Both platforms serve as virtual communities where crypto enthusiasts connect, share insights, and build connections. Both platforms are designed to be easily accessible, but their openness makes them fertile grounds for scammers and hackers.

These criminals prey on unsuspecting users with the end goal of draining their wallets. The worst part is that if they succeed in stealing your crypto assets, the money is gone, and there's no getting it back. 

With the popularity of wallet-draining scams on the rise and one phishing scammer reportedly earning more than $24 million by emptying people's wallets and taking their NFTs, leaving your Discord and Telegram accounts unsecured has never been riskier.

So, how can you protect yourself in this digital wild west?

Today, we provide practical and simple tips on how to make your Telegram and Discord accounts hackerproof (videos below)

TLDR 📃

• ​Discord and Telegram are central to the crypto community, but they're also prime targets for scammers.
• Risks include digital impersonation, malicious bots, social engineering, surveillance, and more.
• Protecting your accounts is vital to safeguard your crypto assets.
• In this guide, we share practical steps like strong passwords, 2FA, and privacy settings that are crucial for defence. Make sure to watch the videos in the report. 

Disclaimer: Not financial or investment advice. Any capital-related decisions you make are your full responsibility.

6 reasons to lock down your Telegram and Discord 🗝️

Crypto wallets are the new bank accounts, and in crypto, you are responsible for the security of your wallets. Now, Telegram and Discord are the central communication channels in crypto, and many attempts to pilfer funds from wallets often originate from these communication channels.

Here are some key attacks typically executed through Telegram and Discord on unsuspecting crypto users.

1. Digital Impersonation: Scammers impersonate trusted crypto figures or support staff to trick you into transferring funds or sharing wallet keys.
2. Malicious Bots and Viruses: Bots or infected files spread malware that can steal your private keys, seed phrases, or access your crypto accounts.
3. Social Engineering Traps: Scammers trigger you into panicking and taking actions that inadvertently give them access to your crypto wallets and accounts.
4. Surveillance and Intel Gathering: Your conversations are monitored to piece together your crypto activities and assets for targeted theft attempts.
5. Unencrypted Communications: Telegram chats/calls not being end-to-end encrypted by default allow others to spy on crypto transaction details.
6. Account Takeovers and Credential Theft: Poor security makes you vulnerable to attacks that steal login credentials or bypass 2FA to drain your crypto wallets.

Securing your Telegram and Discord accounts isn't just a precaution; it's a vital defence against potential attempts to steal your coins. 

While you may be aware of risks like digital impersonation, malicious software, and manipulation tactics, it's easy to think, "That would never happen to me."

But in reality, we all have moments of vulnerability that scammers can exploit. Times when we let our guard down, like first waking up before our brain is fully alert. Or when you're stressed, tired, or distracted. The best form of protection is having the right security tools and practices to defend yourself, even from your own temporary lapses in judgment. 

Guide to locking down Discord 🔐

Discord offers excellent ways to connect and coordinate, but you can also be vulnerable to scammers there. However, two seemingly simple things, an impregnable password and two-factor authentication, can make a world of difference to enhance your safety significantly.

Use solid and random passwords

You probably know this already, but we will remind you all the same. Don’t use guessable passwords, and don’t store your passwords in insecure text files on your computer. Consider using a password manager such as 1Password for your accounts to enhance your security. With a password manager, you can effortlessly generate lengthy, random passwords and securely manage them without storing them on your devices.

Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) in Discord

Think of 2FA as an extra layer of protection for your Discord account. You can find this feature in your Discord User Settings. Discord offers various 2FA methods like Authy and Google Authenticator. These tools add an additional security barrier by requiring your password and a unique code generated on your mobile device. It makes it extremely difficult for unauthorised users to access your account.

How to enhance security on Discord

In addition to choosing a strong password and using 2FA, a few simple tweaks could also supercharge the security of your Discord account. Don't rely on just your wits - put the technical precautions in place as well👇  Control direct messages: To manage who can send direct messages, go to "Privacy & Safety" in your User Settings. You can choose to allow or disallow direct messages from server members. 

It's your call. But remember, if you turn off DMs, you might face issues when joining a server that uses a Captcha or Verification bot via DM for authentication. Always check the server information to know if open DMs are required.

Choose who can add you as a friend: In the "Friend Requests" section, you can select who can add you as a friend. If you're concerned about security, you can prevent anyone from adding you as a friend. 

Alternatively, you can allow friend requests only from members of the same server. This way, you have more control over who can connect with you on Discord, ensuring a safer experience.

Tips for avoiding scams on Discord 

1. Stay informed

Never engage in activities on Discord that you don't understand.

2. Avoid using Discord when you are vulnerable

Pay close attention to notifications about logging into your Telegram account. Legitimate notifications should come through the official Telegram news and tips channel. Be wary of any message that asks you to click on a link or provide personal information. Verify the authenticity of such messages before taking any action.

3. Foster a sceptical mindset

Cultivate a culture of scepticism. Always double-check before clicking on links or sharing sensitive information. It's okay to be cautious.

4. Secure your business on Discord

If you conduct a lot of business on Discord or work with files, especially PDFs, consider using protective measures like dangerzone.rocks to enhance your security.

5. Be wary of urgency

Remember that skilful scammers won't give you much time to think and often create a sense of urgency. Be extra cautious when you feel pressured to act quickly.

6. Desires vs reality

 If you encounter messages in Discord promising massive airdrops, dream jobs with unreal salaries, or quick riches in exchange for sending funds, remember that scammers often play on your desires. If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is. Please verify before acting, as the 1% exception can wait.  If you encounter messages in Discord promising massive airdrops, dream jobs with unreal salaries, or quick riches in exchange for sending funds, remember that scammers often play on your desires. If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is. Please verify before acting, as the 1% exception can wait.

Guide to locking down Telegram 🔒

Whether you are a trader or an investor, you’ll most likely have used Telegram to join groups related to your favourite crypto projects. The thing is, telegram also harbours some risks.  However, four seemingly simple things can make a world of difference to enhance your safety significantly.

1. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Set up 2FA for your cloud password.
2. Sticker Animation: Disable sticker loop animation.
3. Autoplay GIFs: Disable autoplay.
4. Telegram Bots: Avoid activating bots via DMs to mitigate security risks.

How to enhance security on Telegram

In addition to the points above, a few simple tweaks could also supercharge the security of your Telegram account.  

• Phone Number Privacy: Set "Who can see my phone number" to "Nobody."
• Media Auto-Download: Disable auto-downloading of media in Data and Storage settings.
• Number Lookup: Choose "My Contacts" for "Who can find me by my number."
• Last Seen Privacy: Set "Who can see my timestamp" to "Nobody."
• Profile Photo Privacy: Limit visibility to "My Contacts."
• Call Restrictions: Allow calls only from "My Contacts" or "Nobody."
• Peer-to-Peer Calls: Limit to "My Contacts" or disable.
• Forwarded Messages: Allow only "My Contacts" to add links to your account.
• Group & Channel Invites: Allow only "My Contacts" to add you to groups and channels.

Tips for avoiding scams on Telegram 

1. Beware of impersonators:

Exercise caution when dealing with Telegram users. Scammers may impersonate others by inserting any nickname into their bio while leaving their real nickname blank. Always verify the identity of the person you're interacting with, especially if they ask for personal information or financial details.

2. Verify notifications about logging in

Pay close attention to notifications about logging into your Telegram account. Legitimate notifications should come through the official Telegram news and tips channel. Be wary of any message that asks you to click on a link or provide personal information. Verify the authenticity of such messages before taking any action.

3. Watch out for fake bots

Scammers may use fake bots to initiate conversations. Don't assume that all bots are legitimate. Exercise caution and avoid interacting with bots that send unsolicited messages. Verify the authenticity of the bot or its purpose before engaging with it.

4. Regularly review active sessions

Periodically review your active sessions in Telegram settings. Terminate any sessions that you no longer recognise or trust. This helps prevent unauthorised access to your account.

5. Verify links and attachments

Be cautious when clicking on links or downloading files shared in Telegram chats or groups, especially if they come from unknown sources. Malicious links and files can lead to security breaches.

Cryptonary’s take 🧠

We hope this guide helps you navigate the crypto communities safely and protect yourself from potential threats. Remember that even the most knowledgeable individuals in this industry can occasionally fall victim to scams. Therefore, there's no shame in being cautious. In fact, a healthy dose of scepticism is crucial when dealing with matters of security in crypto.

We use the tools listed below to protect ourselves. These and others not listed here are key weapons in your crypto security arsenal, so don’t hesitate to start using them. 

• 1Password:1Password is a password manager that helps you generate, store, and manage strong and unique passwords for your accounts.
• Authy: Authy is a two-factor authentication (2FA) app that adds an extra layer of security to your account
• Dangerzone: Dangerzone is a tool for securely handling potentially risky file attachments, such as PDFs.
• DefiLlama extension: The DefiLlama extension protects you against phishing scams by maintaining a database of official crypto projects and their websites. 
• Mullvad VPN:  A Virtual Private Network (VPN) like Mullvad helps safeguard your online privacy by encrypting your internet connection.