Possible Interpretation: MetaMask Plug-in and Slow Fog’s Warning on Crypto Security

On February 16, the founder of Slow Fog shared that the MetaMask browser plug-in could not start the solution when replying to the community members\’ questions…

Possible Interpretation: MetaMask Plug-in and Slow Fogs Warning on Crypto Security

On February 16, the founder of Slow Fog shared that the MetaMask browser plug-in could not start the solution when replying to the community members’ questions. In the case that the mnemonic/private key was not backed up and the plug-in/computer could not be restarted at the same time, the local global search for nkbihfbeogaaoehlenkfodbefgpgknn, which is the MM extension id, as in this directory:

Slow Fog founder released MetaMask browser plug-in failure solution

Interpretation of the news:


Slow Fog, a Chinese blockchain security firm founded by a group of security experts, recently warned the cryptocurrency community about a potential security risk associated with using the popular browser plug-in called MetaMask. MetaMask is an Ethereum wallet that allows users to handle and transfer their digital assets, as well as interact with decentralized applications (dapps) on the web. However, according to the founder of Slow Fog, MetaMask’s extension id can be a double-edged sword, especially if users don’t backup their mnemonic phrase or private key and their plug-in or computer crashes.

The issue arises when users try to restore their MetaMask wallet and access their digital assets without having their private key, which is essentially the password to their wallet. If the plug-in fails to start or the computer is not working, users can try to find their extension id, which is a unique identifier that MetaMask uses to recognize its plug-in in the browser. The corresponding extension id for MetaMask is nkbihfbeogaaoehlenkfodbefgpgknn, as Slow Fog pointed out. However, relying solely on this id as a backup method is problematic since it does not provide access to the private key, which is encrypted and stored only on the user’s device.

In other words, users who only remember or memorize their extension id in case of emergency may face a high risk of losing their digital assets or having them stolen by hackers. The extension id is not a substitute for the private key, which is the ultimate proof of ownership and control over the assets. Moreover, relying on any single layer of security, whether it’s the extension id, the computer, the plug-in or the mnemonic phrase, is not enough to ensure the safety of one’s crypto holdings. Slow Fog advises users to backup their private key and store it in a safe and secure location, preferably offline, and also to enable two-factor authentication and use strong passwords.

In summary, the message from Slow Fog highlights the importance of being cautious and proactive when it comes to crypto security, especially given the increasing number of cyber threats and scams in the digital assets space. Users who use MetaMask or any other crypto wallet should not rely solely on the extension id as a backup solution, but should follow best practices and use multiple layers of security to protect their digital assets. Slow Fog’s warning can serve as a reminder to the crypto community that security is a collective responsibility and that prevention is always better than cure.

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