How do I keep my NFTs safe?

10 Top Tips to Keep Your NFTs Safe

Never share your private keys or secret recovery phrase

If you’ve been in the crypto space for a while, you probably know this already, but it’s always worth reminding yourself and others of this important point. The private key and/or secret phrase for your wallet(s) are private to you and you should never share these. Sparkles is not a wallet provider and does not have access to your private keys or secret phrase and will never ask you to provide these.

Ensure your wallet application or extension is official

When using any wallet, be it the Bifrost Wallet app, MetaMask extension, or anything else, always ensure you get your link from an official source, such as the provider’s website or support channels. When downloading anything, check and double check the reviews and developer to ensure it is the correct one. If in any doubt, reach out to the wallet provider’s official support team.

Only use official support channels

The best and safest way to navigate is by always getting help from official support channels and remaining cautious when receiving answers from broader community. Generally, members of the community are very helpful to one another however, for customer support, always use the official support tickets in our Discord or email addresses provided by Sparkles.

There is also lots of help and support to frequently asked questions in Sparkles’ FAQs.

Limit smart contract approvals

When using any site, you should carefully review what it is that you are approving for your wallet prior to making transactions.

Any reputable business in the crypto and web3 space should provide you with information on what you are being asked to approve, and why.

Information on what you are being asked to approve when using Sparkles is available here .

Use a cold storage wallet when storing NFTs long term

Hardware wallets, such as Ledger or Trezor, add further levels of security to your crypto assets and NFTs however, you still need to ensure you keep your private keys and secret recovery phrase for these, and the hardware wallet itself, safe and secure.

Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Having 2FA enabled, such as Google Authenticator, provides an additional layer of security when logging into sites where this function is available. In addition to 2FA apps, you could also consider using a hardware 2FA device too.

Don’t reuse passwords and use a reliable password manager

Although it makes life easier to reuse the same password, this significantly endangers security as if one of your passwords are compromised, then all of them are.

Using a password generator for obscure passwords, different passwords for different sites and applications makes your accounts more secure and a reliable password manager makes keeping track of these easier.

Avoid phishing emails and don’t download unknown files from strangers

Best practise is to avoid interacting with any emails, particularly containing links, files and QR codes, sent by unknown parties. Attachments of any format can quite easily contain malicious code such as viruses and/or malware.

Don’t clock on unknown or broken links

Remain cautious when browsing sites and on social media, including Discord, where images or links are sent. Always double check and if in any doubt, do not click them, particularly if sent by someone you don’t recognise.

Be careful of things that seem too good to be true

Unfortunately, not everyone has your best interests at heart, and there may be bad actors seeking to take advantage for those new to crypto and NFT space. If somebody presents an opportunity or suggestion that seems too good to be true, chances are it is just that.

Before you purchase an NFT from a user on Sparkles, always take the time to do as much research as possible on the seller, the collection, the project and the NFT before making that purchase.

Blockchain transactions are permanent, so it really is worth doing your due diligence. And who knows, you may have some enjoyment doing it as you learn exactly what an NFT, collection and project is truly about.