Staking

Staking is defined as the act of ‘locking’ up your coins to help validate the network (blockchain) and in turn, keep the network secure. There is little to no risk while staking (no risk when you are using a legitimate coin and software that was downloaded from a reputable site as mentioned before). Although it sounds like you are giving your coin to someone else to use as a proof of stake, you maintain full control of your coins during this process. That said, if you use an online wallet, then you are at risk if the exchange site has a data breach. With many coins however, you can stake directly from the wallet on your personal computer.