Crypto asset investments, known for their high risk, can sometimes lead to losses due to the exchanges on which they are traded. Understanding whether a cryptocurrency exchange is trustworthy has become crucial.
Crypto assets, dubbed the most controversial investment tools in recent years, have been the subject of widespread discussion, especially as Bitcoin (BTC), the leading cryptocurrency, has begun an uptrend.
This surge has brought crypto assets into the spotlight across various sectors. Naturally, altcoins, rising alongside BTC, have earned significant profits for many investors.
However, this doesn’t mean that the cryptocurrency landscape is without its challenges. Investors who don’t exercise caution can often lose their entire investment due to issues with exchanges. It’s essential, then, to choose a secure exchange.
But how do we identify a trustworthy and secure cryptocurrency exchange? What makes one exchange safer than another? What are the criteria for determining the security of a cryptocurrency exchange?
Why is the security of cryptocurrency exchanges so important?
Regardless of the crypto asset you invest in, prioritizing your own security is paramount. After all, you’re investing with the aim of making a profit.
On an individual level, precautions such as using strong passwords and enabling two-factor authentication are basic steps you can take. However, ensuring your safety doesn’t stop with personal measures. The exchange you choose must also adhere to certain security standards.
Cyberattacks pose one of the most significant risks to a cryptocurrency exchange, with hackers tirelessly working to access funds that can amount to billions of dollars. Therefore, an exchange must implement robust measures to guard against security vulnerabilities.
Beyond this, it’s crucial to trust the exchange you plan to invest with and verify its legal identity. Moreover, ensuring that the exchange does not misuse your funds for its own purposes is equally important.
Security criteria to consider when choosing a cryptocurrency exchange
We’ve established the importance of selecting a trustworthy exchange to minimize the risk of losing your money. So, what criteria should you consider when choosing a cryptocurrency exchange? Let’s delve into the criteria that have become standardized in the industry.
KYC (Know Your Customer)
The Know Your Customer (KYC) process is a critical indicator of a cryptocurrency exchange’s trustworthiness.
This system involves the exchange collecting and verifying the identity information of its users. If you’re using an exchange that lacks a KYC system, it’s reasonable to harbor suspicions about its reliability.
SSL/TLS certificates
Internet protocol certificates are essential not only for exchanges but for all websites as well. These security certificates signal whether user data is securely transferred to the central servers of the cryptocurrency exchange.
If the exchange you prefer lacks these certificates, your internet browser will typically issue a warning. In such cases, it’s wise to back away without a second thought.
2FA support
The widespread adoption of the internet has rendered two-factor authentication (2FA) systems essential. Generally, 2FA requires multiple forms of verification when logging into an account. If the exchange you plan to use does not support 2FA, it suggests a lack of concern for your security.
Integrating 2FA systems into websites is straightforward; thus, a failure to implement such a system could be a clear sign of ulterior motives.
Ability to provide proof of reserves
Proof of reserves stands as a crucial indicator of a cryptocurrency exchange’s financial health and reliability. But what exactly is proof of reserves? It signifies whether a cryptocurrency exchange maintains user funds securely
Exchanges that regularly publish their proof-of-reserves reports also ensure the security and potential reimbursement of user assets in the event of an attack, bankruptcy, or market exit. These exchanges hold customers’ deposits in equivalent forms and refrain from using these funds for any other purposes.
Notably, world-renowned cryptocurrency exchanges such as OKX and Binance consistently provide proof of reserves. OKX has even announced that it establishes a $1 “Risk Shield” for every dollar invested by a customer.
Cold wallet support
One of the foundational beliefs in the realm of security is that any hardware or device connected to the internet is susceptible to security risks.
Conversely, cold wallet technology refers to the storage of digital assets on devices that are entirely offline, with no internet connection.
These cold wallets are safeguarded with private encryption keys and advanced encryption standards, akin to bank vaults for digital assets. Cryptocurrency exchanges offering cold wallet storage allow users to secure their assets in these offline devices.
Recently, Web3-based wallets, a new addition to our digital lives, have gained significance. Exchanges like OKX feature dedicated Web3 wallets, enabling the trading of digital assets and NFTs across 11 Bitcoin networks. For those interested in decentralized finance (DeFi) systems, the availability of a Web3 wallet is a crucial factor to consider.
The stock market is legal and compliant
A key indicator of a cryptocurrency exchange’s credibility is its active trading presence in the market it serves. If a cryptocurrency exchange is registered under a trade name in its operating market, it implies that the exchange is governed by the commercial laws and regulatory standards of that country.
In case of a dispute, a client has the ability to pursue legal action against the exchange and communicate with a legally recognized entity within the company. Moreover, cryptocurrency exchanges are obliged to adhere to the rules and regulations concerning cryptocurrencies as set by the local financial authorities in their respective markets.
Their collaboration to ensure security
The cryptocurrency ecosystem encompasses not only exchanges but also a myriad of startups and companies specializing in areas such as crypto analytics, cryptocurrency security, cryptocurrency intelligence, and blockchain security.
Notable participants in this ecosystem include industry leaders in cryptocurrency custody solutions like Fireblocks, comprehensive security solution providers like CertiK, and vulnerability alert services like HyperNative. Cryptocurrency exchanges that prioritize customer trust and business continuity often collaborate with these entities and undergo regular audits. Exchanges that forge transparent partnerships with crypto security-focused companies and openly share audit outcomes are deemed safer than those that do not.
Expanding on this further, let’s look at the exchange known as OKX as an example. OKX employs a protection mechanism against phishing attacks, which involves issuing unique codes to users. These codes are then included in emails sent to customers. If the code in the email matches the user’s private code, it confirms that the email was indeed sent by OKX.
This method of security, employed by OKX and a few other exchanges, exemplifies the innovative measures taken to ensure the safety and trustworthiness of their platforms.
7/24 support services
One factor that indicates the safety of an exchange and instills confidence in investors is the availability of 24/7 user support service. In this regard, most trusted financial institutions prioritize customer service and user experience, viewing them as strategic priorities
They employ call centers, chatbots, WhatsApp support lines, and teams on social media channels to quickly address customer problems, questions, and requests. This ensures that customers have access to a contact person at any time, should they have any inquiries or issues. This level of service demonstrates how seriously an exchange takes its presence in the market and its commitment to customer satisfaction.
Note: Throughout our discussion, we’ve mentioned that crypto assets are high-risk investment vehicles. Therefore, remember that investing carries risks. It’s important to note that this content is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment or financial advice.
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