Post by Craig Petronella (republished with permission)
“Cryptocurrency has long been of interest to investors looking for the latest opportunity to diversify their portfolios. Unlike stocks and bonds, cryptocurrency can’t be purchased through a traditional brokerage account, meaning that it has to be bought on a cryptocurrency exchange such as Coinbase.
For investors just dipping their toes into the market, keeping their cryptocurrency on the exchange where they bought it is usually the easiest (and cheapest) way for them to hold it. However, those looking for more security may opt for a cryptocurrency wallet, which is either a software or hardware option designed to offer more protection for your investment.”
Few areas of the law are changing more rapidly than Cannabis Law. Legal and ethical issues regarding marijuana (medical and adult-use), hemp and CBD touch on practically every area of the law: from litigation and contracts, to licensing and zoning, to business formation and insurance. Having a working knowledge of the basics is essential. Plan now to attend the free, one-hour, live CLE webinar “Basics of Cannabis Law: Chapter One” on March 30, 2022 at 12 noon CST. This webinar features two of the most experienced, knowledgeable and impactful lawyers in the U.S. on cannabis law: Lisa L. Pittman, chair of the American Bar Association Cannabis Law & Policy Committee, whose pioneering efforts led the ABA to formally embrace this emerging practice area; and Khurshid Khoja, chair of the National Cannabis Industry Association, the country’s oldest and largest cannabis trade organization. The course will highlight key substantive topics, address ethical concerns, offer best practices for risk management, and identify ethical concerns. It will also give you online links and key resources for your continuing education. This free, one-hour webinar is the latest in Alta Pro’s ongoing series of cutting-edge CLE programs. Register here.
Why a Crypto-Wallet?
“Technically, cryptocurrency that you purchase and leave on an exchange is already in a type of wallet. Those coins might be vulnerable, though, if the exchange is hacked. This is why investors who have larger amounts of Bitcoin, Ethereum, or other cryptocurrencies, or those who are very worried about the possibility of theft or fraud, may opt for an individual cryptocurrency wallet.
Each wallet comes with a public and private key. The public key is like a bank account number—this is the information needed to send and receive money to your account. The private key is like your bank password. You’ll need this to access your account to do things like move or spend your cryptocurrency.
Cryptocurrency wallets come in two main types: hot and cold. The kind that is right for you depends on both your level of risk aversion, your investment habits, and how much you want to spend. (Be aware that not every exchange will allow transfers out to an individual wallet. If you’re not sure what you want to do with your holdings but want to keep your options open, make sure you choose an exchange that does.)
Hot Wallets
A hot wallet is a form of digital storage connected to the internet. Like a wallet on an exchange, which is also online, it’s easy to access from your computer or your phone. This makes them more convenient if you think you’re going to be doing frequent trading because it is easier to transfer your holdings back onto an exchange. Hot wallets are often available free of charge, which is a consideration if your holdings are relatively small and you don’t want to have to spend additional money for improved security. However, they’re not a complete guarantee against digital attacks, even if they are a step up from keeping your coin on the exchange. Hot wallets are also prone to keylogger or malware attacks; keystroke encryption can help plug this vulnerability.
Cold Wallets
A cold wallet is a physical storage device that keeps your cryptocurrency offline. These may also be called a hardware wallet or cold storage. The advantage of such a device is that it offers a much higher level of protection against hacking or online attacks. When you set up a cold wallet, you also set up a 24-word phrase to create your private key. This key must be kept completely offline, safe and secure because it can be used to rebuild your cold wallet onto another software or hardware device. Used as intended, this protects you against the event your first device is damaged or destroyed or allows you to create multiple hardware wallets to distribute to trusted associates. Carelessly left accessible, that phrase can enable a thief to rob you with a duplicated wallet.
A cold wallet can also cost up to $200—make sure you purchase directly from a manufacturer, as secondhand wallets may have been tampered with, leaving your account vulnerable. These devices make the most sense if you have a more sizeable purchase that you intend to hold for a long period of time.”
About the Author
Craig A. Petronella is the CEO of Petronella Technology Group Inc, a cybersecurity group that specializes in helping law firms with security and compliance. With 30 years of experience, he is the author of “How Hackers can Crush your Law Firm,” Peace of Mind Computer Support” and other titles. MIT Certified: AI, Blockchain & Hyperledger. Phone: 919-601-1601; Helpdesk Support: 919-422-2607. For information about a cyber-crime risk assessment call: 1-877-468-2721
Source: Understanding Cryptocurrency | Hard Wallet | Cold Wallet | Enroll Today (petronellatech.com)
