Steps to Protect Your NFT from Theft

Non-fungible tokens (NFT) are unique digital files. This is like a digital certificate in that it ensures just one legitimate NFT copy. Anyone may check its dependability on the blockchain. Few people know NFTs are safe. NFTs can be stolen. Some NFTs are pricey. Protecting the artwork is important.

Since the NFT industry is thriving, it would appear that everyone, including the bad guys, wants a piece of the action. Recently, there have been several instances of theft using NFTs, and the risk is increasing for both artists and investors. You need to be aware of the proper procedures for preventing the theft of NFT artwork to avoid becoming the next victim.

Here are practical steps to protect your artwork from NFT theft:

1. Save the NFT in a non-storage wallet

A non-fungible token wallet is the wallet responsible for the private key that safeguards non-fungible tokens and cryptocurrencies. Hardware wallets without storage are more secure than storage wallets. Simply storing the NFT on a market or exchange. For unmanaged wallets such as ledgers, up to 24 seed phrases must be memorized. In addition, there are additional protections for accessing cryptocurrency, such as entering a PIN or demanding physical devices.

Switching to an unmanaged wallet increases security and protects users from phishing assaults, which are a major method of NFT theft. If you do not disclose the seed phrase, your bitcoin will stay safe on the blockchain even if you lose your smartphone.

2. Trading on a reputable and established market

There are several NFT markets available, but it is essential to only trade on well-established, highly rated marketplaces. Some of the finest NFT markets validate user IDs and take further precautions to ensure a secure environment for trading NFTs.

OpenSea, for instance, is a prominent NFT marketplace where you can purchase and trade NFTs from a variety of well-known authors. There you may even design your own NFT with no cost. In addition, to prevent digital theft, OpenSea exposes the ownership history of NFTs. You can also speak with the purchaser. In case of uncertainty, help alternatives are also offered. This technique is also being embraced by exchanges, and the Coinbase NFT marketplace is popular among buyers and sellers.

We encourage selling or purchasing NFTs through established marketplaces as opposed to independent means. Almost all of them support MetaMask, a prominent non-storage digital wallet, thus security is not compromised.

3. Evaluate each deal carefully and make prudent choices

Scammers frequently employ a highly targeted strategy, relying on people's optimism and innocence. It is always prudent to exercise caution while purchasing and selling artwork online.

Use caution when conducting transactions. Check the user's rating and total transaction history before making a purchase on the marketplace. It will provide a much clearer indication of whether you should proceed. For instance, if an offer looks too good to be true, do not accept it. Similarly, if someone seeks to push you into a transaction, you should avoid making snap judgments.

4. Art copyright

In some instances, it is also vital to realize that NFT criminals create a digital replica of your artwork and then begin selling it online. Protecting the art's copyright and preventing its illicit distribution or duplication is the greatest strategy to prevent this from occurring.

In the description, it is also essential to mention that you possess the sole copyright to the work and the intended usage. You can specify, for instance, that you do not intend to utilize the artwork for a certain purpose. Consequently, if you discover that the artwork is being sold on the NFT Marketplace, you can simply approach the seller and request that they remove it.

5. Avoid installing bogus add-ons and spyware

To record seed phrases, hackers and criminals frequently employ well disguised malware such as bogus browser extensions and keyloggers. Do not download unknown apps or extensions to your computer.

In other instances, the thief requests that the user install an extension, claiming that it will assist identify if they hold the image's rights. These uses are ultimately damaging and can result in significant losses.

6. Insert a watermark

Adding a watermark to your image is one of the most effective methods for preventing NFT theft. The version without watermark should only be available online to authorized purchasers. Thus, even if they decide to resell, you can verify the transaction's legitimacy online.

Ideally, you should choose a translucent watermark that completely covers the image. This is a straightforward and extremely efficient method for preventing digital theft of your artwork.

NFTs provide enormous profit possibilities for all kinds of digital content creators to capitalize on. On the other hand, it is essential to keep in mind that this fresh territory provides a healthy breeding ground for con artists and fraudsters equally. In light of this, it is imperative that you take the necessary safeguards to safeguard your digital assets while also remaining vigilant against fraud and theft. Doing so will guarantee that you are spared the agony of seeing your investments and/or inventions vanish before your very eyes.

SO, WHAT'S NEXT?

Hi, I'm Pao aka IJWBAA. I'm a digital artist, painter, and a book author from the Philippines. If you enjoyed reading this you might like to read also:

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