Blockchain
Experts reveal the best ways to keep your crypto safe in 2024
In 2023, it is estimated around $2 billion was lost by investors to scams, rug pulls and hacks. Although the technology is becoming more secure and stable and many users are more aware of the tricks used to steal assets, there are still ways for thieves to extract your crypto if you aren’t careful.
Experts at Smart Betting Guide have provided a guide on the best ways to keep your crypto safe in 2024.
1. Do not store your password and seed phrase on the Cloud
For many people, the best and most convenient way to access crypto is through an exchange or a crypto wallet. Cryptocurrency wallets store users’ public and private keys while providing an easy-to-use interface to manage crypto balances. These exchanges require you to create an account with a password, and wallets give you extra security through the use of a seed phrase. Seed phrases are a sequence of random words that store the data required to access or recover cryptocurrency on blockchains or crypto wallets. Hackers will often attempt to steal these in order to gain access to your crypto and steal it.
It is vital that these passwords and phrases are not stored in the cloud or on a device that could potentially be hacked. Instead, write these down, or get them engraved on a metal card (to protect against water damage or fire) and store them somewhere secure within your property.
Finally, no crypto protocols or their customer support staff will ever ask for this information from you, so if someone asks for it they are trying to steal your crypto.
2. Use a hardware wallet instead of an exchange
If you want to ensure your crypto is completely protected, a hard wallet is the best choice. This is a device such as a USB thumb drive that securely guards a crypto user’s private cryptographic keys in offline or “cold” storage, ready to be used online to complete a crypto transaction whenever you are ready. These are much safer than keeping crypto on an exchange; like with the FTX collapse, users lost billions of dollars of crypto stored in their wallets. Hardware wallets ensure that your crypto is safe from hackers and exchange collapses alike.
Pros: Cannot be accessed by anyone online and is completely secure from online attacks, also prevents loss of crypto from exchanges collapsing
Cons: Could be lost or damaged physically, rendering the crypto useless (although some come with backup features now)
3. DYOR – Do your own research
A rug pull is a scam where a cryptocurrency or NFT developer hypes a project to attract investor money, only to suddenly shut down or disappear, taking investor assets with them. These scams can often be well disguised, which makes them very difficult to spot. Many may be advertised across social media and entice investors through the promise of making lots of money. This is why it’s important to do your own research before investing your money in any cryptocurrency or NFT.
Here are the things to look out for when thinking of investing in a new or unknown crypto:
– Developers
Investors should consider how credible the team behind the project are. Are they known in the crypto community, and do they have a good or bad track record? Be sure to check the legitimacy of social media accounts. Have they just been created, or is there a clear history that the person is who they say they are? Anonymous developers are a red flag, and any projects are approached with caution. Anonymous developers are a red flag and any projects approached with caution.
– Whitepaper
It is important to check the quality of the white paper, this is a document that explains the purpose of a project and how it works. For a cryptocurrency, the whitepaper is a guide to its technology, features, and goals. If the whitepaper seems vague or doesn’t offer a valued use case or tokenomics then it could be a potential risky investment.
– No liquidity locked
One of the easiest ways to distinguish a scam coin from a legitimate cryptocurrency is to check if the currency is liquidity locked. With no liquidity lock on the token supply in place, nothing stops the project creators from running off with the entirety of the liquidity.
Investors should also check the percentage of the liquidity pool that has been locked. A lock is only helpful in proportion to the amount of the liquidity pool it secures. Known as total value locked (TVL), this figure should be between 80% and 100%.
– No external audit
It is now standard practice for new cryptocurrencies to undergo a formal code audit process conducted by a reputable third party. One notorious example is Tether, a centralised stable coin whose team had failed to disclose that it held non-fiat-backed assets. An audit is especially applicable for decentralised currencies, where default auditing for DeFi projects is a must. However, potential investors shouldn’t simply take a development team’s word that an audit has taken place. The audit should be verifiable by a third party and show that nothing malicious was found in the code.
4. Verify fake apps and fake crypto exchanges
These are a very popular type of scam and target many investors, however new investors are more likely to be impacted by these as they may be unsure on what to download. These fake apps can be used to steal money, cryptocurrencies or seed phrases and passwords. The best way to avoid these scams are:
Never search for crypto apps directly from an app store. Always find the direct download link or redirect link to the app store from the company’s official website or whitepaper.
Check for the number of app downloads and number of reviews – if these are low this is a red flag
Check the developer of the app, this should be verifiable and come from the official company. Check for spelling mistakes and also other apps made by the developer.
5. Extra security measures
Finally, there are some basics that should be adhered to which can protect your day to day date and accounts as well as your crypto.
Never click links on emails you are unsure of where they originate from.
Set up Two Factor Authentication (2FA), this means hackers would need your phone to hack you even if they have all your other account details.
Don’t click popups or links that come up on the internet or social media
Be cautious of any messages you receive from people who say they can ‘make you money fast’. These have become popular across social media and utilize fake accounts to try and get your money.
A spokesperson from Smart Betting Guide commented: “Hacks, scams and rug pulls not only pose a threat to individual investors but cast a shadow on the broader narrative of cryptocurrency as a revolutionary force in finance. They erode trust, stifle innovation, and impede the progress towards a more inclusive and decentralized financial future. Therefore, the task at hand goes beyond personal security; it is a shared responsibility to fortify the foundations upon which the future of finance stands.”
The post Experts reveal the best ways to keep your crypto safe in 2024 appeared first on HIPTHER Alerts.
Blockchain
Blocks & Headlines: Today in Blockchain – January 24, 2025 (IBM, SAP, Oracle, Bitfury Group, Auxesis Services Technologies, Binance, European Central Bank)
The blockchain and cryptocurrency industry continues to evolve at breakneck speed, reshaping global finance, technology, and governance. From central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) to cutting-edge tools simplifying blockchain development, today’s updates offer a glimpse into how blockchain technology is transforming industries. Here’s your daily briefing on the latest news in blockchain, crypto, and Web3.
Blockchain in Retail: Competitive Intelligence and Trends
A new report analyzing blockchain adoption in the retail sector forecasts significant growth between 2025 and 2034, with major players like IBM, SAP, Oracle, Bitfury Group, and Auxesis Services Technologies leading the charge. The report highlights blockchain’s role in enhancing supply chain transparency, combating counterfeit goods, and enabling seamless loyalty programs.
Why This Matters:
Blockchain’s ability to enhance traceability and trust in supply chains makes it an ideal solution for the retail industry. With consumer demand for transparency growing, retailers are under pressure to provide verifiable data about the origins of their products—a gap blockchain is poised to fill.
Commentary:
Retailers that fail to adopt blockchain solutions risk falling behind as industry leaders use this technology to build trust and customer loyalty. As adoption grows, smaller players may also turn to blockchain-powered SaaS platforms to stay competitive.
Source: GlobeNewswire
ECB’s Digital Euro Pitch in Response to Growing Crypto Adoption
The European Central Bank (ECB) has pitched the idea of a digital euro, citing the growing influence of cryptocurrencies and global pushes toward digital currencies. The ECB framed the digital euro as a stable, secure alternative to decentralized crypto assets, addressing the region’s need for innovation while preserving monetary sovereignty.
Why This Matters:
CBDCs like the digital euro could redefine global finance, providing a government-backed alternative to private cryptocurrencies. For the EU, this initiative represents both a competitive response to projects like China’s digital yuan and a hedge against the risks posed by unregulated crypto markets.
Commentary:
The digital euro has the potential to address inefficiencies in cross-border payments and financial inclusion. However, its success will depend on balancing innovation with privacy—a concern central to public trust in government-backed digital currencies.
Source: Reuters
Simplifying Blockchain Development with Enso
Enso, a new development tool, promises to revolutionize blockchain coding by making the process more intuitive and accessible. Dubbed the “Intent Revolution,” Enso eliminates the need for complex, code-heavy development by allowing developers to articulate “intentions” that the platform then translates into blockchain logic.
Why This Matters:
The barrier to entry for blockchain development has long been its technical complexity. Enso’s approach could significantly lower this barrier, enabling a broader range of developers—and potentially businesses—to participate in blockchain innovation.
Commentary:
Simplifying blockchain development is a critical step in driving adoption. Tools like Enso are not just about ease; they democratize access to blockchain innovation, allowing smaller players to compete with industry giants.
Source: DL News
French Crypto Co-Founder Freed After Kidnapping Incident
In an alarming story, a co-founder of a prominent French cryptocurrency company was kidnapped but has since been freed after a swift operation by French authorities. While the specifics of the case remain under wraps, reports suggest that the incident stemmed from disputes related to crypto investments.
Why This Matters:
This incident underscores the risks associated with the crypto industry, particularly for high-profile figures. With cryptocurrencies often linked to high-value transactions, individuals in the sector may face heightened personal security threats.
Commentary:
As the crypto industry matures, security—both digital and physical—must become a priority for individuals and organizations. Expect to see increased demand for personal security services tailored to crypto executives.
Source: France24
Ex-Visa CFO Joins Blockchain Firm Amid Trump’s Crypto Push
Former Visa CFO, Charlotte Hogg, has joined the board of a leading blockchain firm, signaling increasing alignment between traditional finance and blockchain. The move comes as Trump’s administration accelerates its crypto-related policies, placing blockchain at the forefront of financial innovation.
Why This Matters:
Hogg’s appointment highlights the growing convergence of traditional finance and blockchain technology. The expertise of seasoned financial executives could lend credibility to blockchain firms, making the sector more appealing to institutional investors.
Commentary:
Bringing in talent from established financial institutions is a strategic move that positions blockchain companies for mainstream adoption. With figures like Hogg on board, the narrative of blockchain as a speculative industry is shifting toward one of legitimacy and innovation.
Source: CFO Dive
CZ, Crypto’s Wealthiest Man, Focuses on Philanthropy
Changpeng Zhao (CZ), the CEO of Binance and one of the wealthiest figures in crypto, has announced a renewed focus on philanthropy. CZ’s latest initiative involves leveraging blockchain technology to increase transparency and efficiency in charitable giving, with an emphasis on combating poverty and improving global education.
Why This Matters:
Blockchain-based philanthropy offers a unique opportunity to ensure donations are used effectively, addressing long-standing concerns about corruption and mismanagement in the charity sector. CZ’s initiative could set a new standard for transparency in philanthropy.
Commentary:
CZ’s pivot toward philanthropy not only reflects the growing maturity of the crypto industry but also highlights blockchain’s potential to solve real-world problems. As trust becomes a cornerstone of crypto adoption, initiatives like this can have a far-reaching impact.
Source: Yahoo Finance
Key Trends Shaping Blockchain and Crypto Today
Today’s stories illustrate several key trends in blockchain and crypto:
- Institutional Alignment: From the ECB’s digital euro to Charlotte Hogg’s new role, traditional finance is increasingly embracing blockchain technologies.
- Simplifying Innovation: Tools like Enso reflect a push to make blockchain development more accessible, which will drive adoption across industries.
- Security Concerns: The kidnapping of a French crypto executive serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by industry leaders.
- Social Impact: CZ’s philanthropic efforts demonstrate how blockchain can drive social good, particularly in areas like education and poverty alleviation.
Looking Ahead
As blockchain and cryptocurrency continue to evolve, the industry is moving beyond speculative trading toward meaningful applications. Whether it’s through enhancing supply chain transparency, driving financial inclusion, or simplifying development, blockchain’s potential remains immense. However, challenges like regulation, security, and public trust must be navigated carefully to ensure sustained growth.
This concludes Blocks & Headlines: Today in Blockchain for January 24, 2025. Stay tuned for tomorrow’s briefing as we continue to track the trends and innovations shaping the future of blockchain and cryptocurrency.
The post Blocks & Headlines: Today in Blockchain – January 24, 2025 (IBM, SAP, Oracle, Bitfury Group, Auxesis Services Technologies, Binance, European Central Bank) appeared first on News, Events, Advertising Options.
Simplifying Crypto Payments: Introducing Bybit Pay
Blockchain
Andrew Cardno to speak on the session titled “The Seven Forces Transforming Our Industry (Whether We Like It or Not)”
Quick Custom Intelligence (QCI) is pleased to announce a must-attend session at the upcoming January 28–30, 2025, Raving Next: Indian Gaming Strategic Operations and Leadership Conference at Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula, CA. This event will feature Andrew Cardno, CTO of QCI, as he delivers an in-depth exploration of the rapid technological evolution reshaping tribal gaming, including the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and robotics on gaming floors and team members.
The signature session, titled “The Seven Forces Transforming Our Industry (Whether We Like It or Not),” will take place on January 29, 2025, from 1:15 – 2:00 PM (Mainstage). Mr. Cardno’s presentation will discuss how casino operators can adopt these advanced tools while preserving core traditions and staying ahead of the competition.
“AI and robotics are no longer futuristic concepts in the tribal gaming space—they are here now,” said Andrew Cardno, CTO of QCI. “Our goal is to help operators confidently integrate these technologies and develop robust plans for sustainable success.”
The session will also feature insights from Deana Scott, CEO of Raving Consulting, who will offer guidance on seamlessly incorporating new technologies into tribal enterprise strategies, ensuring both guest experience and workforce well-being remain top priorities.
“This isn’t about technology for technology’s sake,” noted Deana Scott. “It’s about finding the best fit for each tribal enterprise, ensuring the heart of our industry—our people and culture—remains at the forefront of decision-making.”
Attendees can expect to leave with practical approaches to integrating and leveraging emerging technologies in ways that reinforce the unique strengths of tribal gaming, enhance operational efficiency, and empower team members.
The post Andrew Cardno to speak on the session titled “The Seven Forces Transforming Our Industry (Whether We Like It or Not)” appeared first on News, Events, Advertising Options.
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