Hi crypto newbies or advanced traders,
since I am reading about people getting hacked and their coins were stolen, I put together some information how to make your Mac safer.
Follow that advice and you might sleep better at night:
- Update your system:
- Create a new, clean user that does not have administrative rights. With that user, you do all your trading activities, manage your wallets etc.
- Store all your trading related passwords in a secure password wallet like "1password" or "password wallet" - they store your passwords in an encrypted file. Make sure you have a minimum 16 characters password that you can easily remember and did NOT use anywhere else.
- keep this account clean by not installing any other software.
- Use a safe browser like Chrome, keep it updated!
- Copy the hosts file from http://someonewhocares.org/hosts/ to block thousands of malware servers, tracking servers and ad servers (malware can hijack your computer even through ad banners!)
2: Update your tools:
- Install the free virus protection bit defender for OSX, and make sure to keep it updated
- Install the tools from https://objective-see.com/products.html - they are all free and very very helpful in terms of computer security. I've been using them for years and never had problems. Read through the tools and understand what they do. Then install your selection - maybe not all of them are necessary. I advise you to install at least "knock knock" and "block block".
- copy the hosts file from
- Update your behavior:
- Never use passwords again, especially not for any trading platforms or wallets
- Never access free wifis without any protection. Use VPN tools in those environments like cafés, universities etc.
- Open your trading platforms via shortcut in your browser to avoid mistyping of URLs
- Activate 2FA on all trading platforms (when doing that make sure you save the secret key to a safe place. If you change your 2FA app or buy a new phone, make sure you deactivate your 2FA on all platforms and re-activate it instantly with your new phone or app)
- Don't click on any links in slack - there is a lot of scam going on and people want you to log in to phishing sites where they grab your credentials!!
- Don't trust anyone. Don't download any applications from unknown sources, don't "test" any cool new trading app that some guy sends to you on facebook. Be suspicious all the time.
- Don't post your balance or screenshots of your blockfolio on social media or messenger groups - you make yourself a target!
- Use different email addresses during registration on each trading platform.
That's it for now, if you have any additional information or tools, please put them into the comment section!
P.S.: I have no affiliation with any of the named products or companies.