Crypto Security Audit Checklist: Protect Your Digital Assets

Regular security audits are essential for maintaining the security of your cryptocurrency holdings. This comprehensive checklist helps you identify vulnerabilities, improve security practices, and protect your digital assets.

Use this checklist monthly for regular maintenance and annually for comprehensive audits.

Wallet Security

Hardware Wallets

• [ ] Using hardware wallet for significant holdings
• [ ] Hardware wallet purchased from official source
• [ ] Device authenticity verified
• [ ] Firmware is up to date
• [ ] PIN is strong (8+ digits)
• [ ] PIN is unique (not used elsewhere)
• [ ] Passphrase protection enabled (if available)
• [ ] Device stored securely when not in use
• [ ] Backup device available (if needed)
• [ ] Device tested after firmware updates

Software Wallets

• [ ] Using reputable wallet software
• [ ] Software downloaded from official source
• [ ] Software is up to date
• [ ] Wallet password is strong and unique
• [ ] Two-factor authentication enabled
• [ ] Backup seed phrase stored securely
• [ ] Wallet not used on public networks
• [ ] Device security is maintained
• [ ] Antivirus software is current
• [ ] Regular security scans performed

Seed Phrase Security

Backup Storage

• [ ] Multiple backups created (minimum 3)
• [ ] Backups stored in different locations
• [ ] Different storage media used (paper, metal, digital)
• [ ] At least one backup is off-site
• [ ] Backups are readable and clear
• [ ] Backup locations are documented
• [ ] Backups tested for recovery
• [ ] Backups updated when seed phrase changes
• [ ] Backup integrity verified regularly
• [ ] Backup security is maintained

Seed Phrase Protection

• [ ] Seed phrase never stored digitally in plain text
• [ ] Seed phrase never shared with anyone
• [ ] Seed phrase never entered on computer/phone
• [ ] Seed phrase only entered on hardware wallet
• [ ] Seed phrase stored in fireproof location
• [ ] Seed phrase stored in waterproof container
• [ ] Seed phrase protected from physical damage
• [ ] Seed phrase access is limited
• [ ] Seed phrase recovery tested
• [ ] Seed phrase backup strategy documented

Exchange Security

Account Security

• [ ] Strong, unique password used
• [ ] Two-factor authentication enabled
• [ ] Authenticator app used (not SMS)
• [ ] Backup codes stored securely
• [ ] Account activity monitored regularly
• [ ] Suspicious activity alerts enabled
• [ ] API keys restricted (if used)
• [ ] Withdrawal whitelist enabled
• [ ] Account recovery information current
• [ ] Account security settings reviewed

Exchange Practices

• [ ] Only reputable exchanges used
• [ ] Exchange security verified
• [ ] Funds not left on exchange long-term
• [ ] Withdrawals to personal wallets
• [ ] Exchange terms reviewed
• [ ] Exchange insurance checked
• [ ] Exchange reputation monitored
• [ ] Multiple exchanges used (diversification)
• [ ] Exchange security incidents tracked
• [ ] Exchange compliance verified

Device Security

Computer Security

• [ ] Operating system is up to date
• [ ] Antivirus software installed and current
• [ ] Firewall is enabled
• [ ] Regular security scans performed
• [ ] Software is from trusted sources
• [ ] Browser extensions reviewed
• [ ] Suspicious software removed
• [ ] System backups maintained
• [ ] Encryption enabled (full disk)
• [ ] Screen lock enabled

Mobile Security

• [ ] Operating system is up to date
• [ ] Device lock enabled (PIN, fingerprint, face)
• [ ] App permissions reviewed
• [ ] Only trusted apps installed
• [ ] App updates installed regularly
• [ ] Device encryption enabled
• [ ] Remote wipe enabled
• [ ] Find my device enabled
• [ ] Public Wi-Fi avoided
• [ ] Device backups maintained

Network Security

Internet Connection

• [ ] Secure Wi-Fi network used
• [ ] Public Wi-Fi avoided for crypto activities
• [ ] VPN used on public networks (if needed)
• [ ] Router firmware is up to date
• [ ] Router password is strong
• [ ] Network encryption enabled (WPA3)
• [ ] Guest network isolated
• [ ] Network monitoring enabled
• [ ] Suspicious activity detected
• [ ] Network security maintained

Transaction Security

Transaction Practices

• [ ] Recipient addresses verified carefully
• [ ] Addresses verified on hardware wallet screen
• [ ] Transaction amounts double-checked
• [ ] Network fees reviewed
• [ ] Small test transactions sent first
• [ ] Transaction details reviewed
• [ ] Suspicious transactions rejected
• [ ] Transaction history monitored
• [ ] Unauthorized transactions reported
• [ ] Transaction security maintained

Multi-Signature Security

Multisig Setup (If Applicable)

• [ ] Multisig configuration appropriate
• [ ] All signers use hardware wallets
• [ ] Signer keys stored securely
• [ ] Signer backup strategies in place
• [ ] Signer recovery tested
• [ ] Signer coordination established
• [ ] Transaction workflow documented
• [ ] Signer security maintained
• [ ] Multisig configuration reviewed
• [ ] Multisig security audited

Physical Security

Storage Security

• [ ] Hardware wallets stored securely
• [ ] Backup storage is secure
• [ ] Safe or secure storage used
• [ ] Access to storage is limited
• [ ] Storage locations documented
• [ ] Storage security maintained
• [ ] Physical access controlled
• [ ] Storage locations reviewed
• [ ] Disaster protection considered
• [ ] Physical security audited

Recovery Planning

Recovery Preparedness

• [ ] Recovery procedures documented
• [ ] Recovery process tested
• [ ] Backup locations known
• [ ] Recovery contacts identified
• [ ] Recovery tools available
• [ ] Recovery timeline established
• [ ] Recovery costs considered
• [ ] Recovery success verified
• [ ] Recovery plan reviewed
• [ ] Recovery preparedness maintained

Security Education

Knowledge and Awareness

• [ ] Security best practices understood
• [ ] Latest threats researched
• [ ] Security updates followed
• [ ] Security community engaged
• [ ] Security incidents learned from
• [ ] Security training completed
• [ ] Security knowledge updated
• [ ] Security awareness maintained
• [ ] Security resources bookmarked
• [ ] Security education ongoing

Incident Response

Response Planning

• [ ] Incident response plan documented
• [ ] Incident contacts identified
• [ ] Incident procedures understood
• [ ] Incident tools available
• [ ] Incident timeline established
• [ ] Incident costs considered
• [ ] Incident reporting prepared
• [ ] Incident recovery tested
• [ ] Incident plan reviewed
• [ ] Incident preparedness maintained

Regular Maintenance

Monthly Tasks

• [ ] Backup integrity checked
• [ ] Security settings reviewed
• [ ] Account activity monitored
• [ ] Software updates installed
• [ ] Security scans performed
• [ ] Backup locations verified
• [ ] Security practices reviewed
• [ ] Threat landscape assessed
• [ ] Security improvements identified
• [ ] Maintenance completed

Annual Tasks

• [ ] Comprehensive security audit
• [ ] Full recovery test performed
• [ ] Security practices updated
• [ ] Backup strategy reviewed
• [ ] Security tools updated
• [ ] Security training completed
• [ ] Security documentation updated
• [ ] Security improvements implemented
• [ ] Security goals set
• [ ] Annual audit completed

Conclusion

Regular security audits are essential for protecting your cryptocurrency holdings. Use this checklist monthly for maintenance and annually for comprehensive audits.

Key Principles:

• Regular audits prevent problems
• Multiple backups ensure recovery
• Strong security practices protect assets
• Education and awareness are essential
• Continuous improvement maintains security

Remember: Security is not a one-time setup but an ongoing practice. Regular audits help identify vulnerabilities before they become problems and ensure your security practices remain effective.

Start your security audit today and protect your digital assets for the future.