Compromised Wallet

You can prepare before hand to make this whole process easier

PREPARE FOR THE POSSIBILITY OF A COMPROMISED WALLET

  • Setup a new wallet with all of the networks you use added to it

  • You would preferably set it up on a different device then the one you primarily you use in case the compromise is due to a hack and not a scam token or contract

What to do if your wallet was compromised

If you suspect your wallet has been compromised you have several options.

You can:

  • Move all your funds to a new wallet

    • Requires you to create a new wallet (or have a backup on standby) and have access to both at the same time.

  • Move all your funds to a CEX until you setup a new wallet

    • Requires trading any funds that are not currently supported by the Centralized Exchange(s) you have access too and transferring them. This takes more time then the first option.

  • Do nothing and kiss it all goodbye

    • This obviously is not recommended

The recommended method is to move the funds to a new wallet. This is because it is the quickest and easiest.

You can create a new wallet on the same device that you existing wallet is on, or you can create a new wallet on a different device.

If you are using a computer you will want to open a new instance of the browser you are using (chrome browsers you will want to open chrome as a different user.) This will allow you to add the MetaMask extension to your browser and create a new wallet while having the old wallet still accessible.

If you are using a mobile device you will need to get a different wallet app. So if you are using MetaMask you will want to get Trust Wallet, SafePal or another comparable mobile wallet.

Using a Computer

  1. Open your chrome based browser (or chrome browser itself)

  2. Leave the original instance of Chrome open

  3. Now install MetaMask extension for this new instance of the browser https://metamask.io

  4. Create a new wallet

    1. Write down the seed phrase. Do not take screen shots, pictures or email/text it to yourself to "save time"

    2. Do not worry about adding networks now. You can check the transactions via the block chain scan for whatever network you are sending tokens on.

  5. Now with both browsers open, copy the address to the new wallet you create and start transferring funds over.

    1. Be sure to double check the last four digits of the new wallet address you are sending tokens too

    2. To make this easier write down the last four for quick reference

  6. If you want you can add the networks you use to MetaMask before you start moving funds but for the sake of speed it is not necessary until after you are done.

Using a Mobile Phone

  1. Pick an alternative mobile wallet OR setup a new wallet on a computer

    1. If you chose to setup a wallet on a PC it will allow you to scan the QR code for the wallet to make transferring the funds easier

    2. If you chose to remain on mobile pick a wallet app other than the one you are currently using.

      1. MetaMask

      2. Trust Wallet

      3. SafePal

    3. Setup the new wallet, copy the address and begin sending funds

      1. Write down the seed phrase. Do not take screen shots, pictures or email/text it to yourself to "save time"

      2. You do not need to add the networks to the new wallet right away to receive funds on that network. This can be done afterwards.

      3. Be sure to double check the last four digits of the new wallet address you are sending tokens too

      4. To make this easier write down the last four for quick reference

Once the funds are moved you should be safe. However if you were not using a hardware wallet before this should be a wakeup call for you. Check out the Cold/Hardware Wallets section for more info.

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