Using an exchange is as simple as making a declaration that your money is not yours but instead the exchange, not your keys not your coins, this is the simplest form for defining using a centralized exchange, for now, you can always take off your asset from them.


Make use of non custodial wallet, if you're having bitcoin alone, then make use of cold storage like hardware wallet or you can also use electrum wallet.


When you have the control over the private keys to your wallet, they are safe, also when you maintain privacy with those keys with you alone, you're more safer.