Main Takeaways
Keeping your Binance account safe and secure is a two-way street — while Binance always keeps its security measures robust and updated, users must also practice good security habits.
To help you maximize the security of your Binance account, we offer 14 tips to inform your safety habits.
Security is Binance’s number one priority. We are investing tremendous effort and resources into protecting our platform from bad actors by monitoring transactions on- and off-chain, incorporating big data analysis and AI models, and partnering with many cybersecurity firms and technology vendors in the blockchain space. Still, the best security partnership we can build is with the Binance community itself.
Each and every Binancian has the power to ensure that the community remains SAFU from bad actors, starting with cultivating and practicing habits that keep their own account safe. Building on our organization's commitment to collaborative security and our community’s vigilance, we can create a safer environment for all digital-asset users.
14 Security Tips for Your Binance Account
1. Always use two-factor authentication (2FA). Activating 2FA on your Binance account is a crucial first step towards securing your funds. Currently, we offer these options for 2FA: Biometrics and Security Keys, Authenticator App, Email, and Phone Number.
2. Consider using hardware security keys. Binance supports the use of hardware security keys, such as Yubico's YubiKey. These devices securely grant access to your account when plugged in or paired with the device wirelessly. This process is similar to traditional 2FA methods but doesn’t require a code to be manually entered, necessitating physical access to the device instead.
3. Check the list of devices authorized to access your Binance account. If you see any device you don’t recognize or no longer use, simply remove it. To do so:
a. Log into your Binance account and navigate to [My Account] on your browser or app.
b. Review [Device Management] at the bottom of the [My Account] page on your browser or under the [Security] menu on the app.
c. Remove any unrecognized or unused devices. Once a device is deleted, it will no longer be able to access your account unless you re-confirm it via email.
4. Always update your application to the latest version, via official sources only. Regularly updating via official sources ensures you are always covered in terms of the latest protective measures deployed against bad actors.
5. Allow withdrawals only to addresses you trust and check your whitelist regularly. Binance's Withdrawal Address Management feature allows you to limit the wallet addresses to which you can withdraw your funds. As each addition requires email confirmation, this feature can protect you in the event of unauthorized access. Simply enable the [Whitelist] option in the [Withdrawal Address Management] section.
6. Regularly check official messages from Binance for security updates. We make it a point to inform everyone who uses Binance of any security-related updates via in-app popups, emails, FAQ posts, or blog articles like this one. We also broadcast these updates on our official social media channels. It’s vital to make sure that your sources of such Binance-related information are official, as there are often impostors out there who pretend to represent the organization.
7. Consider managing some of your funds using Binance Web3 wallet. Our Web3 wallet uses advanced multi-party computation (MPC) technology, which eliminates the need to protect or remember a seed phrase and is also conveniently accessible within the Binance app.
To ensure your protection, it also comes with built-in risk controls to alert you if a token, website or blockchain carries security risks, including wrong address protection and malicious contract detection. Funds in the wallet are held and managed only by you, ensuring you are always in complete control of your assets.
8. Complete identity verification for your Binance account. Doing so allows you to trade digital assets on Binance while protecting you from attackers who may want to claim ownership of your account. It also allows our customer support team to resolve any issue you may face more quickly and conveniently. Identity verification, also called the “know -your-customer” (KYC) process, is a critically important aspect of the operations of responsible and safe crypto platforms like Binance.
9. Take the necessary steps to secure your account when using APIs. A significant portion of the Binance community uses our application programming interfaces (APIs), which allow Binance data to be shared with other applications. While APIs give users a more customized trading experience, they must be used with caution. When using an API, take steps such as restricting access by IP address, keeping your API keys secret from third-party services, changing your keys regularly, and using a withdrawal address whitelist.
10. Make sure your Internet connection is secure. This step pertains to your Internet service provider (ISP) and any software services you use. Avoid connecting to public WiFi networks and other shared connections as much as possible, as they might pose the risk of exposing you to attackers seeking to intercept the data you transmit.
11. Use unique emails and change passwords periodically for each of your accounts, including your Binance account. An attacker can leverage data stolen from you on one service to attempt to access your account on another service. You can minimize this risk by using multiple email addresses. We recommend that you change your passwords every 2-3 months and make them sufficiently complex. You can also use a secure password manager tool to keep track of your passwords. For your own security, your withdrawals are suspended for a period of 24 hours any time you change your Binance account password.
12. Put a lock on your phone. If you use your phone for 2FA and other security-related activities, it’s crucial to keep it protected at all times. Whether it’s via password or fingerprint, any additional layer of security counts.
13. Regularly check your network of contacts for potential security threats to avoid social engineering attacks. Nowadays, security breaches go beyond the usual hacking attempts like phishing and other tech-related methods. Attackers can pretend to be people you know or seek to establish a connection online.
This means you should be careful with whom you communicate. Such communications, which attempt to manipulate people into giving up personal or confidential information that can later be used against them, are part of social engineering attacks. Scammers often pretend to be from Binance (usually Customer Support or Security teams) to try to trick you into giving your account details up.
14. Learn to identify and avoid phishing and malware campaigns. Always check the emails you receive and the websites you log into. Many successful attacks involve fake websites, emails, and messages from services with which you have accounts. Malicious browser extensions and applications are often to blame for compromised accounts or wallets.
When you install browser extensions or applications, these programs can gain full access to various aspects of your browser or device, potentially allowing unauthorized access to your online accounts (including exchange accounts) and even personal wallets. Try to limit your usage to known and reputable options and stay aware of potential security issues. You may read this comprehensive guide on how to avoid phishing on Binance Academy or refer to our blogs on phishing, which have even more security tips for crypto users.
Closing Thoughts
Ensuring the security of user funds is a collaborative effort between Binance and its users. While Binance invests heavily in advanced security measures, the most effective defense against bad actors is a well-informed and vigilant community. By following the 14 security tips provided, such as enabling two-factor authentication, using hardware security keys, and regularly updating your Binance application, you can significantly enhance the safety of your account. Together, through a combination of Binance's robust security infrastructure and your proactive security habits, we can create a safer environment for all crypto users.
Further Reading
Beware of WhatsApp Scams – And How to Report One When You See It
Protect Your Crypto: Understanding the Ongoing Global Malware Attacks and What We Are Doing to Stop Them
