The defeats are a jolt to a full-strength Pakistan side in their preparations for the Twenty20 World Cup
Check Point Software Technologies, a leading provider of cyber security solutions globally, warns users of the persistent dangers of cryptocurrencies and provides recommendations to keep wallets safe. While the concept of Bitcoin and blockchain first came on the scene in 2008, things have progressed considerably since, including the introduction of Ethereum, Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs), the metaverse and the Internet of Value.
Despite these advancements, there are still huge risks to users. Indeed, just last year, crypto scammers stole a record $14 billion. So what are these risks? Why are crypto scammers so successful? And what can users do to keep themselves safe?
Rapid innovation leaves vulnerabilities
Cryptocurrency is growing fast – in just fifteen years, the crypto asset market has grown to over $2 trillion. While innovation is great, the pace of development often leaves potential holes for breaches. Over the past 12 months, Check Point Research (CPR) has found serious security gaps in leading Web3 platforms such as OpenSea, Rarible and Everscale.
More focus on tech, less focus on security
Rapid innovation means new projects are coming out each day. The problem with this, however, is that there is not enough focus on securing what is being built. And the bigger risk here is that new frontiers, like the Metaverse, will then be built on an insecure foundation. In fact, security and privacy issues are the main concerns holding back the development of the metaverse.
Not enough security experts
According to the 2021 (ISC) Cybersecurity Workforce Study, the world is already lacking 2.72 million cybersecurity professionals, let alone any that specialise in Web3. The same study states that the global cybersecurity workforce needs to grow by 65 per cent to effectively defend organizations’ critical assets. That percentage is likely to be a lot higher if we also consider cryptocurrencies and the Metaverse.
“Bitcoin Day is a good reminder for us to look back and review the technological milestones the blockchain has achieved. Today with the big tech companies investing in the Metaverse, the fine-tuning of blockchain technologies and active innovations are creating the new internet - the internet of value. We now stand at the dawn of a new era, the metaverse era, and it will be fascinating to see what is to come and how we will secure its future," said Oded Vanunu, head of products Vulnerability at Check Point Software.
“In the meantime, users should remain aware of crypto wallet risks and remain vigilant when it comes to suspicious activity that may lead to theft. Threat actors will continue to expand their efforts in order to hijack crypto wallets while exploiting system vulnerabilities as we’ve already seen in 2022.”
How to stay protected
Blockchain transactions are irreversible. In blockchain, unlike a bank, you cannot block a stolen card or dispute a transaction. If the keys for your wallet are stolen, your crypto funds can become easy prey for cybercriminals, and therefore safety should be the user’s concern at all times. To prevent theft of keys, and as general safety tips, CPR recommends:
1.Do not open suspicious links, especially from a source you do not recognize.
2.Keep your OS, anti-virus software and cyber security software updated at all times.
3.Do not download software and browser extensions from unverified sources.
4.Be wary whenever receiving requests to sign any link within any marketplace
5.Prior to approving a request, users should carefully review what is being requested, and consider whether the request seems abnormal or suspicious.
6.If there are any doubts, users are advised to reject the request and examine it further before providing any kind of authorisation.
7.Users are advised to review and revoke token approvals under this link: https://etherscan.io/tokenapprovalchecker. — business@khaleejtimes.com
The defeats are a jolt to a full-strength Pakistan side in their preparations for the Twenty20 World Cup
With his famous stepfather Tommy Fleetwood on his bag, Dubai’s Oscar Craig shoots a promising first round 69
Karn Sharma and Swapnil Singh bag four key wickets to secure a 35-run victory in Hyderabad
The patient had endured years of severe pain and debilitating health complications due to the tumour
The concert is set to take place on April 27
Move aims to amplify Zambia’s renewable energy capacity
More vertiports will be set up in strategic locations across Abu Dhabi, including major business hubs and tourism destinations
Kerala will decide the fate of 194 candidates as polling on all 20 parliamentary constituencies will be held in the second phase