Securely logging into Coinbase Pro — An educational guide

This article explains recommended practices for safely accessing your Coinbase Pro account and how to reduce the risk of phishing, account takeover, and credential loss. It is educational only and is not affiliated with any exchange.

Cryptocurrency exchanges are an attractive target for attackers because they hold value and access to funds. That makes individual login security critically important. The steps below focus on safe login practices that reduce the chance of unauthorized access and help you keep control of your crypto assets.

First, treat your exchange account like a bank account. Use a long, unique password that you do not reuse anywhere else. A password manager is the most practical way to generate and store complex passwords securely; this eliminates the temptation to reuse or write passwords down. When a site offers a password strength meter, a longer passphrase (three to five random words or a 16+ character password) is typically stronger and easier to remember than a short, complex string.

Next, enable two-factor authentication (2FA). 2FA adds a second proof of identity beyond a password — commonly via an authenticator app (TOTP) or a hardware security key (like a FIDO2 device). Authenticator apps are significantly safer than SMS-based codes because SMS is vulnerable to SIM swapping and interception. When possible, prefer a hardware security key for the strongest protection: it requires physical possession and resists remote attacks.

Be vigilant about phishing. Malicious actors often send emails or messages claiming to be from an exchange and ask you to “verify” credentials on a fake page. Always check the real website address in your browser's address bar before entering sensitive information. Bookmark the official site you use regularly and access it only through that bookmark rather than clicking email links. Look for HTTPS and the browser padlock — though HTTPS alone is not a guarantee of safety, it is one indicator among several.

Watch for subtle signs of fraud: unexpected password reset emails, unfamiliar 2FA prompts, or new API keys that you didn’t create. If you receive any unexpected security notices, treat them as urgent. Log into your account via your bookmarked link and review login history, devices, and active sessions; most exchanges provide an activity log where you can revoke unknown devices.

Keep your recovery methods safe. Many exchanges let you set recovery email addresses, phone numbers, and recovery phrases. Make sure these recovery channels are secured with their own strong passwords and 2FA. Store any recovery phrases (used by wallets, not exchanges) offline in a safe place — avoid taking pictures or storing them in cloud-synced notes.

Use device hygiene: keep your operating system and browser updated, avoid installing unknown browser extensions, and run anti-malware tools if you suspect an infection. Consider a dedicated browser profile o