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Step 1: Go to google
Step 2: Search "steemit get keys"
Step 3: Find many posts on the subject, like this one:

https://steemit.com/steem/@mooncryption/steem-keys-and-passwords-full-guide

thank you but I feel like I need to read into this more.. like look the article you linked mentioned never to use your active, owner or master key but look at what steemconnect wants

I will help you @ssjsasha

You need to download CLI Steem wallet (complicated) or Vessel (easier). They will give you access to the STEEM blockchain to access your wallet without a front end like Steemit or Busy.

Paper wallet is simply printing your master key and active key to paper. You can actually print a 2D barcode to paper via Steemit wallet in the permissions tab within your wallet. Click the mini version of the 2D bar code and it will open a large image. Then screenshot that bar code and print to paper.

If you haven't written down your master key or printed it, Do i now. That will provide you the ability to recover your account if your other keys are compromised. Absolutely keep the master key off line and never use it unless you account is compromised. I advise to keep a copy your master key in a safe deposit box to protect it from fire or disaster.

Another way to help secure your funds is to create other accounts to store your STEEM in the form of SP and then delegate the SP to your main account. This adds layers of protection. First of all, STEEM is stored in SP which takes 13 weeks to Power Down. The other layer of protection is that the funds must be undelegated which takes 5 days. Since you only need to set this up once, account keys are only used once which adds further security as the key where the funds are stored are not being used.

can I trust steem connect? look what they are asking for..

also, where do I go to find the master key? what is the safest way of getting it?

Oh boy... You need to contact me in Steem.chat to get your account on track.

I will hold you to that next week when I am on holiday