Beginner-friendly • Battle-tested

Ledger Start — a colorful guide to protecting your crypto

You don’t need to be a security expert to keep your digital assets safe. This page walks you through the simple, practical steps to secure private keys, choose the right hardware, and adopt resilient habits so your crypto stays yours — forever.

Private keys stay offline

Hardware wallets keep your signing keys inside a secure chip disconnected from the internet — reducing risk from malware and phishing.

Recoverable

Back up your device’s recovery phrase and you can recover funds if the device is lost or damaged — when done securely.

Multi-asset support

Modern hardware supports many blockchains and tokens while keeping the user experience smooth and consistent.

Why secure your crypto? — The simple truth

Cryptocurrency ownership means control of a secret: your private key. Anyone with that key can move funds. Unlike bank accounts, there’s no central operator to reverse transactions or restore access if you lose your key. That makes personal security essential. Fortunately, you can put practical defenses in place that are easy to adopt: use a hardware wallet, write down a recovery phrase safely, avoid phishing links, and diversify access if you’re managing large holdings.

How Ledger Start helps — a short checklist

  1. Buy trusted hardware. Buy from reputable vendors and verify packaging to reduce risk of tampering.
  2. Set up offline. Initialize your device in a clean environment. Record the recovery phrase by hand — never store it in plaintext on a phone or cloud drive.
  3. Use a strong PIN. A memorable but non-obvious numeric PIN adds an extra barrier if the device is lost or stolen.
  4. Enable passphrase (optional). Advanced users can add a passphrase as a 25th word to create hidden wallets. This is powerful but increases recovery complexity.
  5. Practice small transactions first. Before sending large amounts, try a test transfer so you understand the signing flow and prompts.

A short primer: recovery phrases and why they’re critical

When you initialize a hardware wallet it generates a recovery phrase — typically 12, 18, or 24 words — that encodes your private key. This phrase is the single point of recovery for your entire wallet. If someone steals the phrase, they gain control of your funds. If you lose the phrase and the device, you may be unable to recover assets. Treat the phrase like cash: store it offline, in multiple secure locations if needed, and consider metal backups for fire and water resistance.

Best practices — plain, usable rules

  • Never share your recovery phrase. No legitimate support team will ever ask for it.
  • Keep at least two physical backups. Multiple secure copies reduce single points of failure, but avoid creating many copies that increase exposure.
  • Use a hardware wallet for large or long-term holdings. Hot wallets are convenient for day-to-day trading but riskier for large balances.
  • Be phishing-aware. Verify URLs, use bookmarks for critical services, and validate transaction details on your hardware device before confirming.
  • Consider split custody. For high-value portfolios, distribute access across trusted co-signers or multi-signature arrangements.

Designing resilience — for individuals and families

Security is not just about devices — it’s about the plan you build around them. Document, in a security binder, what each backup is for and where it’s stored. Use clear but secure inheritance instructions so heirs can access funds if necessary. Consider legal advice for estate planning and trusts that include digital asset clauses. Keep the number of people with access intentionally small but documented in a way that survives time.

Practical security tips (quick wins)

Tip — Use device verification: Always verify a transaction’s recipient address and amount on the hardware screen, not only in the browser.
Tip — Avoid screenshots: Never photograph or screenshot a recovery phrase. Images leak easily.
Tip — Rotate small sums: For regular use, move smaller amounts to a hot wallet rather than keeping everything accessible on one device.
Tip — Update firmware carefully: Firmware updates may include security fixes. Confirm update authenticity and back up recovery information before major changes.

FAQ — Short answers

Q: If I lose my hardware wallet, can I get my crypto back?
A: Yes — if you have your recovery phrase. Use it on a compatible device to restore access.
Q: Can someone steal my funds if they access my computer?
A: Not directly if your private keys are on a hardware wallet and you confirm transactions on-device. Malware can attempt to trick you with fake interfaces, so always verify on the device screen.
Q: Should I store the recovery phrase in a safe deposit box?
A: Many people do. It’s a secure option, but ensure heirs know how to access it when needed, and consider geographic risk (e.g., what happens if you cross borders).

This guide focuses on practical security: minimizing complexity while maximizing safety. You can layer more advanced controls like multi-signature and hardware-enforced passphrases as you learn. The goal is simple: make your keys reliably inaccessible to attackers while keeping them reliably accessible to you.