Browser bookmarks, why they are important!
Browser bookmarks, why are they important? In cryptocurrency you are in control. That means you must be in control of your own security also. Faking the internet address of a genuine website is a common scam that can cause you a lot of headaches and loss. This is true not only in crypto.
The Bait
The scammers usually draw the user to a the fake website through a link on a another site, an email or a number of other methods. Typically the site the scammers are spoofing (faking) is a well known name with a high level of exposure and trust. It may be a site that you are already a signed up member for.
The Spoof
A user may innocently visit the website offered as bait and sees a familiar URL (Web address) in the address bar such as https://www.independentreserve.com.
Now check the URL in the address bar again.
That is how simple it can be! The change of one letter and you are not where you wish the be.
The Phish
Now the scammer has you lined up to record every detail that you type in. If it is an exchange site like Independent Reserve and you try the log in. Then the scammer will likely now have your username and password to your account.
(Another good reason to use two factor authentication!) See our article here: Two Factor Authentication
The Execution
Now the scammers have some information on you they can either hack your targeted account or add the details they phished to a database. Yes, your details are likely already on some scammers databases. Then that database can be used to gain more information on you or sold on the black market so someone else can use it.
The Fix - Browser Bookmarks
Use bookmarks, always!
It is simple and as long as you saved the original bookmark with care, it should avoid most of these types of issues.
How to create bookmarks in:
Brave Browser
Method 1/ Keyboard shortcut: Ctrl + D
Method 2/ Press the Banner Icon to the left of the address bar.
Chrome Browser
Method 1/ Keyboard shortcut: Ctrl + D
Method 2/ Press the Star Icon to the right of the address bar.
Firefox Browser
Method 1/ Keyboard shortcut: Ctrl + D
Method 2/ Press the Star Icon to the right of the address bar.
Opera Browser
Method 1/ Keyboard shortcut: Ctrl + D
Method 2/ Press the Heart Icon to the right of the address bar.
Safari Browser
Method 1/ Keyboard shortcut: Command + D
Method 2/ Choose Bookmarks then Add Bookmark