# Bitcoin Security Guide

> A step-by-step guide for securing your Bitcoin through self-custody. Covers hardware wallets, backup strategies, security practices, and privacy. Maintained by NVK.

> General educational information only, not individualized financial, investment, legal, tax, or estate-planning advice. Bitcoin transactions can be irreversible, and mistakes may cause permanent loss. Verify current instructions and consult qualified professionals where appropriate.

## About This Site

Bitcoin Security Guide (bitcoinsecurity.org) is an educational resource for Bitcoin beginners learning to take control of their own coins through self-custody. The guide walks through everything from buying your first Bitcoin to advanced operational security practices.

## Core Content

- [Bitcoin Security Guide](https://bitcoinsecurity.org/): Complete guide covering self-custody setup, hardware wallet selection, backup procedures, security enhancement, testing practices, privacy, and ongoing learning resources.
- [Bitcoin Security Checklist](https://bitcoinsecurity.org/checklist/): Beginner order of operations for wallet setup, backup testing, cybersecurity, privacy, inheritance, and annual review.
- [Cybersecurity for Bitcoiners](https://bitcoinsecurity.org/guide/cybersecurity/): Email, password manager, security key, phone, browser, device, and phishing hygiene for Bitcoin holders.
- [Recovery Kit](https://bitcoinsecurity.org/guide/recovery-kit/): What to save for recovery beyond seed words: XFP, derivation path, descriptor, wallet app, test date, and emergency instructions.
- [Privacy Playbook](https://bitcoinsecurity.org/guide/privacy-playbook/): Practical privacy habits for address reuse, labeling, coin control, KYC separation, Tor, node use, metadata, and home-address exposure.

## Key Topics

- [Why Self-Custody](https://bitcoinsecurity.org/#why-self-custody): Understanding counterparty risk and the importance of controlling your own Bitcoin without relying on exchanges or third parties.
- [Getting Started](https://bitcoinsecurity.org/#getting-started): Buying Bitcoin through ethical non-custodial brokers and choosing a software wallet.
- [Hardware Wallet Selection](https://bitcoinsecurity.org/#hardware-wallet): 7 non-negotiable traits for choosing a secure hardware wallet — screen, air-gap, secure elements, open-source software, secure boot, open standards, no remote validation.
- [Backup Strategies](https://bitcoinsecurity.org/#backups): Metal seed backups (SEEDPLATE) and encrypted MicroSD redundancy for disaster recovery.
- [Security Enhancement](https://bitcoinsecurity.org/#security-enhancement): Using passphrases, understanding Extended Fingerprints (XFP), and layered security approaches.
- [Testing Practices](https://bitcoinsecurity.org/#testing): Always test small deposits, withdrawals, and backup recovery before committing significant funds.
- [Privacy & Security Best Practices](https://bitcoinsecurity.org/#privacy): Operational security, device security, network security, authentication (never SMS 2FA), transaction security, and regular security maintenance.
- [Checklist](https://bitcoinsecurity.org/checklist/): The short path for new holders who need the next right step, not a research paper.
- [Learning Resources](https://bitcoinsecurity.org/#learning): Curated podcasts, videos, and books for ongoing Bitcoin security education.

## Bitcoin Security Glossary

- [Bitcoin Security Glossary](https://bitcoinsecurity.org/learn/): Comprehensive glossary of 124+ Bitcoin and security terms, each with security implications for self-custody. Categories include Bitcoin Fundamentals, Keys & Addresses, Wallets & Storage, Transactions & Network, Security Practices, Privacy, Economics & Culture, and Crypto Concepts explained through a Bitcoin lens.

## Articles on Security

- [Articles on Security](https://bitcoinsecurity.org/articles/): Long-form, source-linked analysis of Bitcoin wallets, tools, network behavior, attack surfaces, and self-custody tradeoffs.
- [Why an Air-Gapped Computer Is Not Enough](https://bitcoinsecurity.org/articles/air-gapped-computers-are-not-enough/): Why an offline Bitcoin computer still depends on trusted code, key isolation, transaction verification, recoverability, and correct operation under stress or coercion.
- [A Raspberry Pi Is Still a Computer](https://bitcoinsecurity.org/articles/raspberry-pi-vs-hardware-wallet/): A balanced look at Raspberry Pi, ESP32, stateless signers, evil-maid attacks, and purpose-built hardware wallets.
- [A Clean Phone Is Still a Computer](https://bitcoinsecurity.org/articles/clean-phone-vs-hardware-signer/): Why a wiped phone does not create the key isolation or independent signing boundary of a well-designed hardware wallet.
- [Offline Is Not Enough](https://bitcoinsecurity.org/articles/coldcard-vs-disconnected-phone/): How COLDCARD separates Bitcoin keys and transaction approval from a potentially compromised phone or computer.

## Recommended Tools

- [COLDCARD Hardware Wallet](https://coldcard.com/) - Air-gapped Bitcoin hardware wallet with secure elements
- [SEEDPLATE Metal Backup](https://bitcoinmetalbackup.com/) - Stainless steel seed phrase backup
- [Sparrow Wallet](https://www.sparrowwallet.com/) - Desktop Bitcoin wallet (Mac/PC/Linux)
- [Nunchuk](https://nunchuk.io/) - Multi-platform Bitcoin wallet (iOS/Android/Desktop)

## Full Content

- [Complete guide, articles, and glossary](https://bitcoinsecurity.org/llms-full.txt): Full text version of the guide pages, security articles, and glossary for AI ingestion.

## Publisher

This guide is maintained personally by NVK. It focuses on Bitcoin self-custody and open-source security tools.

## Contact & Editorial Context

- [About & Contact](https://bitcoinsecurity.org/about/): Who maintains the guide, editorial scope, and feedback route.
- Maintainer/publisher: NVK personally ([X/Twitter](https://x.com/nvk), [Nostr](https://primal.net/nvk)).
- Editorial scope: Bitcoin self-custody, hardware wallet setup, cybersecurity, seed backup, recovery metadata, passphrases, privacy, multisig, inheritance, and physical security.