How to Protect Your Assets from Hacking: Safeguarding Your Crypto
Imagine logging into your crypto wallet and discovering that your funds are completely gone. You didn’t download anything suspicious, click on phishing links, or even share your seed phrase with anyone. Yet, here you are — no money and your seed phrase stolen. This is exactly what happened to one unfortunate crypto enthusiast. Let’s dive deeper into this story and remind ourselves of the most important safety rules in crypto.
The Sneaky Threat of North Korean Hackers
If you’ve been following the news, you might have heard that North Korean hackers have developed a sneaky program that can grab your seed phrase straight from screenshots on your phone. Recently, a user of X named The Smart Ape shared the story of how his brother fell victim to malware hidden in a TV streaming app.
Yikes! This serves as a wake-up call for all of us, whether you’re just starting in crypto or you’ve been around the block a few times. Let’s discuss some practical ways to keep your assets safe from those pesky hackers.
1. Ditch the Phone for Your Seed Phrase
First things first: your seed phrase is super important. It's like the key to your treasure chest, and keeping it on your phone is a big no-no. Phones can be hacked, and if your seed phrase is floating around on there, you’re asking for trouble.
What You Should Do:
Go Old School: Write down your seed phrase on paper and stash it somewhere safe, like a safe or a locked drawer. This way, it’s out of reach from online hackers.
Cold Wallets Are Your Friends: Consider using a hardware wallet (cold wallet) to store your crypto offline. These little gadgets are way harder for hackers to touch.
2. Turn on Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Two-factor authentication is like putting an extra lock on your door. It means you need your password and a second way to verify it, like a code sent to your phone or generated by an app.
- Enable 2FA on all your exchanges and wallets.
- Use authenticator apps (like Google Authenticator) instead of SMS codes — they're more secure!
3. Craft Strong and Unique Passwords
Using “123456” as your password? Come on, you can do better! Strong passwords are your first line of defense against hackers.Password Hacks:
- Mix It Up: Use a blend of letters, numbers, and symbols to create a strong password.
- Password Managers Are Life-Savers: They can help you create and store complex passwords, so you don’t have to memorize every single one.
4. Stay in the Know About Security
The world of crypto and hacking is always changing. Keeping up with the latest security tips can help you stay one step ahead.
How to Stay Updated:
- Follow trusted crypto news sites and cybersecurity blogs, like Coinbase, CoinMarketCap, ChangeNOW blog, etc.
- Join online communities where you can share tips and learn from other crypto fans. For example, join our ChangeNOW Community Chat!
5. Watch Out for Phishing Scams
Phishing scams are still a popular way for hackers to get your info. They can come through emails, fake websites, or social media.
Avoiding the Trap:
- Check Those URLs: Before entering your info, make sure the website is legit — look for that little padlock symbol!
- Don’t Click Random Links: If you get an email or message that seems too good to be true, it probably is!
6. Keep Your Info to Yourself
Sharing too much online can put you at risk. Did you catch a bull run and see a 100x increase in your crypto portfolio? That's fantastic! However, sharing that exciting news might make you a target for scams. The less hackers know about you, the better!
Privacy Tips:
- Use a nickname or pseudonym in forums instead of your real name.
- Don’t share screenshots of your wallet or sensitive info that could expose you to danger.
7. Don’t Store All Your Crypto in One Place
Just like it’s risky to keep all your money in one wallet, storing all your crypto in a single place makes it easier for hackers to take everything in one go.
What You Can Do:
- Diversify Your Holdings: Spread your crypto across multiple wallets to reduce risk.
- Use Both Hot and Cold Wallets: Keep a small portion in a hot wallet for transactions and the majority in cold storage for safety. What's the difference between cold and hot crypto wallet? <- Click here to learn!
Conclusion
As the crypto world grows, so do the tricks hackers use to steal from us. By avoiding phone storage for your seed phrase, using cold wallets, enabling 2FA, and being mindful of phishing attempts, you can seriously boost your security. Whether you’re a newbie or a veteran, these tips are essential for keeping your assets safe. Stay informed, stay secure, and keep enjoying the crypto journey!
Related articles
- The Importance of Safety in the Crypto World: A real-life story of how ChangeNOW helped recover $20,000 for a victim of crypto theft.
- Strengthening Your Security in the World of Crypto.
- ChangeNOW Statement: Security.
