Hardware Wallet Setup - Step-by-step guidance for choosing and configuring your first hardware wallet
- Seed Phrase Security - Learn why your seed phrase is everything and how to protect it properly
- Exchange to Self-Custody - Move your crypto off exchanges safely and verify everything works
- Phishing & Scam Defense - Recognize attacks before they happen and build habits that protect you
- Password & 2FA Best Practices - Secure your accounts with proper authentication
- Durable Backup Solutions - Metal backups, geographic distribution, and recovery planning
- Inheritance Planning - Ensure your crypto can be recovered by loved ones if needed
Who This Book Is For
This book is written for anyone who owns cryptocurrency and wants to take real control of their security:
- Crypto Beginners - Just getting started and want to do it right from day one
- Exchange Users - Ready to move assets to self-custody but not sure how
- Long-Term Holders - Holding significant value and need bulletproof security
- Security-Conscious Investors - Want to understand threats and build proper defenses
- Anyone Who's Been Scammed - Learn from others' mistakes so you never experience it yourself
Table of Contents
Prologue
Two Million Dollars
Part I
Why Security Matters
Chapter 1
The Reality of Crypto Theft
Chapter 2
Understanding the Threats
Chapter 3
The Security Mindset
Part II
Understanding Wallets
Chapter 4
What Is a Crypto Wallet, Really?
Chapter 5
Types of Wallets Explained
Chapter 6
Seed Phrases: Your Master Key
Chapter 7
Choosing a Hardware Wallet
Chapter 8
Setting Up Your Hardware Wallet
Chapter 9
Your First Self-Custody Transfer
Chapter 10
Common Beginner Mistakes
Part III
Protecting Your Keys
Chapter 11
Seed Phrase Storage Basics
Chapter 12
Durable Backup Solutions
Chapter 13
Where to Keep Your Backup
Chapter 14
Password Security
Chapter 15
Two-Factor Authentication
Chapter 16
Securing Your Email
Chapter 17
Device Security Basics
Part IV
Moving Your Crypto
Chapter 18
When to Make the Move
Chapter 19
Exchange to Hardware Wallet
Chapter 20
After the Transfer
Part V
Staying Safe
Chapter 21
Phishing Attacks
Chapter 22
Common Crypto Scams
Chapter 23
Social Engineering
Chapter 24
What to Do If Something Goes Wrong
Chapter 25
Inheritance Planning