The Importance of Security: Why Self-Custody Matters
Why self-custody is essential in crypto — and how Briz makes secure self-custody simple and accessible for everyone.
Introduction
Crypto gives you something traditional finance never really did: true ownership.
With self-custody, you don't rely on a bank, exchange, or platform to hold your money. You hold it yourself. That power comes with responsibility — but also with freedom, security, and control.
At Briz, we believe self-custody should not be confusing or intimidating. It should be simple, understandable, and accessible to everyone — not just crypto experts.
What Is Self-Custody?
Self-custody means you control the private keys that grant access to your crypto assets on the blockchain.
There are two core ideas behind self-custody:
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Ownership If you control the private keys, you truly own the assets.
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Responsibility You are responsible for securing your keys and recovery phrase.
A simple definition:
In crypto, self-custody means having full control and responsibility for managing and securing your private keys.
No intermediaries. No permission required.
Why Third-Party Custody Is Risky
Keeping crypto on centralized platforms may feel convenient, but it introduces real risks.
1. Security Breaches
Centralized exchanges and custodial wallets are attractive targets for hackers. History has shown that even large, well-known platforms can be compromised.
When a custodian is hacked, user funds are often affected.
2. Counterparty Risk
When someone else holds your keys, you are exposed to their failures:
- platform outages
- withdrawal freezes
- bankruptcies
- internal mistakes
Even if your crypto exists on-chain, access to it may be restricted.
3. Limited Control
Custodians can impose limits, delays, or restrictions on how and when you can move your assets. In fast-moving markets, that loss of control matters.
Self-custody removes these dependencies.
The Real Challenge With Self-Custody
Self-custody is powerful — but historically, it hasn't been beginner-friendly.
Many wallets overwhelm users with:
- technical language
- scary warnings without explanation
- complex backup flows
As a result, people choose convenience over ownership.
Briz was built to change that.
How Briz Makes Self-Custody Simple
Briz focuses on three principles: clarity, safety, and usability.
Clear Onboarding
Briz guides users step by step, explaining what's happening in plain language — not crypto jargon.
You're not just clicking buttons. You understand what you're doing and why it matters.
You Stay in Control
Briz is designed as a self-custodial app. Your assets are controlled by you — not by Briz, not by a third party.
No hidden custody. No "we hold it for you" model.
Practical Security Guidance
Instead of overwhelming warnings, Briz provides security tips at the right moment:
- what a recovery phrase is
- why it's important
- how to store it safely
- how to recognize common scams
Security should educate, not scare.
Self-Custody Best Practices
Following a few simple habits protects you from most risks in crypto.
Back Up Your Recovery Phrase
Write it down and store it somewhere secure and private. If you lose your device and your recovery phrase, access to your assets may be lost permanently.
Keep It Offline
Avoid saving recovery phrases in:
- cloud storage
- screenshots
- messaging apps
These are common attack vectors.
Never Share It
No support agent, no admin, no friend, no influencer will ever need your recovery phrase.
Anyone asking for it is attempting a scam.
Stay Alert
Be cautious of messages asking you to:
- "verify" your wallet
- "sync" your wallet
- "claim rewards" through unknown links
If something feels urgent or pressuring, pause.
Briz's Vision
Crypto was created to give people control over their money — but control shouldn't require being a security expert.
Briz exists to make self-custody usable in everyday life.
Simple to start. Clear to understand. Built for real people.
Final Thoughts
Self-custody is not about paranoia. It's about ownership, independence, and responsibility.
With the right tools and guidance, anyone can take control of their digital assets safely.
Your keys. Your crypto. Your control.
Ready to try self-custody in onchain economy?
Briz makes it easy to hold your own crypto and other assets with the simplicity of a traditional app.
Get Started with Briz