Some people have invested in Bitcoin, and now they want to know how to secure it. You might be concerned that your private keys will get compromised or that your wallet file has been compromised. However you became interested in securing bitcoins, we’re here to help.

In this article, we cover three ways to make sure bitcoin is safe. We discuss privacy (what VPNs are and how they work), encrypting bitcoins (to prevent theft), and backing up our files.

If you’re new to Bitcoin or more interested in Bitcoin security than privacy, this article is probably not for you. But if you’re a seasoned Bitcoin user and want to protect your bitcoins, then read on.

Why Is It Important to Secure My Bitcoins?

It’s important to secure bitcoins for a few reasons. The main reason is that if you lose your bitcoins, you can’t recover them, so the bitcoins have to be safe from theft or loss. If your keys are compromised, or your wallet file gets corrupted by malware, it’s possible the bitcoins could be stolen from your wallet(s).

Another reason why securing bitcoins is so important is that it helps protect the bitcoin currency in itself. When your bitcoin wallet file is encrypted with a password, anyone who gets a hold of your password also has access to all of the bitcoins stored in that wallet and cannot make changes to the transaction history, which is how you would know what bitcoins you’ve spent or received.

Finally, some are doing business in Bitcoin and want to keep their relative anonymity. If someone does get ahold of your private keys, they could potentially create many different wallets for anonymous transactions (in which case the actual coins being transferred can’t be associated with any particular person).

What Is a VPN?

A VPN, or virtual private network, is a computer network in which all nodes connect via a tunneling protocol and encrypted. A VPN creates a secure and encrypted link between your computer and the internet.

For example, let’s say you want to log into your bank account from a local coffee shop. When you try to connect to your bank from the coffee shop, all of your data is being sent through their computers, over their network (the coffee shop’s), and then out onto the web. If your data isn’t encrypted, it can be seen by anyone sitting at the next table.

When you log into your bank account from a VPN connection, all of your data is being sent through a tunnel that wasn’t there before. Instead of going to the coffee shop’s network, it’s going to your connection to the VPN server and then back out onto the web to the bank server. That added layer of encryption means that nobody can see what’s coming or leaving your computer when you log into the bank from a public network.

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Why Do I Need a VPN?

There are a number of reasons you might want to use a VPN for bitcoin. For example:

1) Privacy Protection

In many cases, you may want to access the Web while using public Wi-Fi networks and can’t be sure that your data hasn’t been compromised. A VPN service is a privacy and security tool that encrypts all of your data shared over the Web — including login credentials, credit cards, passwords, bank account login information, and more.

2) Online Banking Security

Many people use their e-banking services online (such as PayPal or other online financial services). Unfortunately, it’s easy for eavesdroppers to intercept your information, which could lead to theft. A VPN service will encrypt your connection to the banking website (or other services) and help protect you from would-be hackers trying to access your sensitive data.

3) Bypass Censorship

Governments often block online content or monitor online activity using a filtering system known as “firewall” or “The Great Firewall of China.” This system can prevent you from accessing certain websites that aren’t allowed in the country you’re in. A VPN can allow you to bypass these restrictions by appearing as if you’re connecting from another region altogether.

4) Bypass Geo-Restrictions

The same concept as “bypassing censorship” is happening with content providers (such as Netflix or other TV streaming services). These providers are only available in certain regions and tend to block VPN users. By connecting to a VPN server outside of the region you’re in, you can make it appear as if you’re located somewhere else (for example, in the US) and watch region-locked content that would otherwise be unavailable.

Of course, there are plenty of other reasons to use an encrypted virtual network. For one, VoIP services such as Skype are facing some serious issues on public networks that use packet sniffers and other invasive tools. If someone is eavesdropping on your Skype calls, they will be able to see a lot of user details in plain text. A VPN can provide security and privacy to help protect you against these attacks.

How Do I Set Up a VPN for Bitcoin?

The process of setting up a VPN isn’t difficult — especially not for bitcoin users who are used to running apps, using multiple wallets, and using new technologies. Most of the bitcoin clients that are available feature built-in VPN services and encryption functionality. There are a few steps that need to be completed. However, that will allow you to connect to a VPN server.

1) Choose Your VPN Provider

The first thing you’ll want to do is decide on a VPN provider. There are plenty of options out there, and most of them offer free trials so you can test the service out before paying with bitcoin. After choosing your provider, you’ll need to get an account set up. Some providers may charge fees for this step, but many of them provide the service for free.

2) Choose Your Server Location

After setting up your VPN account, it’s time to choose which server location you’d like to connect through. When using a VPN, you’ll want to connect on an “exit node” that is in the country you’re trying to reach or spoof. This will help keep your Internet traffic anonymous.

3) Install the VPN App

Once you have chosen your VPN provider and server location, it’s time to download the client app and install it on your device. Most of these apps are available for desktop and mobile devices (such as phones or tablets). After installing the app, open it up and log in with your username and password provided by the VPN service.

4) Connect

After logging into your account, you’ll be able to connect quickly by adding a server address from within the app. You may also be asked to input a username and password. If so, select “none” and go ahead with the connection.

5) Open Bitcoin Client

Before you can send any bitcoins through the VPN, you’ll want to open up your bitcoin client. If your bitcoin wallet runs out of an encrypted virtual network, it’s time to connect to a VPN server and send out bitcoin transactions over that encrypted tunnel. This will ensure that no one can steal your funds or use other tools against you on the network.

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