In response to the increasing cybersecurity threats faced by cryptocurrency users, OneKey, a leading hardware wallet provider, has recommended that ordinary investors use dedicated devices for their crypto transactions. This measure aims to minimize risks by isolating cryptocurrency activities from everyday device usage, as devices like smartphones and personal laptops are vulnerable to cyberattacks due to their exposure to malware from various activities. The recent $50 million Radiant Capital attack, where fake PDF malware was leveraged by hackers to steal funds, highlights the importance of this recommendation.
OneKey compares using a dedicated device for cryptocurrencies to storing cash in a safe instead of a drawer. By using a device solely for crypto purposes, users can create a secure, focused environment free from distractions and risks associated with general-purpose devices. The benefits of dedicated devices, as outlined by OneKey, include reduced risk of backdoor malware attacks, streamlined operations by only installing crypto tools, wallets, and exchange platforms, and enhanced monitoring of unusual activity on a device with minimal apps installed.
To create a secure environment for managing cryptocurrencies, OneKey suggests a simple approach that involves starting fresh with a new or unused laptop or tablet, performing a clean install of an operating system like macOS or Linux, restricting the device to only crypto-related software, using a hardware wallet like Ledger or OneKey to keep private keys offline, utilizing a secure browser with security extensions to block phishing sites, and connecting to secure, private Wi-Fi networks instead of public networks. Open source VPN tools like Clash or SSR are recommended for additional security when accessing cryptocurrency-related websites or platforms.
It is important to note that the above recommendations are not investment advice but rather cybersecurity best practices for safeguarding cryptocurrency assets. With the rise in cybersecurity threats targeting cryptocurrency users, taking proactive steps such as using dedicated devices and hardware wallets can help mitigate the risks of theft and unauthorized access to digital assets. By following OneKey’s security recommendations, cryptocurrency investors can create a safer and more secure environment for managing their assets and transactions.
