Exchange security features you should actually check before depositing (learned the hard way)

Got my Binance account frozen for "suspicious activity" last month. Took 3 weeks to get access back. Made me realize I had no idea what security features different exchanges actually have.

Did some research and here's what actually matters:

2FA (Two-Factor Authentication) – obviously essential but some exchanges force it, some don't. Always use authenticator app, never SMS (SIM swap scams are real).

Withdrawal whitelisting – you can set approved addresses. Even if someone gets your password, they can't withdraw to their own wallet. Kraken and some others have this.

Proof of reserves – means the exchange actually has the crypto they claim. After FTX this matters way more. Kraken publishes theirs, Coinbase is audited.

Regulation – US, EU, Swiss licenses mean something. Random Seychelles registration = sketchy. YouHodler is Swiss regulated, Coinbase is US, Kraken is everywhere.

Insurance – Coinbase has FDIC insurance on USD (not crypto though). Most exchanges have some insurance but read the fine print.

Cold storage – good exchanges keep 90%+ of funds offline. If they get hacked, most money is safe.

The thing that scared me most: some exchanges can freeze your account for literally anything and you have zero recourse. Check reviews before depositing serious money.

What security features do you guys prioritize?