Buying Used Computer Equipment For CryptoCurrency Unsafe?

[nydiacaskey01]

I don't see any harm if I buy a used computer equipment that will be used specifically for Crypto Currency, however, just to be safe, I would buy a brand new hard drive and upgrade the memory the rest will be the same. I am not comfortable using or re-using someone else hard drive, even if they say everything has been deleted, we don't know if there's something hidden there. I would check the software installed, un-isntall and re-install.

[Evgenklm]

after reading, my circle of understanding of cryptocurrency security has become very unreliable, of course in the mouse and keyboard, I do not think that there will be a virus, but in the router and supported laptop, I thought about it and take note.

[bloodyvio]

it's better to buy a new notebook
and use the notebook only for crypto
no need to install any software except antivirus
don't even use the notebook for social media

[waynechong1995]

It should be pretty safe if you do full install of windows on verified windows package from Microsoft, there's no malicious software available if you wipe out the HDD before hand.  The rest should be pretty safe once you got your web presence clean and safe, means only trustworthy websites. Network sniffing is definitely possible but the effort doing so weight too much for a widespread of people, unless your crypto footprint is targetable in the first place.

[shoreno]

it's better to buy a new notebook
and use the notebook only for crypto

its a nice suggestion to avoid any hassel of reformating and possible infection of malware and viruses that might potentially stole your crypto and besides new lappy or pc is now affordable these days . the advantage of buying brand new from used is that you can get a longer waranty time and you can assure that the product will work to perfection like tou expected .

no need to install any software except antivirus
don't even use the notebook for social media

New lappy and pc's do already come with built in antiviruses so theres no need to install a new one but why restrict yourself from using it on other use or on other sites ?  You already have an antivirus , so no need to worry  .

[jerry0]

Im curious about a few other products.



1.  Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS)


2.  Powerbank ... imagine the ones where you buy where you can charge your laptop or tablet or phone. 




Can these contain malware or not?  For example whether its a used one or say a 3rd party sells it and they put it in? 

[jerry0]

Anyone?

[Bitcoinqubit]

I know many people store their crypto in their hardware wallets.  Some store it on their computers.  Some have a computer solely for crypto to be safe.



First off, is buying anything that used for the computer unsafe if you plan to store crypto in it?  Example buying a used laptop but then doing a complete factory reset and wiping everything?  Or could a hacker still put a virus/keylog in it?



Now what about other things?  Like imagine buying a used wireless mouse or keyboard.  What about a wired mouse or keyboard?  Or maybe even a used modem or wireless router?  Is it possibly to get a virus/hack keylogged if buying anything like this used?  I thought modem/router possible because well its connecting to the internet?  Obviously something like a used monitor cannot cause anything like this right?  What about a used usb cable connecting your modem to your computer?  A used flash drive definitely for sure?  But you should never have an issue if its a new one right?



With a wired mouse or keyboard, could someone just install something inside it or something and you get keylogged etc?  What if say you left your keyboard with someone and say that person is a hacker and then install something into it.  Then when you plug it into your computer, could you get hacked?



What about a modem or router?  Could someone install something inside it where when you connect to the internet, they see everything you type etc?  Like i know hackers put out fake wifi so if say a starbucks or hotel is there, you connect to it thinking its that wifi but its actually a hacker putting the name to trick you etc.  Then you connect to it and they see all your credit card info.



Obviously you should buy things new.  But if its a modem or router or computer, if you do a factory reset, does that 100 percent wipe everything clean?  I heard of cases where people would install trojans in other people laptops without them knowing.  The person then later access their laptop or notice things got hack etc.


Thoughts on all this?  Now let just say its not for crypto but just regular email and banking and everything else.  Is buying any of these things used foolish?  Or imagine just borrowing a wireless mouse or modem from someone such as a friend or acquaintance... but their intention was they know you had crypto and put a virus on the modem or mouse.  Thoughts on this?



So could you get hacked/keylogged on


1.  Wireless Mouse or Keyboard
2.  Wired Mouse or Keyboard
3.  Modem or Router
4.  Monitor
5.  USB Flash Drive
6.  Ram




From this list, i know USB Flash Drive is 100 percent because you can store files there.  Thus if a hacker has your laptop, they could just plug the flash drive in and put a virus/keylog and then leave your computer as is and then you access it and you have no clue right?


I assume the only one in this list which is impossible would be a monitor right?


But what about a used modem or router or mouse or keyboard?  I assume wireless increases chances a lot than wired right?

bullshit know to lock your computer in the right way and no body can get to what you hide,

[Reatim]

Thanks for he tip mate ,great that I come to cross this board and saw this post since I am planning to purchase a second hand Laptop because my old one is acting weird these days

But having this thread I think I will just loan to purchase new one than used,it’s better safe than never because I always install all my details in my lappy even passwords and private keys

[Bitcoinqubit]

Thanks for he tip mate ,great that I come to cross this board and saw this post since I am planning to purchase a second hand Laptop because my old one is acting weird these days

But having this thread I think I will just loan to purchase new one than used,it’s better safe than never because I always install all my details in my lappy even passwords and private keys

it always great to buy new laptop rather then used for sure mate

but if we talk about security it dosent matter...

we need to create here main post which explain how to secure pc to top level

[Reatim]

Thanks for he tip mate ,great that I come to cross this board and saw this post since I am planning to purchase a second hand Laptop because my old one is acting weird these days

But having this thread I think I will just loan to purchase new one than used,it’s better safe than never because I always install all my details in my lappy even passwords and private keys

it always great to buy new laptop rather then used for sure mate

but if we talk about security it dosent matter...

we need to create here main post which explain how to secure pc to top level

Yeah I understand mate but atleast we know how expensive new laptop that’s why some are considering buying second hand specially if you are not capable of having new

And even there are security advices here still the risk of being planted is there so the better way to prevent being a victim is to have new.and thanks for that buddy yes I will be having new and may cost some of my altcoins or need to have a loan lol 😂

[poodle63]

Thanks for he tip mate ,great that I come to cross this board and saw this post since I am planning to purchase a second hand Laptop because my old one is acting weird these days

But having this thread I think I will just loan to purchase new one than used,it’s better safe than never because I always install all my details in my lappy even passwords and private keys

it always great to buy new laptop rather then used for sure mate

but if we talk about security it dosent matter...

we need to create here main post which explain how to secure pc to top level

Yeah I understand mate but atleast we know how expensive new laptop that’s why some are considering buying second hand specially if you are not capable of having new

And even there are security advices here still the risk of being planted is there so the better way to prevent being a victim is to have new.and thanks for that buddy yes I will be having new and may cost some of my altcoins or need to have a loan lol 😂

You just have the wrong choice, raspberry pi is capable enough to store most of your crypto but it is still vulnerable to damage, making a cold storage out of flash drive also a good idea and there is also intel nuc. installing crypto wallet or such to a computer doesn't require that much energy so most of the computers will do even the lower end.

[Nolimitz84]

Going for new equipment is much more better than buying used ones especially when using these equipment for cryptocurrency. Buying used computers, routers, keyboard, mouse for cryptocurrency is not a good idea! To be on a safer side, buying new equipment is very important.

I can buy any supported item,but only if it does not belong to the category of computer equipment.When it comes to tools that have some value for You it is better not to buy supported computer equipment.Crypto wallets can suffer if they are used on supported hardware.Given that cryptocurrency is gaining trend,many hackers will use different ways to steal Your passwords.

[Jeremycoin]

I think op is being a little too paranoid here. I don't think there's a danger in buying used computer equipment considering as long as you know to do all the precautions there is to avoid any unwanted event. However, if we're talking about selling them (used computer equipment), it's gonna be the other way around. For selling your used computer might leave some of your data to be harvested, which some of them might be your crypto wallets. Nevertheless, it is still will not happen if you do all the precaution to erase your data before selling them.

[Lauren Smith]

I buy many used things within reason. If they are looked after I would. I will buy the second hardware no problem at all. Cheaper and does the same thing. You will have much moeny left over since you can get it less then 50%
 I buy from rich people who upgrade 

I won't buy a harddrive though unless its an ssd since a nomal hdd can be worn out. I think saving a few bucks buying second-hand crypto wallet software is not worth it. Not worth the risk for so small reward.

[bitcoin-shark]

i think one can be fairly calm with a used computer just make a factory reset and reset the hard disk, use keyboard and mouse without flash memory, and a couple of good antivirus and it's done...

[jerry0]

What about poker bank for laptop?  What about power bank for your phone?

[Caladonian]

I think op is being a little too paranoid here. I don't think there's a danger in buying used computer equipment considering as long as you know to do all the precautions there is to avoid any unwanted event. However, if we're talking about selling them (used computer equipment), it's gonna be the other way around. For selling your used computer might leave some of your data to be harvested, which some of them might be your crypto wallets. Nevertheless, it is still will not happen if you do all the precaution to erase your data before selling them.

That's the very reason why we needed to replace the hard drive when we will going to buy or sell our used computers, hard drive stored your data
so this equipment always play the role so in any events replacing it will not do any damage, wise buyers and sellers will not allow this data to be recovered
so they will pay attentions and replaced this one to a new one before or after the deal has been made.

[jerry0]

Unfortunately there's no fairly used Computer Equipment that's safe for cryptocurrency, or safe for any type of document generally. Many used Computer equipment are purposely hacked before there are sell out, this was my experience when i worked with Computer dealers years back, they do the hack, sell to their friends and then exploit their systems for selfish interest. Just to gain access to their privacy.

Advise: Buy fairly used Computer equipment, format the system by self or another dealer and then do the installation by self.

Are you serious?  When you say these people do this, what exactly are they hacking?  Like bank accounts and debit/credit cards?  Or just bring noisy?  Because if they hack back account, the owner can contact bank and get it back.

[UsernameBitcoin]

What you pie isn't what's unsafe, it's who you buy from. Who is the vendor, and do you trust them? If you can't trust the person who you are buying from, for some reason, then you should consider doing more research before buying.