In Web3, your wallet is your identity, your vault, and your lifeline. But with that power comes serious responsibility — and real risks if you’re not careful.
This guide walks through simple habits and threat awareness tips that will help you protect your assets today and well into the future.
🧠 1. Seed Phrase — Guard It Like Gold
Your recovery phrase (aka seed phrase) is the ultimate key to your wallet. If someone else gets it, your funds are permanently at risk — no exceptions, no take-backs.
How it gets stolen:
Fake wallet apps or phishing pop-ups
Impersonators pretending to be support agents
Cloud backups (like iCloud or Google Drive) auto-saving screenshots or text files
Protect it like this:
Write it down and store it securely, offline
Use something like a fireproof safe for a secure, offline location
Never share your phrase — not with friends, and definitely not with “support”
⚠️ Reminder: Relay support will never ask for your seed phrase.
🧹 2. Risky Extensions — Even Non-Web3 Ones Can Hurt
Browser extensions — even ones that seem totally unrelated to crypto — can interfere with your wallet, inject malicious scripts, or quietly steal data.
What to watch out for:
Fake MetaMask or Rabby clones from search ads
Productivity tools or shopping plugins with full-page access
Extensions asking for “read and change all data on every website”
Best practices:
Use a clean browser profile just for Web3
Only install extensions from official sources
Avoid non-essential tools — especially unrelated ones
Audit your installed extensions monthly
Regularly revoke token approvals at Revoke.cash
💾 3. No Hardware Wallet? You’re at Risk
A hardware wallet (like Ledger or Trezor) stores your private keys completely offline, making them immune to browser attacks, malware, or compromised devices.
Think of it like this:
🔐 Hardware wallet = savings account (for funds you can’t afford to lose)
💸 Software wallet = checking account (for NFTs, swaps, and day-to-day activity)
Why it’s essential:
Transactions must be physically approved on the device
Private keys are never exposed to the internet
Even if your computer is compromised, your assets remain protected
Best practices:
Buy only from the official manufacturer’s website
Use a strong PIN and optional passphrase for extra protection
Always double-check recipient addresses before confirming
Keep the firmware updated regularly
Using this “spend vs. save” setup gives you both convenience and security — without compromising either.
🔗 4. Limit dApp Access and Token Approvals
When you connect your wallet to a dApp or approve a token transaction, you’re granting that contract permission to move funds on your behalf — sometimes indefinitely.
Why this matters:
Many exploits happen through overly broad or lingering approvals
Even legit dApps can get compromised
You might forget which dApps have access
What to do:
Revoke token approvals regularly via Revoke.cash
Avoid “infinite approvals” unless you know the contract is safe and trusted
Disconnect from dApps you no longer use
In MetaMask: Settings → Connected Sites
Be skeptical of popups requesting multiple token permissions in one go
✅ Bonus tip: Revoke stablecoin and blue-chip token approvals first — those are the most valuable targets.
📆 5. Do a Monthly Security Check-In
Even if you’re not trading regularly, your wallet’s connections and permissions don’t disappear. Set a monthly reminder to do a quick security sweep.
Checklist:
✅ Revoke old token approvals
✅ Disconnect from unused dApps
✅ Remove non-essential extensions
✅ Test and back up your recovery phrase
✅ Confirm hardware wallet firmware is up to date
✅ Keep your cold and hot wallets clearly separated
🧾 Final Summary: Your Wallet Hygiene Toolkit
Here’s everything in one quick list — emojis now aligned with section headers:
🧠 Seed phrase stored offline and tested
🧹 Browser clean and extensions audited
🔐 Hardware and 💸 software wallet used separately
🔗 Token approvals reviewed and revoked regularly
📆 Monthly security check-in completed
👋 Final Word
Staying safe in Web3 isn’t about luck — it’s about habits.
Start with small steps. Build these routines into your monthly flow. You’ll be more secure than 99% of onchain users — and that peace of mind is priceless.
Need help reviewing your setup?
We’re happy to assist → support.relay.link