Wallet Safety

Hardware vs. Software Wallets

The first decision: where do your keys live? Hardware wallets store your private key on a dedicated device that never exposes the key to your computer's operating system. Software wallets (browser extensions, mobile apps, desktop clients) are more convenient but keep keys in environments that are also running browsers, email clients, and other potentially vulnerable software.

For significant holdings, hardware wallets offer meaningfully better security. The key never leaves the device — when you sign a transaction, the device does the signing internally and only outputs the signed result. Even if your computer is compromised, the attacker can't extract the key from the hardware wallet.

For day-to-day small transactions and gameplay earnings, a well-maintained software wallet works fine. Just treat it like carrying cash in your pocket: keep amounts reasonable and move larger balances to cold storage regularly.

Phishing: The Primary Threat Vector

Most crypto theft isn't some sophisticated hack — it's phishing. Someone tricks you into entering your seed phrase on a fake site, approving a malicious transaction, or connecting your wallet to a drainer contract. The OWASP Authentication Cheat Sheet covers authentication security principles that apply directly to how you verify the sites and services you interact with.

Common phishing patterns in crypto:

• Fake support messages: Someone claims to be "support" and asks for your seed phrase. No legitimate service will ever ask for this.
• Clone websites: A site that looks identical to a real platform but uses a slightly different URL. Always verify the domain before connecting your wallet.
• Airdrop scams: "Free tokens" that require you to approve a contract interaction — which actually grants the scammer permission to drain your wallet.
• Urgent alerts: Messages claiming your account is compromised and you need to "verify" immediately. Urgency is a manipulation tactic.

Transaction Verification Checklist

Before signing any transaction, walk through this checklist. It takes 30 seconds and prevents the most common mistakes:

• Verify the recipient address matches exactly — check first 6 and last 6 characters minimum
• Confirm the token type and amount are correct (not a different token with a similar name)
• Check the network — sending ETH-based tokens to a Bitcoin address loses funds permanently
• Read the transaction details on your hardware wallet screen, not just your computer screen
• If the transaction includes contract interactions, verify the contract address against known sources
• Never sign a transaction you don't fully understand — "approve all" permissions are especially dangerous

Wallet Hygiene Practices

Security isn't just about the initial setup — it's ongoing maintenance. Treat your wallet like any other piece of critical infrastructure:

• Keep software updated: Wallet apps patch vulnerabilities regularly. Running outdated software is an unnecessary risk.
• Use separate wallets for different purposes: One for daily gaming/transactions, another for long-term storage. If the daily wallet gets compromised, your main holdings stay safe.
• Review token approvals periodically: Over time, you accumulate contract approvals. Revoke any you no longer need.
• Bookmark critical URLs: Never trust links from emails or messages. Use bookmarks for platforms you interact with regularly.
• Avoid public WiFi for transactions: If you must use public networks, use a VPN. Even then, prefer to wait for a trusted connection for significant transactions.

What to Do If Compromised

If you suspect your wallet has been compromised:

1. Transfer remaining funds to a known-safe wallet immediately — speed matters.
2. Revoke all outstanding token approvals for the compromised address.
3. Do not reuse the compromised seed phrase or private key for any new wallet.
4. Document what happened (timestamps, transaction hashes) for your own records.
5. If the compromise involved a platform, report it to their security team.

The key thing to accept: if someone has your private key, the funds at that address are at risk. There's no "changing your password" in crypto. The recovery phrase for your new wallet should be generated fresh and stored securely — see the Seed Phrase Backup guide for storage methods.

CryptoSoul-Specific Wallet Notes

When withdrawing SOUL tokens from the platform to an external wallet:

• Double-check the wallet address on the wallet management page before submitting.
• Start with a small test withdrawal if you haven't used the address before.
• The withdrawal walkthrough has screenshots for each step.