apps for bitcoin security?

Quote from: rockem5 on July 27, 2023, 02:59:10 AM

can anyone suggest apps to install to have better security? all i know is antivirus and browser adblock.

If you're using Windows, which is quite likely, Windows Defender and AdBlock should be sufficient for most of your regular online activities. However, if you're not security-conscious and engage in risky behaviors like clicking on random links or opening attachments from unverified sources, no security tool can offer 100% protection.

My personal approach is all about prevention rather than fighting threats. I recommend isolating essential tasks on your computer from everyday use. Virtual systems can be helpful if you don't have multiple physical machines. Additionally, keep your main wallet offline, so it's not exposed to online threats. Taking these steps can help minimize potential threats and keep your funds safe.

Quote from: mk4 on July 27, 2023, 04:24:27 AM

If looking for a easy-to-install normie app, uBlock origin for safer web browsing. It removes those pesky potentially-scam ads on Google.

Also, knowledge is still the best "app": https://chainsec.io/

Exactly. For me installing apps are not necessary anymore as long as you’re knowledgeable enough not to put your bitcoin at any centralized exchange at an indefinite time. Have your own non-custodial wallet and let your bitcoin sleep there for long. And be responsible enough not to disclose any of your seed phrase because once you lost it, your bitcoin will be put at high risk.

All you need is a wallet; if it's not a hardware wallet, let it be, Electrum. Download it only from the official site, add to favorites, https://electrum.org, and after downloading, check the GPG signature anyway. Next, you need to store your seed phrase in a safe place, write it down, and save it there so that no one can get to it. In no case, do not trust storage either on a computer or on a phone, as well as in archives and cloud storage.
In addition, learn how to use Linux systems; do not trust the Windows systems, so that they do not talk about their reliability. Having understood the advantages of using Linux, you will immediately understand all the inconveniences of Windows.
Don't trust the Chrome browser. Download Firefox for yourself, and don't make a Christmas tree out of your browser by installing a bunch of extensions. uBlock Origin will save you from unnecessary ads.
Do not trust short links; do not open links in your mail from unverified people; and always check if you insert the wallet address correctly when making transactions.
In fact, all the advice that was given by users boils down to one thing: the best application for saving your money is in your hands. And it's called "Attention". If your computer is related to finances, forget about games and entertainment on it or social networks that promise a lot of temptations. Split your hard drive in two, if necessary, and set the system purely for finance.

Quote from: rockem5 on July 27, 2023, 02:59:10 AM

can anyone suggest apps to install to have better security? all i know is antivirus and browser adblock.

Maybe some will say that any AV is better than none, but from my personal experience this is simply not true, because some such programs are not only useless, but also spy on you and sell your data to whoever pays more. Therefore, take into account that a good AV+firewall has its price, but that price is small if you consider the possible damage that such software can protect you from. Malwarebytes Premium with several proactive protections is certainly a good security supplement.

Additionally, if you want more privacy and security, it is recommended that you read the following article -> Link

If you are only talking about app anti-virus and adblock is the right choice, upgrade to a more premium anti-virus if you got some money. If your bitcoin wallet has 2FA support use it. Other than that, all you can do is basic thing such as not installing suspicious 3rd party app moreover if you are download it from appstore/playstore. If you want to get the ultimate security the best thing to do is actually buying a hardware wallet.

I believe the internal security in your phone or gadget is enough to protect whatever hot wallet you've got.. but, it's even more riskier to HODL and store BTC with online wallets...
Cold storage would do a good job as very many security measures might only end you up in downloading and installing a wrong app with a malicious data analysis... One more step to make things more secure and your coins are gone for life!! Be careful. I don't believe the apple store actually gives entire restrictions per review on every malicious app - especially for the unknown ones.

Sandra 🧑‍🦰

Quote from: rockem5 on July 27, 2023, 02:59:10 AM

can anyone suggest apps to install to have better security? all i know is antivirus and browser adblock.

If you are using smartphone than I would try to use minimal amount of apps possible, and try to get phone that supports installing open source operating system like GrapheneOS or something similar.
For computers I would switch to LinuxOS that has much lower risk of getting malware infections, and you won't have to install any antivirus software.
Using secondary aigrapped devices is also good for improved security and this can be hardware wallets, diy devices, laptops or old smartphones.

There is no app that guarantees security, not even the antivirus (btw Windows' built-in antivirus is as good as any third-party one). I can suggest installing a noscript add-on for browser to disable Javascript by default and then turn it back on only for the sites you trust. This can help mitigate certain attacks, but only if you don't turn it on manually, which you will do a lot, because modern Internet doesn't work without JS.

OP, do you keep your Bitcoins on your mobile phone? or wallet application on your phone? know it is very risky.
maybe you are better off buying a hardware wallet to store your Bitcoins.
actually, you don't need additional applications to protect your browser as long as you don't connect your wallet to an obscure website. Bookmark the websites that you use frequently. sometimes people can be careless when clicking on advertising links in search engines. be wise in using and connecting your device. many cases of wallet hacking are not due to a bad wallet security system. but the user's error is careless.

Quote from: rockem5 on July 27, 2023, 02:59:10 AM

can anyone suggest apps to install to have better security? all i know is antivirus and browser adblock.

I don't know about others but what I believe is that an antivirus makes our system slower because it keeps scanning for viruses frequently.
Also, downloading antivirus from unofficial sources would likely get you more viruses in your system.
If you still want to install an antivirus I would recommend you Malwarebytes because it is light and efficient and gets the job done.
Adblock and ublock are to block ads on a page. I have installed ublock and ghostery and use Duckduckgo to improve privacy and stay on safer side.

Quote from: NotATether on July 27, 2023, 11:48:40 AM

All you need is an ad-blocker and a pair of good eyes, in order to filter out all the bad results and malware from Google Search advertisements, because that's a common way for a person to lose their funds.

Sometimes I wonder why people need to visit random websites where they might see some ads and get attracted to them. Most of the ads are fake on the internet. I don't dare to try any new service until I see reliable feedback from many people. I assume OP is talking about his smartphone, where he might install some random apps that may steal data from the device.

In this case, an ad-blocker won't help him. He should ensure he is not installing any unnamed apps that may steal data from his devices. Even verified apps on Play Store/App Store can steal data from the device. A person should be careful when he permits some apps. If I install a Camera app, it may ask for storage and mic permission, but if it asks for location and contact list permission or something else, that's weird. If someone is good enough with how to operate his device and cares about security, they are good to go.

Don't use your daily internet shit devices, especially not your mobile phone, for cryptocoin stuff unless your wallets there only hold small amounts like what you would cary around on normal days in your fiat wallet. Use a dedicated computer preferably with Linux or maybe MacOS for your hot software wallet. I strongly encourage you to use a decent hardware wallet as those protect your wallet's private keys far better than any hot software wallet ever could (it can't!). A well executed and implemented cold wallet offers same security as a hardware wallet but a hardware wallet is usually much more convenient to use.

And by hardware wallet I don't talk about the Ledger crap. There are better alternatives on the market, except if you're a shitcoiner.

Quote from: freedomgo on July 27, 2023, 09:27:04 PM

If you're going to 'let your Bitcoins sleep in your wallet', then you better ensure that the wallet is an offline/cold wallet, it is great if you don't use an exchange wallet, but instead you use a non-custodial wallet, but if the wallet is online it can be hacked, that is why the wallet should be offline in a hardware wallet.

Quote from: Learn Bitcoin on July 29, 2023, 01:32:56 PM

Sometimes I wonder why people need to visit random websites where they might see some ads and get attracted to them.

Because it is inevitable for people to surf the internet, but it is also imperative that they surf the internet on a different device from the one they use for crypto activities.