Self-Custody Checklist & Module Summary

Your Complete Self-Custody Checklist

You have now completed the entire Beginner track on uvin.lk. From understanding what Bitcoin is, to buying it, securing it, and planning for the future — you have built a strong foundation. This final lesson brings everything together with a comprehensive checklist and a summary of your journey.

Use this checklist as your self-custody audit. Go through each item and make sure you can check every box.

Hardware & Wallet Setup

• Ledger hardware wallet purchased from ledger.com — confirmed genuine, not from third-party sellers
• PIN set on Ledger — 4-8 digits, memorable to you but not guessable
• 24-word seed phrase written on paper — in pen, with correct spelling and word order verified
• Seed phrase backup created — second copy stored in a different physical location
• Electrum wallet installed from electrum.org and connected to your Ledger
• Test transaction completed — sent a small amount to your wallet and verified it arrived
• Bitcoin moved off exchange — all long-term holdings transferred to your hardware wallet

Security Fundamentals

• 2FA enabled on all exchange accounts — using Google Authenticator or Authy (not SMS)
• 2FA backup key written on paper — stored separately from seed phrase
• Unique strong passwords for exchange, email, and wallet — using a password manager
• Email account secured — strong unique password + 2FA enabled
• No seed phrase stored digitally — not in photos, cloud storage, notes apps, or emails
• Seed phrase never shared with anyone, including "support" representatives

Ongoing Practices

• No crypto on public WiFi — use mobile data or a VPN for all crypto activities
• Exchange and wallet apps always updated — security patches are critical
• Phone not jailbroken/rooted — if using mobile wallets
• Regular verification — periodically check that your seed phrase backup is still intact and accessible
• Crypto holdings kept private — not discussed on social media or in social settings

Inheritance & Emergency Planning

• Inheritance plan created — at minimum, a sealed letter with recovery instructions
• Trusted person informed — at least one person knows the plan exists (not the details)
• Instructions updated if wallets, amounts, or security setups change
• Bank locker or safe used for seed phrase and inheritance letter storage

Summary of Your Beginner Track Journey

Let us recap what you have learned across all five modules:

Module 1: What is Bitcoin?

You learned that Bitcoin is a peer-to-peer electronic cash system with a fixed supply of 21 million. It was created as a response to the failures of centralized financial systems — failures that Sri Lankans experienced firsthand in 2022.

Module 2: How Bitcoin Works

You understood the blockchain, mining, transactions, and why Bitcoin is secure. You learned that the network is maintained by thousands of computers worldwide, making it nearly impossible to hack or shut down.

Module 3: Buying Bitcoin in Sri Lanka

You discovered that Binance P2P is the most practical way for Sri Lankans to buy Bitcoin using LKR. You learned how to set up an account, complete KYC, fund via P2P, and make your first purchase. You also learned about fees and how to minimize them.

Module 4: Crypto Wallets & Security

You mastered the difference between hot and cold wallets, the critical importance of seed phrases, and how to set up both Trust Wallet and a Ledger hardware wallet. You learned the top security threats and how to defend against them.

Module 5: Bitcoin Self-Custody

You understood why self-custody matters through the lens of exchange collapses that lost billions. You set up a proper self-custody system with Ledger and Electrum, and you created an inheritance plan to protect your Bitcoin for the future.

What is Next?

The Beginner track is complete, but your Bitcoin education is just beginning. Here are your next steps:

1. Execute your checklist — if you have not already, go through the checklist above and complete every item
2. Make your first purchase — start small with an amount you are comfortable with
3. Continue learning — the Intermediate track on uvin.lk covers DCA strategies, understanding market cycles, Lightning Network, and more advanced topics
4. Join the community — connect with other learners. Knowledge shared is knowledge strengthened.

You now have the knowledge foundation that most people in Sri Lanka — and indeed most people in the world — do not have. Use it wisely. Start small. Be patient. Think long-term.

Disclaimer: Completing this course does not guarantee investment success. Bitcoin is a volatile asset and its price can decrease significantly. Always invest only what you can afford to lose. Continue educating yourself and stay updated on security best practices. This content is educational only and not financial advice.