How easy BTC could be susceptible to computer security threats? - page 2.

NotATether

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Quote from: user210822 on March 25, 2024, 01:55:59 PM

Could recent 'ordinals' congestion be considered as an attack to blockchain? If so, how easy is it to upload a virus into blockchain itself?

Ordinals are basically spam but the vast majority are not harmful to your computer security. First you'd need to inscribe an ordinal containing a malicious program (like .EXE) into a block, and then you can only get infected via a vulnerability in a custom tool that somebody would create to parse Ordinals.

Medusah

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Quote from: user210822 on March 26, 2024, 12:19:39 AM

I would describe my security experience as a complete noob.

Then you should look for a hardware wallet. It is a device that holds your keys, instead of your computer. Passport is my most recommended one, because it is airgapped and operated by Seth For Privacy, a very respected and competent individual. But, there are cheaper and more popular alternatives like Trezor. If you are paranoid, then you should stick with airgapped solutions like Passport.

(Think of airgapped as a device that never connects to the Internet)

WatChe

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Quote from: Upgrade00 on March 25, 2024, 01:51:55 PM

Bitcoin does not have a security flaw which makes it susceptible to risks and attacks. What can happen is you as a user can have breaches in your device which exposes your personal wallet to risks, this is not a breach on the Bitcoin Network.

Protect your device from external threats by;
• Not clicking on untrusted links,
• No downloading random, unverified apps,
• Only use non custodian, open source and reputable wallets,
• Do not give third party access to your wallets,
• Use an airpagged device or hardware wallet.

If you have upgraded your cell phone then it's better to place your wallet on old cell phone which is no more required and keep it offline. This way you can have an air gaped device with zero investment.

Quote from: NeuroticFish on March 25, 2024, 04:54:51 PM

Great list! I will add: keep the seed words offline, safely, without any chance for others to get access to them; the seed has to never touch a device that will ever go online. Keeping the seed as copies in multiple geographically distinct places is also a good idea.

Your seed is your wallet. Lost your seed, lost your coins. There is no way to recover your coins in case your seed is compromised or lose your seed. We can say that's one limitation of Bitcoin but we have to keep that aspect in our mind while designing the security architecture of our Bitcoins.

Z-tight

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Quote from: user210822 on March 26, 2024, 12:19:39 AM

I would describe my security experience as a complete noob. Zero knowledge on coding.

You don't have to be a coder to secure your assets from attackers.

Quote from: user210822 on March 26, 2024, 12:19:39 AM

In your case you may call me "complete paranoid" in security terms.

It is not bad to be paranoid in this case, it would help you to verify everything and pay good attention to your security. Take note that you should start with basic security practices, i.e. choosing recommended wallets, making sure you run it offline and also having a good opsec, this will surely help you keep your funds safe as you get better in security and also privacy.

user210822

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Quote from: Medusah on March 25, 2024, 03:41:20 PM

Security is a complex field my friend. What would you say is your background in security? Do you have an idea on how to protect your computer's files, accounts, etc? In any case of that, I would read Lopp's guides on security: https://www.lopp.net/bitcoin-information/security.html.

Quote from: user210822 on March 25, 2024, 01:55:59 PM

Could recent 'ordinals' congestion be considered as an attack to blockchain? If so, how easy is it to upload a virus into blockchain itself?

If you consider "congestion" an attack, then every transaction is attacking the network.

I would describe my security experience as a complete noob. Zero knowledge on coding. Very careful approach to OS selection. In a sense to hold on Linux mostly. But whenever I hear "my friend" from a complete stranger I shrug in an attempt to avoid being used. In your case you may call me "complete paranoid" in security terms. And Blockchain use could vary in a huge limits. Same like use fiat for growing flowers in a backyard instead of funding REALLY BAD people or vice versa. One of the examples given here.

Upgrade00

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Quote from: NeuroticFish on March 25, 2024, 04:54:51 PM

Great list! I will add: keep the seed words offline, safely, without any chance for others to get access to them; the seed has to never touch a device that will ever go online. Keeping the seed as copies in multiple geographically distinct places is also a good idea.

That's a very useful tip which everyone should adopt. I also think all wallets should disable the option to take screenshots of seedphrases, so users know to write it down and not just store it in an electronic form.

Keeping copies in different geographical location is a good failsafe, but this should only be done if you can assure the security in all the locations. Better to have one point of failure which you can adequately protect except against a natural disaster, than having multiple back ups that are not secured.

NeuroticFish

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Quote from: Upgrade00 on March 25, 2024, 01:51:55 PM

Bitcoin does not have a security flaw which makes it susceptible to risks and attacks. What can happen is you as a user can have breaches in your device which exposes your personal wallet to risks, this is not a breach on the Bitcoin Network.

Protect your device from external threats by;
• Not clicking on untrusted links,
• No downloading random, unverified apps,
• Only use non custodian, open source and reputable wallets,
• Do not give third party access to your wallets,
• Use an airpagged device or hardware wallet.

Great list! I will add: keep the seed words offline, safely, without any chance for others to get access to them; the seed has to never touch a device that will ever go online. Keeping the seed as copies in multiple geographically distinct places is also a good idea.

Z-tight

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Activity: 854

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Only BTC

Quote from: user210822 on March 25, 2024, 01:55:59 PM

Could recent 'ordinals' congestion be considered as an attack to blockchain? If so, how easy is it to upload a virus into blockchain itself?

The blockchain is just a public ledger where BTC tx's are stored, every mined block containing all confirmed tx's right from the start of the network is stored in the blockchain. Take note that the blockchain does not contain BTC's in itself or anything that you can steal, that is why it is open and anyone can download their own copy.

Ordinals is not an attack on BTC's security, but it can be called an 'attack' on BTC's use as a currency, because it makes tx fees to rise, making it impossible for people to use BTC as a currency.

Medusah

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Security is a complex field my friend. What would you say is your background in security? Do you have an idea on how to protect your computer's files, accounts, etc? In any case of that, I would read Lopp's guides on security: https://www.lopp.net/bitcoin-information/security.html.

Quote from: user210822 on March 25, 2024, 01:55:59 PM

Could recent 'ordinals' congestion be considered as an attack to blockchain? If so, how easy is it to upload a virus into blockchain itself?

If you consider "congestion" an attack, then every transaction is attacking the network.

DesmondHayes

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Quote from: user210822 on March 25, 2024, 01:55:59 PM

Could recent 'ordinals' congestion be considered as an attack to blockchain? If so, how easy is it to upload a virus into blockchain itself?

The recent "ordinals" congestion might be like an attack if it's deliberately slowing down the blockchain, but it's very hard to put a virus directly into the blockchain itself. However, viruses could still target individual users or computers connected to the blockchain.

user210822

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Could recent 'ordinals' congestion be considered as an attack to blockchain? If so, how easy is it to upload a virus into blockchain itself?

Upgrade00

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Professional Community manager

Bitcoin does not have a security flaw which makes it susceptible to risks and attacks. What can happen is you as a user can have breaches in your device which exposes your personal wallet to risks, this is not a breach on the Bitcoin Network.

Protect your device from external threats by;
• Not clicking on untrusted links,
• No downloading random, unverified apps,
• Only use non custodian, open source and reputable wallets,
• Do not give third party access to your wallets,
• Use an airpagged device or hardware wallet.

BitMaxz

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Merit: 2943

Block halving is coming.

There are lots of possible threats already mentioned above but you can avoid them and protect your wallet from any of these threats.
One possible solution is to protect your PC with Antivirus, Avoid accessing random sites that could lead to phishing attacks, also be careful installing random software into your PC.

The best way to protect the Bitcoin wallet is to install it into an offline device and never connect it to the internet or you can use tails OS because all possible threats are online so if you run your bitcoin wallet into a device that you never connect to the internet you are far safe from these attacks.

Hatchy

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The Alliance Of Bitcointalk Translators - ENG>PID

There are many types of computer security attacks that could harm your Bitcoin. That's why it's important to keep your Bitcoin in cold storage, offline, to protect it from these dangers. Using hardware wallets or airgapped devices is the best way to avoid these attacks. Some of the threats include phishing attacks, malware, Trojans, and damaged hardware. though alot of persons may not consider damaged hardware as an attack but yes it is. Some cryptocurrency wallets store private keys in wallet.dat files. If your device gets damaged or you lose access to it without having backed up the wallet.dat file, you could indeed lose access to your coins, which is also a computer security threat.

user210822

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Can you give me a few hints on what to look for on the topic?

Topic: How easy BTC could be susceptible to computer security threats? - page 2. (Read 473 times)