As a creative in the Web3 space, you're at the forefront of a digital revolution, bringing art, music, fashion, and innovation to decentralized platforms. However, this also makes you a target for bad actors looking to exploit vulnerabilities. From phishing attacks to malicious smart contracts, it's crucial to stay vigilant and protect your wallets, accounts, and funds.
In this post, we'll explore practical steps you can take to safeguard your Onchain presence and continue creating with peace of mind.
Key Tips:
Never click random links: Be wary of unsolicited DMs or emails containing links, even if they appear to come from a trusted source. Phishers often create fake websites that mimic well-known platforms.
Verify before clicking: Always double-check URLs for subtle differences (like replacing an "l" with a "1"). When in doubt, type the website address directly into your browser.
Use secure browsers: Enable anti-phishing tools and consider using privacy-focused browsers like Brave or security extensions like MetaMask.
2. Understand Smart Contract Permissions Smart contracts power many Onchain interactions, but they can also be used maliciously to drain your funds. Before approving any transaction, make sure you understand the permissions you're granting.
Key Tips:
Review permissions carefully: Always check what a smart contract is asking for before signing. If it requests unlimited access to your funds, you might want to reconsider. Revoke access: Use services like Revoke.cash to periodically review and revoke access to dApps you're no longer using or that seem suspicious.
Test with small amounts: When dealing with a new or unfamiliar dApp, try it out with a small amount of crypto to minimize risk.
3. Secure Your Assets with Hardware Wallets A hardware wallet (like a Ledger or Trezor) stores your private keys offline, making it much harder for hackers to access your funds. For creators holding valuable digital assets, this is a must-have security measure.
Key Tips:
Use a hardware wallet: Store long-term assets like NFTs and crypto in a hardware wallet to keep your keys safe from online attacks.
Never share your seed phrase: Your seed phrase is the key to your wallet. No legitimate service will ever ask for it, so keep it secure and offline.
4. Be Cautious When Connecting Wallets Connecting your wallet to websites and dApps is common practice in Web3, but it also exposes you to potential risks. Some malicious sites can drain your funds the moment you connect.
Key Tips:
Only connect to trusted platforms: Always verify the legitimacy of a site or dApp before connecting your wallet. Look for security audits or reviews from trusted sources. Use burner wallets: For testing or interacting with unknown platforms, create a burner wallet with minimal funds to avoid compromising your main accounts.
Enable MFA: If supported, enable multi-factor authentication for extra security on platforms where you manage your assets.
5. Strengthen Account Security The platforms you use to mint NFTs, trade assets, or connect with Web3 communities are also vulnerable to attacks. It’s essential to protect your accounts from unauthorized access.
Key Tips:
Use strong, unique passwords: A password manager like 1Password or Bitwarden can help you generate and store secure passwords across different platforms. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Many platforms allow 2FA, which adds an extra layer of protection against unauthorized logins.
Monitor account activity: Regularly check your accounts for unusual activity. If something looks suspicious, take immediate action to secure your assets.
6. Stay Informed About Web3 Security The security landscape in Web3 is constantly evolving, and staying informed is key to protecting yourself. By keeping up with the latest news and vulnerabilities, you can better navigate the risks.
Key Tips:
Follow security updates: Platforms like CertiK, and other Web3 security experts provide regular updates on known vulnerabilities and new threats.
Learn from others: Many creators share their experiences with hacks and scams, creators like Latasha, Jamee Cornelia and Kokocodes have had their accounts and wallets attacked by scammers using phishing links. Keep an eye on community forums, social media, and newsletters to stay ahead of potential threats.
Conclusion: Stay Vigilant and Create Safely Web3 gives creatives unparalleled control over their work and assets, but with that control comes responsibility. By taking the right precautions—avoiding suspicious links, managing smart contract permissions, using hardware wallets, having multiple accounts that is not used to connect to links, and securing your accounts—you can protect yourself from bad actors while continuing to explore the exciting possibilities of blockchain technology.
Stay secure, stay informed, and keep pushing the boundaries of creativity onchain!