NFT Security
3 tips to help you overcome your anxiety about setting up a hardware wallet
It only takes about half an hour, but the anticipatory anxiety you have about it might make it look bigger. Let’s overcome this.
All current NFT security advice agrees — if you don’t do anything else, at least get some sort of a hardware wallet (Ledger, Trezor, etc.) — check out threads from @4lteredBeast. I agree. Although I am more paranoid and go extreme on my crypto security but that’s another topic.
My most valueable and loved NFTs are on a wallet that’s guarded by my ledger. Like a hound dog. Woof.
And yet, I see Twitter posts about mfers’ devices still being in the box!
Come on.
You’ve decided which wallet to order and got it delivered. Open it, and let’s get cracking.
I know what you are thinking. When I received my Ledger last summer, I ignored it for a while… it seemed daunting to connect it to my wallets and do the setup stuff.
I was genuinely anxious about it — what if I get it wrong and I won’t be able to access my crypto ever again?
I talked to my brother, who helped me. But in case you don’t have a helpful brother like me, follow these tips, and the anxiety about using your hardware wallet will be a thing of the past:
- Breathe
Seriously. Sit down for a moment, and allow breathing to help your nervous system regulate. Listen to some of your favourite music. That might help too.
Touch some grass.
Acknowledge your anxiety and the risks involved. And then get started.
2. Seed phrase
Go old-school and write your words down carefully with a pen and paper. I’m not even joking. Make at least 2–3 copies. These shouldn’t touch any device. No photos, nada.
Leave one copy in a trusted place and preferably take one somewhere else — somebody else’s house or just put it in a box and dig it somewhere (in case of a house fire, you know).
Use your best handwriting and take your time. Hardest part complete. Phew.
Breathe.
3. Connect it
If you already use a browser wallet, then follow the steps to connect your hardware wallet — super easy, I know.
Do some practice transactions and when gas is low, move other assets to your -now — vault.
If you don’t use a browser wallet, then download Ledger Live or another software your wallet supports and set it up there.
Copy your ether address and move your assets to that address. Voila!
I would still suggest you do a ‘practice’ transaction in this case too.
AND THIS IS IT!
How many times did you think about doing this?
And how many times did those thoughts and the fact you are not taking action trigger anxiety?
When it comes to anxiety, there is a very simple trick — action speaks louder than any techniques or tricks. There’s no escaping that.
Even though it’s scary, if you take the uncomfortable route, often you will be rewarded with a peaceful mind.
