General Security Practices
Security is critical when managing cryptocurrency. These are basic guidelines to help keep your MINA safe — always do your own research and stay informed about the latest security best practices.
Never Share Your Seed Phrase, Private Keys, or Passwords
Your seed phrase (12-24 words), private keys and wallet passwords are the master key to your wallet. Never share it with anyone for any reason. It should be:
- Written down on paper (not stored digitally)
- Kept in a secure location (safe, lockbox, etc.)
- Never typed on websites or shared in messages
- Never photographed or screenshotted
Avoid Common Scams
The crypto space has many types of scams. Here are the most common scams:
- Discord or Telegram impersonators: Scammers copy team names and photos to appear legitimate. Please note that no one from Mina will DM you first. Always check for verified badges, and when in doubt, confirm in public channels.
- Impersonator Websites: Scammers create convincing fake sites to steal your info. Always double-check URLs and bookmark official ones.
- Malicious links or software: Clicking unknown links or installing unverified software can compromise your wallet or device. Only download from official Mina sources and avoid connecting your wallet to unfamiliar sites.
Join the #scam-alerts channel on Mina Discord to see real-time alerts about active scams targeting the Mina community.
Follow General Security Best Practices
- Use hardware wallets for large amounts (Ledger)
- Enable 2FA on exchange accounts
- Keep software updated - wallet apps, browsers, operating systems
- Use strong, unique passwords for each service
- Be skeptical of urgent requests or pressure to act quickly
- Verify everything - double-check addresses before sending transactions
- Start small - test with small amounts when trying new services
Remember: Crypto transactions are irreversible. Once you send MINA, you can't get it back. Always take your time and verify everything.