Global Data Breach Incident: Encryption User Security Self-Check Guide

Recently, a data leak incident described as the "largest scale in history" has attracted widespread attention. Security researchers have confirmed that a massive database containing approximately 16 billion login credentials is circulating on the dark web, covering almost all mainstream platforms we use daily.

This incident has transcended the ordinary scope of data leaks and is, in fact, a blueprint for a potential "mass weaponization" of global hacking attacks. For everyone living in the digital age, especially users with encryption assets, this is undoubtedly an imminent security crisis. This article aims to provide you with a comprehensive security self-check guide, recommending that you immediately conduct a review to strengthen your asset protection measures.

1. The Severity of This Leak

To fully recognize the necessity of defense, it is essential to first understand the severity of this threat. The reason this leak is so dangerous is that it contains more sensitive information than ever before:

1. "Credential Stuffing" Attack: Hackers are exploiting leaked "email + password" combinations to conduct large-scale, automated login attempts on various encryption cryptocurrency trading platforms. If you have used the same or similar password across different platforms, your account may be compromised directly without your knowledge.

2. Email Becomes the "Universal Key": Once an attacker gains control of your primary email account through a leaked password, they can use the "forgot password" feature to reset all of your linked financial and social accounts, rendering SMS or email verification useless.

3. Potential Risks of Password Managers: If the master password of the password manager you are using is weak, or if two-factor authentication is not enabled, then once it is compromised, all the information you store in it, such as website passwords, mnemonics, private keys, API keys, etc., may be completely exposed.

4. Precise "social engineering" phishing: Scammers may use leaked personal information (such as name, email, frequently used websites, etc.) to impersonate customer service of trading platforms, project administrators, or even your acquaintances, carrying out highly customized and difficult-to-identify precise fraud.

2. Comprehensive Defense Strategy: From Accounts to On-chain Assets

In the face of such severe security threats, we need to build a comprehensive defense system.

1. Account Layer Defense: Strengthen Your Digital Fortress

Password Management

This is the most basic and urgent step. Please immediately change to a brand new, unique, complex password consisting of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters for all important accounts (especially trading platforms and email).

Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) Upgrade

2FA is the "second line of defense" for your account, but its security varies. Please immediately disable and replace SMS (SMS) 2FA verification on all platforms! This method is vulnerable to SIM card hijacking attacks. It is recommended to switch entirely to a more secure authenticator app. For accounts holding large assets, consider using a hardware security key, which is currently the highest level of protection available for individual users.

2. On-chain asset defense: clean up potential "backdoors" in the wallet

Wallet security is not just about private keys. Your interactions with decentralized applications (DApps) may also leave vulnerabilities. Please use professional tools immediately to thoroughly check which DApps your wallet address has given token infinite authorization (Approve) to. For all applications that are no longer in use, are untrusted, or have excessively high authorization limits, immediately revoke their token transfer permissions, closing any potential "backdoors" that could be exploited by hackers, and prevent your assets from being stolen without your knowledge.

3. Mental Defense: Establish "Zero Trust" Security Awareness

In addition to technical defenses, the correct mindset and habits are the last line of defense.

Establish "Zero Trust" Principles: In the current severe security environment, please maintain the highest level of vigilance against any requests for signatures, demands for private keys, requests for authorization, or connections to wallets, as well as any links sent proactively through email, private messages, etc.—even if these requests appear to come from someone you trust (because their accounts may also have been compromised).

Develop a habit of accessing official channels: Always access trading platforms or wallet websites through bookmarks you have saved or by manually entering the official website address. This is the most effective way to prevent phishing websites.

Security is not a one-time operation, but rather a discipline and habit that requires long-term adherence. In this risk-filled digital world, caution is the last and most important barrier to protect our wealth.