<p>Most Bitcoin thefts occurs due to user careless and ignorance, like not using two-factor authentication and sharing email and password across questionable websites. The risk of theft can be easily reduced by taking the basic security measurements which you should follow in any case when you are dealing with Internet.</p>

<p>Here are some things you should include in your presentation</p>

<ul>
<li><p>Don't use questionable Bitcoin services or exchanges (see: Mt.Gox) - if you are unsure ask the Bitcoin community about the integrity of the service. Any "free bitcoins" sites are definitely no go.</p></li>
<li><p>Always enable two-factor authentication when using Bitcoin services (exchanges, web wallets)</p></li>
<li><p>Keep most of your Bitcoins in a cold wallet or vault service which is not directly connected to Internet</p></li>
<li><p>Don't install unnecessary software on the computer you use to handle Bitcoins. Especially don't install software from download sites (even legit ones) or from Bittorrent. Always download software directly from the site of the author.</p></li>
<li><p>Don't install unnecessary browser extensions</p></li>
<li><p>Don't use the same computer to surf on questionable sites (adult entertainment, illegal software, tor) - you usually get malware infection from sites like this</p></li>
<li><p>Keep your computer software up-to-date</p></li>
<li><p>Don't click phishing links</p></li>
<li><p>To reduce the risk of malware, use safer operating systems like OSX or Linux instead of Microsoft Windows. Please note that this only lowers the malware risk, it doesn't guarantee immunity if you don't follow the other advices mentioned here.</p></li>
</ul>

<p><a href="https://bitcoin.stackexchange.com/questions/30335/is-the-threat-of-computer-malware-to-steal-bitcoin-exaggerated/30336#30336">More information about Bitcoin end user threats can be found in this question</a>.</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2014-09-30T08:25:09.537Z
2014-09-30T08:25:09.537Z
2017-04-13T12:47:33.660Z
Mikko Ohtamaa
<p>I am trying to make a presentation on Bitcoin for my Security and Risk Analysis class. 
Currently, my research question is : What bitcoin security measures can enhance user-protection and reduce theft?</p>

<p>My professor needs the topic to be scientific, atleast that it sounds like one.</p>

<p>I need your help to paraphrase my question to make it more worthwhile for research.</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2014-09-30T03:06:48.533Z
You're going to need to narrow down your question a bit. Are you asking about security measures that ordinary end-users can take? Are you asking about security measures that website operators can take? Are you asking about security enhancements that the Bitcoin developers could add?
Nick ODell
<academic-research><wallet-security>
End-user security measures to protect your Bitcoins
user173810
# End-user security measures to protect your Bitcoins

(Asked by: username_0 on 2014-09-29)

I am trying to make a presentation on Bitcoin for my Security and Risk Analysis class.
Currently, my research question is : What bitcoin security measures can enhance user-protection and reduce theft?

My professor needs the topic to be scientific, atleast that it sounds like one.

I need your help to paraphrase my question to make it more worthwhile for research.

**Tags:** academic-research, wallet-security

> **Comments:**
> **username_1**: You're going to need to narrow down your question a bit. Are you asking about security measures that ordinary end-users can take? Are you asking about security measures that website operators can take? Are you asking about security enhancements that the Bitcoin developers could add?  

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## 1 answers

### Answer by username_2 on 2014-09-30. Score: 1

Most Bitcoin thefts occurs due to user careless and ignorance, like not using two-factor authentication and sharing email and password across questionable websites. The risk of theft can be easily reduced by taking the basic security measurements which you should follow in any case when you are dealing with Internet.

Here are some things you should include in your presentation

* Don't use questionable Bitcoin services or exchanges (see: Mt.Gox) - if you are unsure ask the Bitcoin community about the integrity of the service. Any "free bitcoins" sites are definitely no go.
* Always enable two-factor authentication when using Bitcoin services (exchanges, web wallets)
* Keep most of your Bitcoins in a cold wallet or vault service which is not directly connected to Internet
* Don't install unnecessary software on the computer you use to handle Bitcoins. Especially don't install software from download sites (even legit ones) or from Bittorrent. Always download software directly from the site of the author.
* Don't install unnecessary browser extensions
* Don't use the same computer to surf on questionable sites (adult entertainment, illegal software, tor) - you usually get malware infection from sites like this
* Keep your computer software up-to-date
* Don't click phishing links
* To reduce the risk of malware, use safer operating systems like OSX or Linux instead of Microsoft Windows. Please note that this only lowers the malware risk, it doesn't guarantee immunity if you don't follow the other advices mentioned here.

[More information about Bitcoin end user threats can be found in this question](https://bitcoin.stackexchange.com/questions/30335/is-the-threat-of-computer-malware-to-steal-bitcoin-exaggerated/30336#30336).


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