In the recent days, I have focused a lot on a certain type of reading: how some people (hackers) manage to steal cryptocurrencies. I read hundreds of pages and I came to some very relevant conclusions. I would like to make a summary and to share with you what I have learned. I know that many of you are much more experienced in the field of crypto than I am and that you know much more on the subject, but I still hope that my post will help those with minimal knowledge.
So, from all the readings so far, I have identified six ways to steal cryptocurrencies. But, before presenting each one, I would like to say that I came to the conclusion that currently the world of cryptocurrencies (the crypto-environment) is severely affected by significant breaches related to the security of accounts, personal data, etc.
From my own experience, when I create a new account on a crypto-platform, I have to enter a complex password, a series of words, complex and long phrases, etc., which I have to memorize. Up until now, all good and beautiful, only that not all people can store tens or hundreds of passwords and access codes, so they prefer to keep them stored somewhere. This is everyone's responsibility, because it is not 100% safe. Many people save them on their laptop or phone and these devices can be easily hacked. I also read somewhere that even e-wallets can be hacked, although the problem is not with the e-wallet itself, but rather with the connections around it.
Below, I will describe you what are the 6 ways that hackers use in order to steal virtual coins.
- One of the most popular method is email phishing. Basically, the method consists in sending an e-mail message to an user. The message can come from a bank, a marketing company, from the office etc., with all the necessary elements (text format, pictures, header, footer, stamps, colors etc.) so that the recipient of the message does not suspect anything. However, the message comes from a hacker and it usually contains a link, which if the user accesses, the hacker can steal personal data.
My advice: pay close attention to the messages as well as to the sender. If the link seems dubious, do not access it.
- Most Internet browsers allow the installation of extensions. Many users are fooled by these extensions believing that this will improve their experience on trading platforms and they will have a higher profit. I came to the conclusion that there are some extensions that record everything that is typed on the device. Then, all the data is transmitted to the hacker.
My advice: use Brave, it seems safest at the moment. If you don't trust Brave, try browsing online using the private mode or don't install extensions that you find dubious.
- The Internet is vast and many web pages are cloned so that hackers can steal users' personal data. In general, when you try to type a URL, it will automatically send you to a cloned page, similar to the original.
My advice: HTTPS is very important and always check if this certificate appears in the URL bar.
- The Wi-Fi network can be illegally accessed by hackers. Thus, they can steal all the personal data of that specific Wi-Fi network users.
My advice: install antivirus software, do not access public Wi-Fi networks (especially without a VPN) when using personal data and check your router frequently.
- Mobile applications are the biggest problems today. An application can be installed quite easily, but you can never know what role it actually plays.
- A user's most common mistake is to send a quantity of virtual currency to another address similar to the original.
Below, I present you with one of the best videos I've seen regarding this topic.
I hope I was helpful. See you!
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