# Web3 Security & Scam Prevention Guide

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> 💡 Teaching yourself `Web3` isn't easy. As someone who recently got started with Web3, I've put together the simplest and most straightforward beginner's tutorial. By integrating quality open-source community resources, I hope to guide everyone from beginner to expert in Web3. Updated 1-3 lessons per week.
>
> Follow me on Twitter: [@bhbtc1337](https://twitter.com/bhbtc1337)
>
> Recommended exchange for buying BTC / ETH / USDT: [Binance](https://www.binance.com/en) [Registration Link](https://www.bsmkweb.cc/register?ref=39797374)

## 📖 Introduction

> "In the Web3 world, you are your own bank. And the bank's security is entirely your responsibility."

Welcome to the most important lesson in Web3 — Security! If you've completed the previous lessons, you've probably already:
- Created your own Web3 identity (wallet)
- Made your first Web3 transaction
- Experienced the power of DApps

But before diving deeper into the Web3 world, you **must** master basic security knowledge. In the traditional world, if your bank card is compromised, the bank might help you recover the losses. But in the Web3 world, **once your private key is leaked or assets are stolen, they're almost impossible to recover**.

🚨 **Important Reminder**: The Web3 world is full of opportunities but also fraught with danger. Every day, people lose assets due to a lack of security awareness. This may be the most important lesson in the entire series!

### 🎯 Learning Objectives

After completing this lesson, you will be able to:
- ✅ Identify common Web3 scams and fraud tactics
- ✅ Master wallet security best practices
- ✅ Use security tools to detect suspicious projects
- ✅ Build a comprehensive Web3 security framework

## 📚 Web3 Security Fundamentals

### 🔑 Understanding What Makes Web3 Security Unique

**Differences from traditional internet security**:
- **Irreversibility**: Once a transaction is confirmed, it cannot be reversed
- **Anonymity**: Hacker identities are difficult to trace
- **Self-sovereignty**: No central authority protects you
- **Transparency**: All transactions are visible on-chain

**Core Security Principles**:
```
🔐 Private key security = Asset security
🔍 Verify everything, trust no one
💰 Start small, gradually increase
🧠 Keep learning, stay vigilant
```

## 🚨 Identifying Common Web3 Scams

### 1. Phishing Website Attacks

**Scam characteristics**:
- Fake interfaces mimicking well-known DeFi protocols
- Domain names extremely similar to official websites
- Asks you to connect your wallet and grant approvals

**Prevention methods**:
```
✅ Always access DApps through official links
✅ Carefully check website domain names
✅ Verify the SSL certificate in the browser address bar
✅ Bookmark official websites
```

**Practical examples**:
```bash
# ❌ Dangerous: uniswqp.org (note the letter 'q')
# ✅ Correct: uniswap.org

# ❌ Dangerous: pancakeswep.finance
# ✅ Correct: pancakeswap.finance
```

### 2. Fake Token Investment Scams

**Scam characteristics**:
- Claims of "100x coin" or "the next SHIB"
- Celebrity endorsements (usually fake)
- Promises of high returns with limited-time opportunity

**Prevention methods**:
```
🔍 Check the token contract address
📊 Examine liquidity and token holder distribution
🕰️ Observe how long the project has existed
👥 Check community activity
```

### 3. Approval Phishing

**How it works**:
- Tricks users into approving smart contracts
- Gains permission to transfer tokens
- Quietly drains user assets

**Prevention methods**:
```
🚫 Don't approve all tokens in bulk
🔍 Carefully read every approval request
⏰ Regularly check and revoke unused approvals
🛡️ Use approval management tools
```

### 4. Fake Customer Support Scams

**Scam characteristics**:
- Impersonates official customer support and contacts you first
- Claims you need to "verify" or "upgrade" your wallet
- Asks for your seed phrase or private key

**Prevention methods**:
```
🚨 Official support will NEVER contact you first
🚨 Official support will NEVER ask for your private key
🚨 Official support will NEVER ask for your seed phrase
```

## 🛡️ Wallet Security Best Practices

### Tiered Wallet Management Strategy

**Recommended wallet setup**:

| Wallet Type | Purpose | Asset Size | Security Level |
|------------|---------|-----------|---------------|
| 🔥 Hot Wallet | Daily trading, DeFi | Small amounts | Basic security |
| ❄️ Warm Wallet | Medium-term holding | Moderate amounts | Medium security |
| 🧊 Cold Wallet | Long-term storage | Large amounts | Highest security |

### Private Key and Seed Phrase Security

**📝 Seed Phrase Management**:
```
✅ Write it down physically — no screenshots
✅ Store copies in separate locations
✅ Use a metal seed phrase plate
✅ Consider multi-signature schemes
```

**❌ Never Do These Things**:
```
🚫 Take a screenshot of your seed phrase
🚫 Send it via messaging apps
🚫 Store it in cloud storage
🚫 Tell anyone
```

### Transaction Security Checklist

**Check before every transaction**:
- [ ] Verify the recipient address is correct
- [ ] Confirm the transaction amount
- [ ] Check that gas fees are reasonable
- [ ] Verify the smart contract address
- [ ] Confirm the token contract is correct

## 🔍 Smart Contract Security Basics

### How to Identify Suspicious Contracts

**⚠️ Red flags**:
```
🚩 Contract is not open-source
🚩 Code has not been audited
🚩 Developed by an anonymous team
🚩 Abnormally high yield promises
🚩 Large amount of tokens concentrated in few addresses
```

**✅ Safe indicators**:
```
✅ Code is open-source and audited
✅ Developed by a reputable team
✅ Audited by multiple firms
✅ Active and transparent community
✅ Token holders are well-distributed
```

### Approval Management

**Check current approvals**:
- Visit [Revoke.cash](https://revoke.cash/)
- Connect your wallet to view all approvals
- Revoke any unnecessary approvals

**Approval best practices**:
```
💡 Only approve the exact amount needed — never approve the maximum
💡 Revoke approvals promptly after completing transactions
💡 Regularly check and clean up approvals
💡 Stay cautious with new projects
```

## 🛠️ Hands-On Exercise: Using Security Tools

### Tool 1: Check Token Safety

**Using Token Sniffer**:
1. Visit [tokensniffer.com](https://tokensniffer.com/)
2. Enter the token contract address
3. Review the security score and risk alerts

**Key checks**:
```
🔍 Honeypot detection
🔍 Liquidity lock status
🔍 Token holder distribution
🔍 Trading restriction checks
```

### Tool 2: Check Website Safety

**Using ScamSniffer**:
1. Install the ScamSniffer browser extension
2. The browser will automatically detect phishing websites
3. Leave immediately when you see a red warning

### Tool 3: Approval Management

**Using Revoke.cash**:
```bash
# Steps
1. Visit revoke.cash
2. Connect your wallet
3. View all token approvals
4. Click "Revoke" to remove unnecessary approvals
5. Confirm the transaction and pay the gas fee
```

### Tool 4: Transaction Simulation

**Using Tenderly**:
1. Visit [tenderly.co](https://tenderly.co/)
2. Enter transaction parameters
3. Simulate the transaction result
4. Execute the real transaction only after confirming everything looks correct

## 📚 Must-Read: The Blockchain Dark Forest Self-Guard Handbook

### 🌟 Essential Security Resource

Here, I must strongly recommend an authoritative resource in the Web3 security space:

**[Blockchain Dark Forest Self-Guard Handbook](https://github.com/slowmist/Blockchain-dark-forest-selfguard-handbook)**

This is a comprehensive security guide produced by **SlowMist**, a well-known blockchain security firm, and is hailed as the "Web3 Security Bible."

### 📖 Handbook Highlights

**Why we highly recommend it**:
- 🏆 **Authoritative**: SlowMist is a top-tier industry security firm that has served many notable projects
- 📚 **Comprehensive**: Covers every aspect of Web3 security, from basics to advanced topics
- 🔄 **Up-to-date**: Continuously updated with the latest security threats and prevention methods
- 🆓 **Free**: Completely open-source and free to access
- 🌍 **Community-driven**: Extensive community contributions and real-world case studies

**Major topics covered**:
```
🔐 Wallet Security
🌐 DeFi Security
💰 Transaction Security
📱 Mobile Security
💻 Desktop Security
🎮 NFT Security
🌉 Cross-Chain Security
... and much more
```

### 🎯 Study Recommendations

**How to use it alongside this tutorial**:
1. **Read this lesson first**: Get a foundational understanding of security
2. **Deep-dive into the handbook**: Comprehensively upgrade your security knowledge
3. **Practice**: Use security tools to conduct security checks
4. **Keep learning**: Follow handbook updates

```
💡 Tip: We recommend bookmarking the Blockchain Dark Forest Self-Guard Handbook
and regularly reading the latest chapters. It will become your most important
talisman in the Web3 world!
```

## 💡 Building Your Web3 Security Framework

### Establishing a Personal Security System

**🛡️ Three-Layer Defense System**:

**Layer 1: Foundational Protection**
```
✅ Tiered wallet management
✅ Physical storage of seed phrases
✅ Regular software updates
✅ Download from official channels only
```

**Layer 2: Behavioral Protection**
```
✅ Small-amount testing principle
✅ Verify all addresses
✅ Avoid trading on public WiFi
✅ Follow official project announcements
```

**Layer 3: Tool-Based Protection**
```
✅ Install security extensions
✅ Use security detection tools
✅ Regularly check approvals
✅ Enable transaction notifications
```

### Emergency Response Plan

**🚨 Steps when you detect anomalies**:

**Step 1: Stop the Bleeding**
```
1. Stop all trading operations
2. Disconnect from suspicious DApps
3. Revoke related approvals
4. Transfer remaining assets to a safe address
```

**Step 2: Analyze the Cause**
```
1. Review transaction records
2. Check approval history
3. Analyze the possible attack method
4. Preserve relevant evidence
```

**Step 3: Seek Help**
```
1. Contact the project's official team
2. Ask for help in security communities
3. Report to security firms
4. Beware of secondary scams
```

## 🚨 Latest Security Threat Alerts

### Recent High-Frequency Cases

**Case 1: Permit Phishing**
- **Attack method**: Uses Permit signatures to steal assets
- **Prevention**: Be cautious when signing any Permit messages

**Case 2: Fake Airdrop Phishing**
- **Attack method**: Sends fake tokens to lure you to phishing websites
- **Prevention**: Don't interact with unknown tokens

**Case 3: Customer Support Impersonation**
- **Attack method**: Impersonates official support to trick you into transferring funds
- **Prevention**: Official support will never contact you first

### Stay Updated on Security News

**Recommended follows**:
- SlowMist official Twitter
- Security bulletins from major security firms
- Web3 security communities and forums

## 🎯 Security Checklists

### 📋 Routine Security Check (Weekly)

- [ ] Check wallet balances for anomalies
- [ ] Look for unknown transaction records
- [ ] Check token approval status
- [ ] Update wallet and browser
- [ ] Back up important data

### 📋 Deep Security Check (Monthly)

- [ ] Comprehensive review of all approvals
- [ ] Verify seed phrase backup integrity
- [ ] Update security tools and extensions
- [ ] Study the latest security knowledge
- [ ] Test emergency recovery procedures

## 🤔 FAQ

### Q1: Should I keep all my assets in one wallet?
**A1**: Absolutely not! Use a tiered management approach:
- Hot wallet: Daily small-amount transactions
- Cold wallet: Large-amount long-term storage
- This way, even if the hot wallet is compromised, losses are limited

### Q2: How do I evaluate whether a new project is safe?
**A2**: Multi-dimensional assessment:
- Team background and transparency
- Whether code is open-source and audited
- Community activity and reputation
- Whether token distribution is reasonable
- Security tool detection results

### Q3: What if I lose my private key?
**A3**: If there's no backup, assets cannot be recovered. Preventive measures:
- Back up seed phrases in multiple locations
- Consider using multi-signature setups
- Regularly test recovery procedures

### Q4: What should I do if I approved a malicious contract?
**A4**: Take immediate action:
1. Use Revoke.cash to revoke the approval
2. Transfer assets to a new address
3. Analyze the attack cause
4. Report to the community

### Q5: How do I avoid MEV attacks?
**A5**: Prevention measures:
- Use private mempools
- Set reasonable slippage
- Avoid large transactions
- Execute trades in batches

## 🔗 Useful Security Resources

### 🛠️ Security Tool Collection

**Address / Contract Checking**:
- [Etherscan](https://etherscan.io/) - Ethereum block explorer
- [Token Sniffer](https://tokensniffer.com/) - Token safety detection
- [Honeypot.is](https://honeypot.is/) - Honeypot detection

**Approval Management**:
- [Revoke.cash](https://revoke.cash/) - Revoke token approvals
- [Approved.zone](https://approved.zone/) - Approval management

**Website Safety**:
- [ScamSniffer](https://scamsniffer.io/) - Phishing website detection
- [Web3 Antivirus](https://web3antivirus.io/) - Web3 security extension

**Transaction Simulation**:
- [Tenderly](https://tenderly.co/) - Transaction simulation
- [Phalcon](https://phalcon.blocksec.com/) - Transaction analysis

### 📚 In-Depth Learning Resources

**Must-read handbooks**:
- [Blockchain Dark Forest Self-Guard Handbook](https://github.com/slowmist/Blockchain-dark-forest-selfguard-handbook) - By SlowMist
- [DeFi Security Guide](https://github.com/OffcierCia/DeFi-Developer-Road-Map) - Developer roadmap

**Security communities**:
- SlowMist official social channels
- Blockchain Security Alliance
- Web3 Security Research Community

## 📝 Conclusion

Congratulations on completing the Web3 security lesson! This may be the most important lesson in the entire Web3QuickStart series.

### 🎊 You've Now Mastered

- ✅ Methods for identifying common Web3 scams
- ✅ Wallet security best practices
- ✅ Tips for using security tools
- ✅ A comprehensive security defense framework

### 🚀 Next Steps

1. **Practice**: Apply the security knowledge from this lesson to safely experience the content in Lessons 03, 04, and 05
2. **Deep dive**: Carefully read the Blockchain Dark Forest Self-Guard Handbook
3. **Stay updated**: Follow the latest security threats and prevention methods
4. **Share knowledge**: Exchange security tips with community members

### 🔮 Security Reminder

Remember, in the Web3 world:
- **You are your own bank**
- **Security always comes first**
- **Caution and learning are your best protection**

**May you enjoy the innovation of Web3 while keeping your assets safe on your journey!**

---

**📚 Key Reminders for This Lesson**:
- 🚨 We recommend adding the Blockchain Dark Forest Self-Guard Handbook to your reading list
- 🛡️ Security is an ongoing process that requires continuous learning and practice
- 🤝 When you encounter security issues, seek community help promptly

**📖 Recommended Learning Path**: After completing this security lesson, you can more safely proceed to Lesson 03 (DApp Experience) → Lesson 04 (Useful Websites) → Lesson 05 (Token Launch)

---

*"In Web3, security is not a feature, it's a mindset."*
