Step 1: Register at Bitstamp
To get started you can create a free account on the following Bitcoin exchange: https://www.bitstamp
In addition to a secure password, we recommend that you also secure your account with two-factor authentication. When you enable two-factor authentication, you add an extra layer of security to your account. You log in with something you know (your password) and something you have (a code from an app on your phone that changes value every 30 seconds). Now if a hacker wants to get into your account, he needs to know the password and be in physical possession of your phone (and have access to your phone). This makes it very difficult for hackers to get into your account just like that. It is no longer enough to just know the password. We have good experiences ourselves with the Google authenticator and Authy app for your phone. Your money (USD) and your Bitcoins are stored at Bitstamp and you want to make sure no one else can get to it.
Before you can start on Bitstamp, you must send proof of identity (copy of passport) and proof of address (copy of official letter sent to your own address) to Bitstamp. The Bitstamp website contains detailed instructions on which papers meet these requirements. Follow these instructions carefully. The approval process at Bitstamp can take up to 1 week.
Once your account has been approved you can proceed to the next step
step 2: Create an API key at Bitstamp