Can you lose your bitcoin if your exchange crashes?

Cryptocurrency enthusiasts often have a nagging concern: can they lose their hard-earned Bitcoin if the exchange they're using suddenly crashes? This is a valid question, given the volatile nature of digital currencies and the numerous exchanges available. The simple answer is that there's a risk, but it depends on several factors. Firstly, if you have your bitcoin stored in a wallet that's separate from the exchange, you're likely to be safe. However, if you keep your funds on the exchange itself, and that exchange goes down unexpectedly, your bitcoins could be inaccessible until the platform recovers. This underscores the importance of diversifying your holdings and using secure wallets to minimize the potential for loss. So, in essence, the key is to be proactive and take preventative measures to safeguard your investment.