The real case of multiple user device risks
Case 1: Tampered hardware wallet
User A purchased a hardware wallet from an unauthorized platform and began using it without verification. In fact, the wallet’s firmware was tampered with, and multiple sets of mnemonic phrases were pre-generated. As a result, the encrypted assets stored in the hardware wallet were completely controlled by hackers, resulting in significant losses.
Preventive measures: 1) Users should purchase hardware wallets from official or trusted channels as much as possible. 2) Perform a complete official verification process before using the wallet to ensure the security of the firmware.
Case 2: Phishing attacks
User B received an email from the “Wallet Security Center” claiming that the user’s wallet had security issues and requested the user to enter the recovery phrase for security updates. In fact, this was a carefully orchestrated phishing attack, and the user ultimately lost all their assets.
Preventive measures: 1) Users should not enter private keys or recovery phrases on unverified websites. 2) Use the screen of the hardware wallet to verify all transactions and operation information.
Case 3: Software security
User C downloaded malicious software from an unverified source. When the user performed wallet operations, the malicious logic in the software resulted in asset loss.
Preventive measures: 1) Users should download software from official channels and regularly update relevant software and firmware. 2) Use antivirus software and firewall to protect your devices.
Common physical devices and facilities used by users and their risk types
Currently, the most commonly used physical devices by users include:
1. Computers (desktops and laptops): Used to access decentralized applications (dApps), manage cryptocurrency wallets, and participate in blockchain networks.
2. Smartphones and tablets: Used for mobile access to dApps, managing cryptocurrency wallets, and conducting transactions.
3. Hardware wallets: Used for secure storage of cryptocurrency private keys and as dedicated devices to prevent hacker attacks (such as Ledger, Trezor).
4. Network infrastructure: Routers, switches, firewalls, etc., to ensure stable and secure network connections.
5. Node devices: Devices running blockchain node software (which can be personal computers or dedicated servers) to participate in network consensus and data verification.
6. Cold storage devices: Devices used for offline storage of private keys, such as USB drives, paper wallets, etc., to prevent online attacks.
Current potential risks of physical devices
1. Physical device risks
● Device loss or damage: The loss or damage of hardware wallets or computers may result in the loss of private keys, thereby preventing access to encrypted assets.
● Physical intrusion: Unauthorized physical access to devices to directly obtain private keys or sensitive information.
2. Network security risks
● Malware and viruses: Attacks on user devices through malicious software to steal private keys or sensitive information.
● Phishing attacks: Deceptive attempts to obtain private keys or login credentials by impersonating legitimate services.
● Man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks: Intercepting and tampering with communication between users and the blockchain network.
3. User behavior risks
● Social engineering attacks: Deceiving users to disclose private keys or other sensitive information through social engineering.
● Operational errors: User errors in the process of transactions or asset management, which may result in asset loss.
4. Technical risks
● Software vulnerabilities: Exploitation of vulnerabilities in dApps, cryptocurrency wallets, or blockchain protocols by hackers.
● Smart contract vulnerabilities: Defects in smart contract code that may result in fund theft.
5. Regulatory and legal risks
● Legal compliance: Different regulatory policies on cryptocurrency and blockchain technology in different countries and regions may affect the security and freedom of user assets and transactions.
● Regulatory changes: Policy changes that may lead to asset freezes or trading restrictions.
Is the security of private keys crucial for hardware wallets? Types of security measures for private keys
Hardware wallets store private keys in a separate offline device, preventing them from being stolen by network attacks, malware, or other online threats. Compared to software wallets and other forms of storage, hardware wallets provide higher security, especially for users who need to protect a large amount of encrypted assets. Security measures for private keys can be handled from the following perspectives:
1. Use of secure storage devices: Choose reliable hardware wallets or other cold storage devices to reduce the risk of private keys being stolen by network attacks.
2. Establish comprehensive security awareness: Strengthen awareness and protection of private key security. Be cautious of any web pages or programs that require private key input. When copying and pasting private keys, consider copying only part of the key and manually inputting the rest to prevent clipboard attacks.
3. Secure storage of mnemonic phrases and private keys: Avoid taking photos, screenshots, or recording mnemonic phrases online. Instead, write them down on paper and store them in a secure place.
4. Separate storage of private keys: Divide private keys into multiple parts and store them in different locations to reduce the risk of single point of failure.
Vulnerabilities in current identity verification and access control
1. Weak passwords and password reuse: Users often use simple, easily guessable passwords, or reuse the same password across multiple services, increasing the risk of password being cracked through brute force or obtained through other leak channels.
2. Insufficient multi-factor authentication (MFA): While MFA in Web2 can significantly enhance security, in Web3, once a private key is leaked, attackers can fully control the account, making it difficult to establish an effective MFA mechanism.
3. Phishing attacks and social engineering: Attackers deceive users to disclose sensitive information through phishing emails, fake websites, etc. Web3-specific phishing websites are becoming more organized and service-oriented, making users vulnerable without sufficient security awareness.
4. Improper API key management: Developers may hardcode API keys into client applications, or fail to implement proper permission control and expiration management, resulting in the abuse of keys when leaked.
How can users guard against the risks posed by emerging virtual technologies such as AI Deepfakes?
1. Risks of artificial intelligence forgery: There are many AI deepfake detection products available. The industry has proposed several automated methods for detecting fake videos, focusing on the unique elements (fingerprints) generated by deepfakes in digital content. Users can also identify deepfakes by carefully observing facial features, edge processing, and audio-visual synchronization. Microsoft has released some tools to educate users in identifying deepfakes, which users can learn to strengthen their recognition skills.
2. Data and privacy risks: The use of large models in various fields poses risks to users’ data and privacy. When interacting with chatbots, users should protect personal privacy information, avoid directly inputting sensitive information such as private keys, API keys, or passwords, and use substitution and obfuscation methods to hide sensitive information. Developers can use GitHub-friendly detection tools to mark risks if OpenAI API keys or other sensitive information are found in code submissions.
3. Risks of content generation abuse: To mitigate the risks of misinformation and intellectual property issues caused by content generation abuse, some products can detect whether text content is generated by artificial intelligence. Developers should ensure the correctness and security of code generated by large models through thorough review and audit, especially for sensitive or open-source code.
4. Daily vigilance and learning: Users should consciously evaluate and identify content when browsing short videos, long videos, and articles. They should be aware of common signs of artificial intelligence forgery or content generated by artificial intelligence, such as typical male and female narrative voices, pronunciation errors, and common deepfake videos. In critical scenarios, users should consciously evaluate and recognize these risks.
Professional advice for the security of physical devices
For users using physical devices including hardware wallets, common computers, and smartphones, we recommend increasing security awareness through the following measures:
1. Hardware wallets:
● Use reputable brands: Choose hardware wallets from reputable brands and purchase them from official channels.
● Isolated environment: Generate and store private keys in an isolated environment to minimize potential threats.
● Secure storage: Store private keys in fireproof, waterproof, and theft-proof media. Consider using fireproof and waterproof safes. To increase security, distribute the storage of private keys or mnemonic phrases in different secure locations.
2. Electronic devices:
● High-security brands: Use smartphones and computers with good security and privacy features, such as Apple’s products.
● Minimal applications: Install the minimum and necessary software to maintain a clean system environment.
● Multi-device backup: Use Apple’s identity management system for multi-device backup to avoid single device failure.
3. Daily use:
● Public awareness: Avoid sensitive wallet operations in public places to prevent camera leakage records.
● Regular scanning: Use reliable antivirus software to regularly scan for threats in the device environment.
● Regular checks: Regularly check the reliability of the physical storage location of devices.
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