Do not use Windows to store your crypto.

[0t3p0t]

Ever since I am jumping into crypto I haven't had used windows that long as my laptop got flooded during supertyphoon and started that day I am using Android  phone alone and so far haven't had any issues aside from it being super handy and portable I personally can't complain. Anyways, thank you for bringing this here as other windows users might not know this thing it will probably help them being aware of that specific issue.

[Lucius]

Currently, I am using Windows OS for my laptop as it is for me the most handy and one that came with my laptop for free therefore I am more exposed to it and since I am technically-challenged guy it would be difficult for me to shift to other less popular OS as they can come with some learning curve necessary to utilize them properly. However, I am not using any wallet on my desktop because I prefer apps-based and browser-based ones. Now, with security in mind, am I safe or can there be things I need to do to make myself and my small digital assets be hidden from thieves online?

I think that crypto browser apps are an even bigger risk than desktop wallets because they are exposed to various attacks every time you are online and use a browser. Some data say that in the last 6 months, about $60 million was stolen from apps like this.

If your second choice is apps on your smartphone, then the safety of your coins depends on how you feel about downloading various apps and whether your phone receives regular security updates - one malicious app or some vulnerability in the OS can be fatal.

Maybe some tips from this article could help you raise your security to a higher level - but always be careful to install only legitimate apps, because scammers make very good copies and always try to expand them in all possible ways.

https://www.coingecko.com/learn/security-browser-extensions-crypto

[joniboini]

Ever since I am jumping into crypto I haven't had used windows that long as my laptop got flooded during supertyphoon and started that day I am using Android  phone alone and so far haven't had any issues aside from it being super handy and portable I personally can't complain.

Does this mean you no longer have other devices to manage your crypto? I'd suggest looking for backup devices or a cold wallet if possible just because an Android phone is not a reliable long-term choice either. Just like Windows, it has been subject to many malware/virus attacks due to its popularity, not to mention it can cause privacy issues depending on how you use your phone. I believe spending a little bit of money is worth it for long-term security purposes, especially if you save a lot of crypto. CMIIW.

[yhiaali3]

What you say is absolutely correct. Several months ago, my laptop with Windows 10 installed was infected with a virus through one of the cracks, and my Electreum wallet was hacked and the Bitcoin in it was stolen.

Although there is a Windows protection program, hackers are developing their methods to avoid the already weak protection in Windows, so yes, I agree with you, it is better to move to the Linux system because it is much better protected and it contains all the basic needs that any user needs.

[MrSpasybo]

What you say is absolutely correct. Several months ago, my laptop with Windows 10 installed was infected with a virus through one of the cracks, and my Electreum wallet was hacked and the Bitcoin in it was stolen.

Although there is a Windows protection program, hackers are developing their methods to avoid the already weak protection in Windows, so yes, I agree with you, it is better to move to the Linux system because it is much better protected and it contains all the basic needs that any user needs.

If investors use licensed Windows instead of cracked versions, everything will be more secure, and investors also need to avoid malicious websites. I am also a Windows user and was attacked in the bull run 2017, after which I switched to using Ubuntu to access my accounts on blockchains through wallet applications. Ubuntu's Terminal and sudo are really more secure than Windows for the purpose of protecting private keys.

One good thing is that Ubuntu is completely free, which means that users can easily install it to effectively manage their accounts instead of facing many risks through Windows 

[yhiaali3]

If investors use licensed Windows instead of cracked versions, everything will be more secure, and investors also need to avoid malicious websites. I am also a Windows user and was attacked in the bull run 2017, after which I switched to using Ubuntu to access my accounts on blockchains through wallet applications. Ubuntu's Terminal and sudo are really more secure than Windows for the purpose of protecting private keys.

One good thing is that Ubuntu is completely free, which means that users can easily install it to effectively manage their accounts instead of facing many risks through Windows 

Here lies my other problem. I live in a banned country where I cannot obtain the official licensed Windows system or even other licensed programs, so I use cracks to break the Windows system and the rest of the programs I need.

When I installed the crack, my device was infected with a virus and the wallet was hacked, so the best option is to move to Linux, where the system and programs are all open source and do not require licenses or cracks.

[ABCbits]

If investors use licensed Windows instead of cracked versions, everything will be more secure, and investors also need to avoid malicious websites. I am also a Windows user and was attacked in the bull run 2017, after which I switched to using Ubuntu to access my accounts on blockchains through wallet applications. Ubuntu's Terminal and sudo are really more secure than Windows for the purpose of protecting private keys.

One good thing is that Ubuntu is completely free, which means that users can easily install it to effectively manage their accounts instead of facing many risks through Windows 

Here lies my other problem. I live in a banned country where I cannot obtain the official licensed Windows system or even other licensed programs, so I use cracks to break the Windows system and the rest of the programs I need.

When I installed the crack, my device was infected with a virus and the wallet was hacked, so the best option is to move to Linux, where the system and programs are all open source and do not require licenses or cracks.

At least for Windows, you actually you can use it without cracking or paying for the license if you don't mind persistent watermark "Activate Windows". You just need to make sure to download the installer from Microsoft website.

[Lucius]

At least for Windows, you actually you can use it without cracking or paying for the license if you don't mind persistent watermark "Activate Windows". You just need to make sure to download the installer from Microsoft website.

Unfortunately, many do not know this - although it seems to me that the unpaid version still has some other not so important limitations. I think I even gave advice to @yhiaali3 to look for a license on BTT (Goods board) because there some people were selling them very cheaply and of course payment is always possible in BTC or some altcoins.

I used to use pirated versions of the OS and practically all programs, but that was back when I had dial-up internet and it took me 30+ minutes for a few MB of data - and we bought pirated programs on CD/DVD. When I just remember that I picked up that damned virus that connected me to some exotic island via a telephone connection and made me "happy" on the next bill

[Agbe]

Snip

This is a nice information but Windows OS is much more easier to use and install than others Operating Systems. In the year 2020s, there was a seminar I attended and according to the instructions from the instructor, all the participants must have a system, and normally I was not a participant, it was a cousin brother recommended me to a pastor, and he came and hired me to use my PC, and he gave me small amount of money to pay transport. And we went there. To attend the seminar we paid $50 and reaching the seminar hall, we were asked d to format or change our computer OS to Ubuntu, and that was the first time I heard about the OS. And they were the only people that had the software so foe them to do it for us, we are to pay $30 and we paid. And the installation of the Ubuntu os took 4 to 5 hours, and the system that the ram is small and slow, it took all day of 24hours. And the whole process was nonsense and finally the seminar was scattered. So now most of them to rechange the Ubuntu to Windows OS is a problem and from 2020 till now most of them are still battling to change the Ubuntu. Why I am bringing all these because the most popular Operating Systems is Windows.

But from what you are saying that is real truth because the number of viruses displaying in windows systems is alarming. If there is any other good and easy to use Operating Systems then it is better to use that. Here in Africa we use Windows 7, 8, 10, 12 and 13. And Windows XP.  And from the beginning of my cryptocurrency journey I have not used computer to store my coins but phone. Linux is not popular here in my location.

[yhiaali3]

At least for Windows, you actually you can use it without cracking or paying for the license if you don't mind persistent watermark "Activate Windows". You just need to make sure to download the installer from Microsoft website.

Unfortunately, many do not know this - although it seems to me that the unpaid version still has some other not so important limitations. I think I even gave advice to @yhiaali3 to look for a license on BTT (Goods board) because there some people were selling them very cheaply and of course payment is always possible in BTC or some altcoins.

I used to use pirated versions of the OS and practically all programs, but that was back when I had dial-up internet and it took me 30+ minutes for a few MB of data - and we bought pirated programs on CD/DVD. When I just remember that I picked up that damned virus that connected me to some exotic island via a telephone connection and made me "happy" on the next bill

Yes, I remember your advice, thank you.

But I would like to add here that for an unlicensed Windows system with a watermark, the problem is not only the presence of the watermark, but the main problem is that Windows updates have stopped, especially the Windows Defender update, which will make your device vulnerable to major security risks due to the update stopping.

Therefore, it is better to obtain a license or replace Windows with Linux.

[ABCbits]

Snip

This is a nice information but Windows OS is much more easier to use and install than others Operating Systems. In the year 2020s, there was a seminar I attended and according to the instructions from the instructor, all the participants must have a system, and normally I was not a participant, it was a cousin brother recommended me to a pastor, and he came and hired me to use my PC, and he gave me small amount of money to pay transport. And we went there. To attend the seminar we paid $50 and reaching the seminar hall, we were asked d to format or change our computer OS to Ubuntu, and that was the first time I heard about the OS. And they were the only people that had the software so foe them to do it for us, we are to pay $30 and we paid. And the installation of the Ubuntu os took 4 to 5 hours, and the system that the ram is small and slow, it took all day of 24hours. And the whole process was nonsense and finally the seminar was scattered. So now most of them to rechange the Ubuntu to Windows OS is a problem and from 2020 till now most of them are still battling to change the Ubuntu. Why I am bringing all these because the most popular Operating Systems is Windows.

But from what you are saying that is real truth because the number of viruses displaying in windows systems is alarming. If there is any other good and easy to use Operating Systems then it is better to use that. Here in Africa we use Windows 7, 8, 10, 12 and 13. And Windows XP.  And from the beginning of my cryptocurrency journey I have not used computer to store my coins but phone. Linux is not popular here in my location.

Sorry for that terrible experience, but it sounds like people behind that seminar is either aim to rip you off or cannot do their job properly. Ubuntu is free, so asking $30 just for installation sounds very expensive to me. And if your brother computer have small RAM, they should've install else which use less RAM.

--snip--
But I would like to add here that for an unlicensed Windows system with a watermark, the problem is not only the presence of the watermark, but the main problem is that Windows updates have stopped, especially the Windows Defender update, which will make your device vulnerable to major security risks due to the update stopping.

Therefore, it is better to obtain a license or replace Windows with Linux.

It's something i didn't know, although some discussion claim you still get critical update[1-2]. Although it's not mentioned whether all security update considered as critical or not.

[1] https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/using-an-unactivated-windows-10/d7420644-fb2d-4c19-8948-0c7199e90e35
[2] https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/will-a-unactivated-windows-10-get-a-windows-11/1daea2da-54b0-4223-861a-2094724d732c

[Agbe]

Sorry for that terrible experience, but it sounds like people behind that seminar is either aim to rip you off or cannot do their job properly

Yah that was we noticed after the seminar. Those people we full and well prepared to scam us and they succeed. And they are not doing it alone but they used Church leaders and Pastor to execute their plans. And people would thought that the program is genuine and making to attend and they really rip us all. And the people were more than 5k that attended seminar.

[Freemind]

If investors use licensed Windows instead of cracked versions, everything will be more secure, and investors also need to avoid malicious websites. I am also a Windows user and was attacked in the bull run 2017, after which I switched to using Ubuntu to access my accounts on blockchains through wallet applications. Ubuntu's Terminal and sudo are really more secure than Windows for the purpose of protecting private keys.

One good thing is that Ubuntu is completely free, which means that users can easily install it to effectively manage their accounts instead of facing many risks through Windows 

Cracked versions of Windows are not insecure just because they probably already have malware installed, they are also insecure because it is Windows, with its good things and its bad things. I use Debian (sometimes Kali) and BSD, and I like them better than Ubuntu in terms of security. Ubuntu, from my point of view, wants to be like Windows in terms of ease of use, and that means it has too many unnecessary additions. I have never had security problems with my cryptocurrencies, that's why I've always said that the learning curve (which is really small) is worth it.

If anyone wants to know more about Linux and Bitcoin, they can take a look at a distro called BitKey: BitKey - Secure Bitcoin Swiss Army Knife.

[yhiaali3]

It's something i didn't know, although some discussion claim you still get critical update[1-2]. Although it's not mentioned whether all security update considered as critical or not.

[1] https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/using-an-unactivated-windows-10/d7420644-fb2d-4c19-8948-0c7199e90e35
[2] https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/will-a-unactivated-windows-10-get-a-windows-11/1daea2da-54b0-4223-861a-2094724d732c

I am speaking from my experience. Updates will inevitably stop after a period of time. The period of time may vary depending on the country, but they will inevitably stop. This is what happened to me at least, as they give you a trial period to use all the features with the ability to update automatically, but after a period of time some important features will stop ( For example, you cannot customize the Windows theme, and automatic updates are also stopped, but you can still install updates manually.

As you know, there are security vulnerabilities that are discovered from time to time in Windows and are fixed through updates, so stopping the update may cause serious problems in the future.

[ABCbits]

If anyone wants to know more about Linux and Bitcoin, they can take a look at a distro called BitKey: BitKey - Secure Bitcoin Swiss Army Knife.

I remember i saw this distro long time ago, but it seems it haven't release new version on very long time. So IMO we shouldn't mention it to beginner.

--snip--

I am speaking from my experience. Updates will inevitably stop after a period of time. The period of time may vary depending on the country, but they will inevitably stop. This is what happened to me at least, as they give you a trial period to use all the features with the ability to update automatically, but after a period of time some important features will stop ( For example, you cannot customize the Windows theme, and automatic updates are also stopped, but you can still install updates manually.

As you know, there are security vulnerabilities that are discovered from time to time in Windows and are fixed through updates, so stopping the update may cause serious problems in the future.

I see. Maybe those answer are either outdated or only based on a bit of experience.