"I never transmitted my private key over the network, how was it stolen?"
Author: Liz & Reborn
Editor: Sherry
Background
In the previous issue of the Web3 Security Entry-Level Guide to Avoiding Pitfalls, we analyzed the crypto honeypot scam. In this issue, we will focus on clipboard security.
In many cryptocurrency asset theft incidents, victims are often most confused by: "I never transmitted my private key over the network, how was it stolen?" In fact, the leakage of private keys/seed phrases does not necessarily occur through cloud or network uploads; it can also happen during seemingly "local and secure" operations. For example, have you ever filled in private keys/seed phrases by copying and pasting? Have you ever saved them in a memo or screenshot? These common operations are also entry points that hackers target.
This issue will revolve around clipboard security, helping you understand its principles, attack methods, and prevention recommendations we've summarized in practice, to help users build a more robust asset protection awareness.
[The rest of the translation follows the same approach, maintaining the structure and translating the text while preserving any HTML tags.]macOS only saves the current clipboard content and does not record history. Copying an unrelated content can overwrite sensitive history. iOS also only saves the current clipboard content. In addition to copying an unrelated content, users can create shortcuts to add clipboard clearing instructions to the home screen, making it more convenient to clear.
Windows 7 and earlier versions only save the current clipboard content with no history, which can be indirectly cleared by copying an unrelated content to overwrite the original content. For Windows 10 / 11 (if "Clipboard History" is enabled): Press Win + V to view clipboard history, click the "Clear All" button in the top right corner to delete all history records.
Android's clipboard history typically refers to the clipboard history recorded by the input method. Many Android devices provide clipboard history functionality in the input method, where users can enter the input method's clipboard management interface and manually clear unnecessary records.
In short, if the system does not save history, simply copy new content to overwrite it. If the system has clipboard history (such as Windows 10 / 11, some Android devices), manually clear the history as described above.
Summary
Clipboard is an often-overlooked yet high-risk channel of leakage. We hope this article helps users re-examine the security risks of copy and paste and recognize that "local operations do not equal absolute safety". Security is not just a technical issue, but also a behavioral habit issue. Only by staying vigilant, improving security awareness, and implementing basic protective measures in daily operations can one truly safeguard their assets.
Disclaimer: As a blockchain information platform, the articles published on this site represent only the personal views of the authors and guests, and are not related to Web3Caff's stance. The information in the article is for reference only and does not constitute any investment advice or offer. Please comply with the relevant laws and regulations of your country or region.
Welcome to join the Web3Caff official community: X(Twitter) account丨WeChat reader group丨WeChat official account丨Telegram subscription group丨Telegram discussion group
