Diversifying Into Bitcoin Can Help Protect Retirement Savings

The attacks on retirement accounts come as other sources have become more difficult. Total cyber hacking dropped last year and hackers are looking for softer targets. Retirement accounts are particularly dangerous since they function like bank accounts and data for entry can be found on the dark web. The massive data breaches that have occurred in recent months have put personal information for many retirees onto the dark web. Target, Sony, Microsoft, Capital One, and Facebook have all experienced recent data breaches — leaving consumers at risk. With data in hand, hackers are able to access accounts. Since retirement accounts hold substantial sums, they are easy targets and promise fat paydays. Of course, banking institutions seek to protect those funds through verification methods. Still, a well-seasoned hacker can find ways around those protections if the payoff is worth it. What’s more, since retirement accounts often sit unchecked for months at a time, losses are not quickly noticed or tracked. The answer, of course, is to diversify assets. While cybercrime has certainly targeted Bitcoin exchanges, Satoshi Nakamoto’s original vision of security is as strong as they come. By simply using a hardware or paper wallet, funds stored in Bitcoin can be kept nearly-100% secure. With volatility in the Bitcoin market, no financial planner would suggest keeping all retirement funds in Bitcoin or cryptocurrencies. However, diversifying into some of these options can allow retirees to protect a portion of their funds with certainty. Of course, the potential for loss with a market correction is the most critical question. However, all retirement savings are at some risk of market loss. Even holding cash is an effective loss, given inflation. Bitcoin, while potentially risky, can also offer substantial upside and diversification is a helpful way to protect assets.