Now that we've seen a drastic rise in Steem prices, you need to ensure your account's security. The money in your account will only be yours if only you and only you are in control of your private keys.
Before I get into how to secure your account, I'm going to go through a quick rundown of your account's keys:
Owner Key - Your master password. This key allows you to withdraw/transfer funds, make posts, vote on posts, vote for witnesses, and change all your keys.
Active Key - Can perform all the functions of the owner key with the exception of changing your keys.
Posting Key - Lets you post, vote, comment, and follow other accounts. You should be logging in every day using your posting key!
Memo Key - Not important. You'll probably never use it.
How do I Secure My Account?
STEP 1 - Change your keys
STEP 2 - Backup your keys to multiple secure physical and digital places.
STEP 3 - Log in ONLY with your Posting Key unless you need to transfer funds. Log in with your Active key when you want to make a transfer.
STEP 4 - Be mindful of third parties claiming to keep your keys safe. They may not be safe and they could have malicious intentions.
STEP 5 - Repeat steps 1 and 2 frequently
IMPORTANT - There's a difference between your public keys and your private keys. When backing up your keys, be certain it is the private keys that you are backing up.
This important tips . And very much needed. Thank you @shenanigator
Yes, nice advice @shenanigator. I always use posting key when login into steemit at another pc or public network. :)
Glad to hear! I'd recommend logging in using your posting key even while on a private computer.
Good stuff. This is indeed an important topic. Especially with all of the cyber attacks we've been hearing about.
upvoted
@shayne
Good idea... :)
thank you
thank you!
Thanks for this post. Steem has really rose high and you are so right
Good posting!!!
very important subject but very incomplete guide. I hope someone come up with a more secure and step by step guide.
How do you use your owner key securely ? it's very hard.
If you do some searching, there are thorough posts on the subject. This was just meant as a quick guide/reminder for people to be proactive.
I'd recommend only using your owner key when you're changing your keys.
Important advice that I fear many are probably overlooking in the current "heat of the moment." Which is risky, as some people are starting to see their accounts being worth some serious ching...