How to Secure your CryptoCurrencies from Hackers - How to store your Cryptos Safely - What are the Safest ways to store Bitcoin - How to store CryptoCurrencies - 247Broadstreet.com

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The Best Ways to Safely Store Your CryptoCurrency Private Keys to Avoid Hacks

"You don't own your cryptos until you have your private keys"

 

 

Points to Note:

Keep personal information private

Choose a reliable platform to buy or sell cryptocurrencies

It is important to go for a reliable exchange that is easy to use and safe to transact your digital currencies. This is where your research comes into play.

 

The deciding factors of your research are as follows:

  • Environment - is it safe and regulated?

  • Does the digital currency platform have experience team working for them?

  • Does the platform have enough liquidity, high volumes with advanced technology?

  • Does the platform cater for international customers by supporting both fiat and cryptocurrencies?

 

 

 

 

Cryptocurrency Storage Options

All digital currencies have associated PRIVATE and PUBLIC KEYS.

A public key as the name implies, can be shared with anyone sending you cryptos. For example, I would need your bank account number in order for me to transfer money to you. This is the same for cryptocurrency. I would need your public cryptocurrency key, in order for me to transfer cryptos into your digital account.

A private key: It is very important that the private key is kept secret and safe. It cannot be changed or reset and irrecoverable once it is lost. The effect of this is that you will be unable to access your digital currencies.

 

 

 

 

Hot Wallet VS. Cold Wallet

Hot wallets are online wallets and runs on computers, phones or tablets. 
The most secure way to store cryptocurrencies are through Cold wallets.

Cold wallets are very secure in hardware wallets like Trezor or Ledger.
Cold wallets are most secure when stored on a paper / offline wallet, which could be created using Walletgenerator.net/MyEtherWallet/MyCrypto.
Although, all of the above options are mostly popular, when it comes to storage of cryptocurrencies, people tend to put different types of cryptos in different locations for safety.

 

 

 

Storing Cryptocurrencies in an Exchange

As mentioned above, keeping your digital currencies on an exchange is the least secure. All users details will be visible should the exchange gets hacked. It is therefore advisable to only store your digital currency on an exchange for trading, to be transferred to a hardware or paper wallet.

 

 

 

Storing Cryptocurrencies in a Hardware Wallet

Hardware wallets are flash drive device and more secured than exchange wallets. These flash drives are provided by Trezor or Ledger, which stores your private keys offline. If your device is stolen, your funds are secured and cannot be accessed. However, it is possible for you to lose all your cryptocurrencies if you lose your flash drive. An example will be like losing your physical wallet with lots of cash.

 

 

 

 

Storing Cryptocurrencies in a Paper Wallet

This is the most secure way of storage and can be set up via services such as MyEtherWallet, MyCrypto or WalletGenerator.net.  A public and private key will be generated, accessible to you alone.

Generated public and private key will be followed by a QR code and all three (public, private keys and QR code) can be printed on a piece of paper. These must be laminated and stored in a secure location, for example a fireproof safe. Please note that you could lose all your digital assets, should anyone be in possession of these details without your knowledge.

 

 

 

Paper wallet can be set up as follows:

Go to a wallet generator site in order to create keys and matching QR codes at random

Ensure you unplug your internet access during key generation

Ensure you wipe your internet history once keys have been generated

Ensure keys are generated on a brand-new computer to avoid corruption or malware interference.

Run a malware check on your computer before generating keys.

Print out the codes and ensure you do not lose or damage the paper.

You can scan the QR codes for additional information pertaining to your wallet, but will need a Live wallet with internet connection to make a trade.

It is important to note that with software wallet, there are nasty keylogger software that could record the private key as you enter it on your device. It is therefore advisable to scan your device for virus / malware before the importation of the paper wallet into compatible software / hardware.

 

 

 

Pros and Cons of Paper Wallets

Paper (Physical) wallet is a secure way of storing digital currencies and almost impossible for an unauthorised entity to gain access to them. This is true as long as necessary safeguards are taken.

Although the paper wallet is a kind of cold storage that shield the user from cyberattack, its safety cannot be guaranteed because it is possible for a hacker to lay hands on the physical wallet, thereby accessing your digital currencies. Hence, some users hide or disguise their paper wallet.

It is also possible for the physical wallet to damage, such as part of the keys not visible and unable to scan.  Should this occur, it will be impossible for you to access your digital currencies in that particular wallet. It is therefore advisable to use laser jet printer in order to prevent running ink on the paper.

 

  Financial Wisdom for the Wise Investor: The Extraordinary Power of a Seed - A Biblical Perspective 

   

RISKS OF PAPER WALLET
Bigger networks with printers connected to them, stores information, and malware can secretly be installed, to steal keys whilst they are being generated.
User error – non laser jet printer would make the ink to run or fade over time, damaging the wallet. Paper could be lost, stolen or torn. A user could misread the key or the wallet software is unable to identify format of the private key.

 

 

Do you need a paper wallet?

This will depend on how involved or engaged you are in digital currency trading. You probably don’t need a paper wallet if you only trade a couple of coins.

However, if you are a long term investor, that is in it for the long haul and  heavily involved in crypto trading, then the paper wallet is for you.

 

 

 

 

Online Wallets aka Cloud Wallet

Online wallet is easy and enables you to create an account on an exchange. Part of the advantage of an online wallet is that it can be accessed at any time, from anywhere including servers and devices as long as they have internet connection.  An advantage of online wallet is that your private key is being saved on another server. It is therefore advisable not to use online wallets for the storage of a large sum of your funds. Only store a little amount, needed for the purpose of exchanges.

 

 

 

 

Follow the steps below to create a paper wallet:

  • Computer must be free from any form of malicious software or virus.

  • Go to WalletGenerator.net.

  • Download the zip file file:

  • Make sure you are offline to prevent hackers from hacking your wallet.

  • Open the “index.html” file

  • Now it is time to generate your wallet. Keep hovering over the highlighted text and it will generate more characters. Or if you want, you can manually type in random characters. Just keep doing it until the counter goes to “0”.

  • Wallet will be generated when counter reaches 0

  • Print the page or make multiple copies of the numbers from it. (Important: Ensure printer is not connected to Wi-Fi at this point).

  • Delete saved web page. You can now safely reconnect to the internet.

  • Store your private keys in their long term, private, secure home.

  • Do not expose yourself to looters by bragging about your digital investments.

Paper wallets are fragile and can be damaged hence it is advisable to make extra copies.

Paper wallets can be read or copied and used to steal your funds.

The location of the paper wallet can be forgotten or it could be misplaced or torn.

 

 

 

 

Importance of private keys and restoration methods

Private key is very significant and must be seriously guarded because the loss of it could result in the loss of all your funds.

Private keys can be stored in a small home safe deposit boxes or high-quality safe.

 

 

   

 

Paper Wallet: Final Thoughts

Cold wallet is less of a risk compared to other storage methods and the fact that it is done offline lessens the risk of losing your funds for example exchange hacking. Above all, the chances of a loss, theft or damage of private keys are possible and you must therefore be cautious and alert always.

Be ready to set up a new cold storage at the earliest possibility of a breach.

Diversify your portfolio by keeping a huge amount of your funds in paper wallets with various backups.

 

  

Part of your diversification would include keeping a few of your funds in hardware wallet and hot wallet to enable a quick transaction.

Security of your wallet is important and must not be underestimated and risks must be minimal to prevent inaccessibility of your digital currencies.

 

 

 

 

Which Hardware CryptoCurrency Wallet is Best?

 

Ledger Nano S Cryptocurrency Hardware Wallet: Though, I think Ledger supports more altcoins. You can see the cryptos that Trezor supports at https://wiki.trezor.io/FAQ:Overview (the table at the bottom).

 

Trezor Hardware Wallet

Trezor operates offline with a small display screen, which enables you to observe your transactions. The isolated environment therefore meant it  cannot be hacked and therefore very safe. Trezor supports the following digital currencies: Bitcoin, Ethereum (+ all ERC-20 tokens), Ethereum Classic, ZCash, Litecoin, Namecoin, Dogecoin, Dash and Bitcoin Testnet. You can see the full list of coins supported by Trezor at: https://wiki.trezor.io/FAQ:Overview (the table at the bottom).

Trezor generates private keys, which never leaves the device and transactions are authorised through USB port.

 

 

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In order to use TREZOR and easily move your cryptos around, you will need software wallets such as Trezor web wallet or Mycelium on Android, or Electrum on your laptop.

TREZOR’s compatibility includes Windows, macOS, Linux, Android and is currently the best wallet that allows the storage of more than one digital currency.

 

 

 

 

What if you physically destroy the device?

It is advisable to back up the keys and you would learn how to do this and back up the seed at the initial setup process. You are then able to upload your wallet in a new device, if your old device is no longer accessible. This would ensure that all your digital currencies are still secured.

 

 

 

 

Again, as mentioned above, seed (mnemonic) allows the restoration of wallets into compatible software wallets. For further details, go to trezor apps in the web documentation, see "recovering funds without Trezor device" chapter. Mycelium and Electrum are examples of software wallets listed.

 

 

 

 

Trezor Hardware: Model T

•         The trezor hardware wallet, model T has a touchscreen which makes it easy to enter PIN / Seed / Passphrase.

•         It is a non-battery operatable device with simple designed interface.

•         The visuals on the screen, including the full address are very clear and readable.

•         Trezor implementation of BIP39 and hidden wallet passphrases is interesting.

•         Trezor device has made it a target for rivals in the industry. It is also my choice of device because of its open rapid response to bugs along with quality firmware updates to shut down security holes.

 

 

 

 

Trezor or Ledger Nano S Cryptocurrency Hardware Wallet

Both are equally good without real security concerns. However, the loss of your hardware wallet could be a risk. Although its contents will not be easily accessible by an unauthorised persons, it could sometimes take hours for these unauthorised persons to access the contents of your wallets, by which time, you would have noticed that the wallet is missing, thereby, giving you enough time to quickly relocate your digital currencies.

 

 

 

 

 

In addition, there are extra charges involved should you need features like increased memory to allow you save a high number of digital currencies.

  Scamming and phishing tend to be a major problem for users of Ledger and Trezor because they are unable to identify a bad or good place for seeds.

 

 

 

 

Digital currencies cannot be lost because of a faulty device or software issues. They are recoverable using WRITTEN DOWN SEED PHRASE.

Trezor and Nano S Hardware Wallets are good but I prefer the Trezor for ease of use. The Nano S is equally a capable hardware wallet too that supports more altcoins.

If you are interested in the security of your digital currencies, then you should obtain a Trezor Model T + a CryptoSteel.

 

 

 

 

Diversify Your CryptoCurrency Portfolio: Diversify into Various Wallets - Both Hardware and Online Wallets.

 

MetaMask: A crypto wallet & gateway to blockchain apps - https://metamask.io/

 

MetaMask Set up:  https://blog.wetrust.io/how-to-install-

and-use-metamask-7210720ca047

 

Trust Wallet: The most trusted & secure crypto wallet - https://trustwallet.com/

 

 

 

 

Exodus: Bitcoin & Crypto Wallet -  https://www.exodus.com/

 

Coldcard Wallet: Coldcard is an easy to use, ultra-secure, open-source and affordable hardware wallet - a good alternative but you need be a truly highly technical user - https://bitcoin.org/en/wallets/hardware/coldcard/

 

BitBox02 Hardware Wallet: Protect your coins with the latest Swiss made hardware wallet - Security-wise, it combines the best of both. Supports BTC, ETH and all ERC20 tokens. https://shiftcrypto.ch/bitbox02/

 

Electrum Wallet:  https://electrum.org/#home

 

The safe place for your coins: Official Trezor site:  www.trezor.io

 

 

 

 

 

 

How to use Trezor step by step:

  https://www.thecryptomerchant.com/blogs/resources/

how-to-setup-and-use-the-trezor-model-t-hardware-wallet

 

Ledger Hardware Wallets: The world’s most popular hardware wallet -  https://www.ledger.com/  

 

 

How to Setup a Ledger Nano S Hardware Wallet: Step-by-step

https://www.chainbits.com/wallets/how-

to-use-a-ledger-nano-s/

 

https://support.ledger.com/hc/en-us/articles/

360000613793-Set-up-as-new-device

 

 

  You can also find some useful resources on: https://bitcoin.org/en/choose-your-wallet) that may help you choose which wallet is best for you.

 

 

Crypto Private Keys

It is not possible to get private keys from exchanges like Coinbase and Binance. These exchanges and platforms are used mainly for buying and selling CryptoCurrencies.

As long as your Cryptos remains on an exchange, without a private key, you do not have full possession and they are not safe or secured.

It is therefore strongly advisable to move your digital currencies from the exchange to a hardware, software or mobile wallet. This is safer and gives you full control of your funds.

 

What is a Private Address (or key) you might ask?

It is a secret password used to spend and send digital currencies to another digital currency address, for example Dogecoin and XRP.

The private key consist of 256 alphabets and numbers, selected at random as you create your wallet.

 

Custodial or Non-Custodial Wallets

Firms known as custodians manage private keys. For example: Litecoin, Bitcoin or Ethereum.

Other custodians are some software wallets, online wallets and big exchanges.

The law obligates these custodians to keep your funds safe. They must compensate you, if your fund go missing. You will need to apply for a refund through their insurance. This option is available on Coinbase and Gemini.

However, some exchanges such as Mt.Gox, QuadrigaCX and BTC-e leave out this option to the disadvantage of digital currency owners. Hence it is advisable not to store all your assets with a custodian.

It is also worth noting that you do not have control over private keys with custodial wallet.

 

 

Ampleforth Governance Token (FORTH) CoinBase Answers: :

 

1 - What are Ampleforth's automatic supply changes called?

Rebases

 

 

 

 

2 - What two tokens give the community control over the Ampleforth protocol?

AMPL and FORTH

 

 

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3 - Ampleforth is a censorship resistant _________ that rebases once a day.

DeFi building block

 

 

Coinbase Earn SKALE (SKL) (Answers)

Here are the answers below:

•         Any Ethereum application

•         Delegate SKL to a validator

•         An internet of blockchains

 

 

 

   

 

TREZOR MODEL T HARDWARE WALLET INSTALLATION

 

The installation works better with Windows 10 and Google chrome

 

-        Read the manual that comes with the Trezor T Hardware Wallet device before commencing. Also, ensure the device cable is inserted in the device. You will hear a click to confirm it has been inserted correctly.

-        Connect the hardware wallet cable to the usb port on your PC or Laptop.

-        Type trezor.io/start in the URL on your google chrome

-        Choose your device (TREZOR MODEL T)

-        Click on continue to wallet

-        Click on the green button (install firmware) This would take about 2 minutes to complete installation.

-        Click on create wallet

-        Click on CREATE WITH SINGLE BACK UP. There are 2 backs ups available - Single and Shamir back up) However, we will be choosing (create with single backup).

-        Accept terms and conditions by clicking on the green check button on the Trezor T hardware device in your hand.

-        Click on the orange button – (CREATE A BACKUP IN 3 MINUTES)

-        Read the information on your PC or Laptop

-        Click in the box next to (I UNDERSTAND AND AGREE) on your PC or Laptop

-        Click continue

-        Go to the Trezor hardware wallet in your hand and finish the process by pressing the green button that says (I UNDERSTAND) on your trezor T hardware device.

-        Recovery seeds will be shown on the Trezor T hardware device.  

 

 

 

-        At this point, CAREFULLY write down the seeds on the note cards provided with device.

-        Ensure to write down the seeds exactly as they appear on the device. DO NOT make any mistake, as you could lose your money if you do not write down the correct seeds.

-        Once you have written down all the 12 seeds, go to the hardware device, press and hold the green button that says (HOLD TO CONFIRM).  

 

 

 

-        Follow the instructions on the hardware device and ensure no mistakes are made.

-        Click on continue on the hardware device

-        PIN NOT SET will be shown on the device

-        Go to your PC or laptop and click on continue.

-        Message to enter a new pin will pop up on your PC or laptop

-        Enter your new pin on the Trezor T hardware wallet in your hand and click on the check button.

-        Once pin is set, click on continue on your PC or Laptop to NAME the device. You can give it your name or any made up name.

-        Click on continue on your PC

-        Choose a name for your device on your PC

-        Click on Continue on your PC

-        Confirm on your device.

-        Click on continue on your PC or Laptop

-        Bookmark the browser by clicking CTRL D on your keyboard.

-        Click on continue

-        Enter your email address

-        Click in the box to agree terms and privacy policy

-        Click on continue

-        Click on continue

-        Click on FINISH

-        The name of your TREZOR T hardware wallet device should now appear on the top left of the page.

-        Now, install TREZOR SUITE SOFTWARE and this can be found on TREZOR.IO webpage.

-        The AUTO LOG OFF default setting of your Trezor T hardware wallet is 10 minutes. Depending on preference, this can be changed on the Trezor Suite software.

-        Install TREZOR BRIDGE, which can be found at the bottom of the page.  

 

 

 

 

 

TRANSFER CRYPTOS FROM AN EXCHANGE TO TREZOR T HARDWARE WALLET

 

You will need to enable specific pop ups to transfer some Cryptos - For example: Stellar lumens, Cardano and Tezos.

 

How to Turn pop-ups on or off in Google Chrome

1.       On your computer, open Chrome.

2.       At the top right, click More > Settings.

3.       Under "Privacy and security," click Site settings.

4.       Click Pop-ups and redirects.

5.       At the top, turn the setting to Allowed or Blocked.

 

It is worth noting that; all ERC20 TOKENS on ETHEREUM NETWORK can be transferred using the following methods:

-        You must ensure you have enough ethereum crypto in your portfolio on the exchange, to cover network fees, before you continue.

-        GO TO TREZOR Hardware WALLET

-        To transfer ETHEREUM crypto on COINBASE to TREZOR T WALLET, click on ethereum on your hardware wallet, click RECEIVE at the top of the page. The following will be displayed – (RECEIVE ETHEREUM OR TOKEN)

-        Click on the green button with SHOW FULL ADDRESS. You will be asked to confirm the full address on the Trezor T hardware device in your hand.

-        Copy the wallet address on your PC or Laptop

-        Go to the COINBASE portfolio

-        Click on ETHEREUM

-        Make sure the blue SEND button is highlighted.

-        Enter the amount you want or click on send all.

-        Paste the copied wallet address in the TO box

-        It is extremely important that you copy the exact wallet address from the Trezor T page and ensure you paste the exact copied wallet address. To check this, NOTE the first 3 digits and the last 3 digits of the copied wallet address and compare it with the pasted address.

-        Click on continue and read the message

-        Click SEND NOW

-        A verification code will be sent to your phone.

-        Enter the verification code in the box on your PC or laptop.

-        Click on CONFIRM

-        Click on Done

-        Go to your Trezor web page and click on ethereum to check that the money is reflecting on your account or it has been received.

-        You have now successfully moved your Ethereum crypto from coinbase online exchange to offline Trezor T hardware wallet.

 

TO TRANSFER ERC20 TOKENS - FOR EXAMPLE - SHIBA INU (SHIB) CRYPTO FROM AN EXCHANGE TO TREZOR T HARDWARE WALLET 

-        Go to ethereum blockchain explorer – etherscan.io (The etherscan is applicable to all tokens operating on ERC20 or ethereum network.

-        Type SHIBA INU in the box and select SHIBA

-        You need the contract address, which is usually on the right hand side.

-        To copy the displayed contract address, place your mouse on the dots next to the contract address, to display the copy button.

-        Click on the copy button to copy the contract address, COPY ADDRESS will be displayed and once you click on it - COPIED will be displayed.

-        Go back to your TREZOR T Web page and click on ETHEREUM.

-        Go to TOKENS and paste the copied contract address in the box underneath tokens -  SHIBA INU will be displayed, to confirm that you have copied the right address.

-        Click on RECEIVE at the top of the page.

-        Address will be displayed in the box below and above the QR code.

-        It is worth noting that all ERC20 CRYPTOS uses the same ethereum address.

-        Copy the displayed address by highlighting and right clicking the mouse.

-        Go to your exchange - for example HOTBIT website and log in.

-        Go to SHIBA in your portfolio

-        Click on WITHDRAW on the right hand side.

-        Paste the copied address in the withdrawal box.

-        Check to ensure you are moving the right amount.

-        Choose email verification and SMS verification

-        Email and SMS verification will be sent to you

-        Enter the email and SMS verification code you received.

-        Click CONFIRM

-        Go back to your TREZOR T webpage to confirm that your SHIBA has been successfully transferred.

 

It is also worth noting that NOT all Cryptos are on Ethereum network. To transfer a coin that is not on ETH network, for example, TEZOS, STELLAR LUMENS and CARDANO ADA, click on the crypto and follow the wizard.

 

To transfer BITCOIN, click on it

-        Click Receive – Show full address -  then accept on Trezor T hardware wallet.

-        Copy the address on your PC

-        Go to your exchange for example Coinbase

-        Click on Send and follow the wizard

-        Go back to Trezor T web page to confirm that the Bitcoin has been received.  

 

 

 

 

 

CRYPTOCURRENCY INVESTMENT RISKS 

All investments has risks and digital currency is no exception.

Some of the risks in digital currency investment are as follows:

·       The exchange / platform / website holding your digital currencies or cryptos could disappear or shut down, resulting in the loss of all your cryptos. An example of such an exchange is MTGOX.

·       You could misplace the private key to your wallet

To avoid this, it is advisable to move your money to a private wallet outside the Crypto exchange.

 

Note: Sending Crypto is irreversible

·       Before you send Bitcoin (BTC) or any CryptoCurrency to recipient, please make sure that:

·       You're sending to the correct wallet address.  

Written by Sarah Uwajeh for 247broadstreet.com

 

 

 

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