Web3 User Asset Security Guide: How to Conduct Secure On-Chain Transactions

With the rapid development of decentralized networks, on-chain transactions have become a daily operation for Web3 users. More and more users are migrating their assets from centralized platforms to blockchain networks, which means that the responsibility for asset security is gradually shifting to the users themselves. In an on-chain environment, users must be responsible for every step of their operations, whether it is importing wallets, accessing DApps, or signing authorizations and initiating transactions. Any operational mistakes can lead to security risks, resulting in serious consequences such as private key leakage, authorization abuse, or phishing attacks.

Although mainstream wallets and browsers have gradually integrated features such as phishing detection and risk alerts, it is still difficult to completely avoid risks solely by relying on passive defenses with tools in the face of increasingly complex attack methods. To help users better identify potential risks in on-chain transactions, we have summarized high-frequency risk scenarios throughout the entire process based on practical experience, and combined protective suggestions and tool usage tips to formulate a systematic on-chain transaction security guide, aimed at helping every Web3 user build a "self-controllable" security defense.

Core principles of secure trading:

• Reject blind signing: Never sign transactions or messages that you do not understand.
• Repeated Verification: Before conducting any transaction, be sure to verify the accuracy of the relevant information multiple times.

1. Safe Trading Recommendations

Secure trading is key to protecting digital assets. Research shows that using secure wallets and two-factor authentication (2FA) can significantly reduce risks. Here are specific recommendations:

1. Use a secure wallet: Choose a reputable hardware wallet or software wallet. Hardware wallets provide offline storage, which can reduce the risk of online attacks, making them suitable for storing large amounts of assets.

2. Double-check the transaction details: Before confirming the transaction, be sure to verify the receiving address, amount, and network to avoid losses due to input errors.

3. Enable two-step verification (2FA): If the trading platform or wallet supports 2FA, be sure to enable it to enhance account security, especially when using hot wallets.

4. Avoid using public Wi-Fi: Do not conduct transactions on public Wi-Fi networks to prevent phishing attacks and man-in-the-middle attacks.

2. How to Conduct Secure Transactions

A complete DApp transaction process consists of multiple stages: wallet installation, accessing the DApp, connecting the wallet, message signing, transaction signing, and post-transaction processing. Each stage carries certain security risks, and the following will sequentially introduce the precautions to take during actual operations.

1. Wallet Installation

• Download the wallet plugin from the official app store to avoid using third-party websites.
• When backing up the seed phrase, store it in a secure offline location.
• Consider using hardware wallets in combination to enhance the security of private key storage.

2. Access DApp

• Avoid accessing DApps directly through search engines.
• Do not click on unknown links in social media.
• Verify the accuracy of the DApp website through multiple parties.
• Add secure websites to your browser favorites
• Check if the domain name and URL are HTTPS links

3. Connect Wallet

• Pay attention to the risk warnings of the wallet plugin.
• Be cautious of abnormal situations with frequent pop-up signature requests

4. Message Signature

• Carefully review all signature content and avoid blind signing.
• Understand the common signature types ( eth_sign, personal_sign, eth_signTypedData, etc. ) and their purposes.

5. Transaction Signature

• Check if the receiving address, amount, and network are correct.
• For large transactions, consider using offline signing.
• Pay attention to whether the gas fees are reasonable
• Technical users can further review interaction contracts through the blockchain explorer.

6. Post-transaction processing

• Check the transaction on-chain status in a timely manner
• Regularly manage ERC20 Approval authorization
• Use the principle of least privilege
• Revoke unnecessary token authorizations in a timely manner.

3. Fund Isolation Strategy

• Use multi-signature wallets or cold wallets to store large amounts of assets
• Use a plugin wallet as a hot wallet for daily interactions
• Regularly change hot wallet addresses

If you unfortunately encounter a phishing attack, it is recommended to take the following measures:

• Use authorization management tools to revoke high-risk authorizations
• For permit signatures, a new signature can be initiated to invalidate the old signature.
• Quickly transfer remaining assets to a new address or cold wallet

Four, Secure Participation in Airdrop Activities

• Research the project background and confirm its legality.
• Use a dedicated address to participate, isolating the main account risk.
• Obtain airdrop information only through official channels.

5. Selection and Use of Plugin Tools

• Use a well-known browser extension
• Check user ratings and installation numbers before installation
• Update the plugin promptly to obtain the latest security features.

6. Conclusion

By following the above security trading guidelines, users can interact more confidently within the complex blockchain ecosystem, effectively enhancing asset security. Although blockchain technology has decentralization and transparency as its core advantages, it also means that users must independently face multiple risks.

To achieve true asset security on-chain, it is far from enough to rely solely on tool reminders; establishing a systematic awareness of security and operational habits is crucial. By using hardware wallets, implementing asset isolation strategies, regularly checking authorizations and updating plugins, and adhering to the principles of "multi-verification, refusal of blind signing, and asset isolation" in transaction operations, one can truly achieve "free and secure on-chain".