Given the year Bitcoin has had, it’s no surprise there’s been a whole lot more interest since it first started. Eight years ago, no one even really knew what cryptocurrency was. You can’t avoid someone mentioning Bitcoin at the pub or dare we say it, your family’s annual Christmas BBQ.

So, if you’ve just decided to jump on the bitcoin bandwagon, welcome – it’s great you’ve finally seen the light. Now sit tight and pay attention before you pay to play.

Thou shalt set up two factor authentication.

It’s one of those things that’s too much of a hassle, until it’s too late.

Having a second factor of authentication is a greatly way to ensure the only person logging into your account is you.

Two Factor Authentication (2FA) or Multi-Factor Authentication – alongside your strong password, is the best way to keep your CoinJar (and everything of yours online, really) secure.

Once 2FA is set up, if someone were to gain access to your sign-in details, they would be unable to access your CoinJar without first authenticating using your selected security device.

If you haven’t already, we really do recommend setting MFA up.

Thou shalt use a password manager.

We think this goes without saying but using the same password from for your email, Facebook, banking and bitcoin wallet is a bad idea. Do not ever write passwords down, not on paper, and especially not in a text file on your computer or phone.

Save yourself the hassle of coming up with complex passwords and remembering them with an encrypted password manager.

The most popular choices are LastPass or 1Password – all you’ll need to remember is one master password. Thank us later.

Thou shalt be wary of companies offering ‘guaranteed returns’.

We’ve seen a few companies offering bitcoin ‘packages’ which guarantee high interest payments in return for an initial investment or further purchase of ‘packages’.

This is a huge red flag of unsustainable business practices.

Known as ‘high-yield investment programs’, they have become increasingly common in digital currency communities.

You risk losing all funds, including any initial investment, when participating in these schemes.

Companies which exhibit these characteristics include:

• MMM Global
• BitConnect
• USI-Tech
• OneCoin

Thou shalt not use wallets without a solid track record.

When you hold bitcoin, you can choose to hold your private keys yourself on a desktop or mobile client, a web wallet like CoinJar, or a hardware wallet.

These options differ in usability and security but before storing your digital currency consider the following:

• How long has the service provider been around?
• Who makes the software?
• Is the software still supported?
• How transparent are they about the company?
• What do the reviews say?

Depending on your use-case and amount held, you should carefully consider your options before storing your cryptocurrency.

Thou shalt trade responsibly.

Yes, we are a bitcoin exchange asking you to trade responsibly. Digital currencies bring exciting opportunities, but not at the cost of your home or health. The trading markets for digital currencies are only just maturing. And in like all markets, they can remain irrational longer than you can remain solvent.

Making informed investment decisions includes doing your own research before you start trading. You should aim to have a strong understanding of what digital currencies are and what they can do before you try and beat the market.

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Pay close attention, lock it up, do your research and trade responsibly. Enjoy.

The above information is not to be read as investment, legal or tax advice and takes no account of particular personal or market circumstances; all readers should seek independent investment, legal and tax advice before investing in cryptocurrencies. There are no government or central bank guarantees in the event something goes wrong with your investment. This information is provided for general information and/or educational purposes only. No responsibility or liability is accepted for any errors of fact or omission expressed therein. CoinJar Europe Limited makes no representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, validity, reliability, availability, or completeness of any such information. Please remember past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Don't invest unless you're prepared to lose all the money you invest. Due to the nature, complexity and volatility of crypto, it may be perceived to be a high-risk investment.

CoinJar Europe Limited is authorised by the Central Bank of Ireland as a crypto-asset service provider (registration number C496731).