A few days ago in the Cuba Bitcoin group there was the question whether it was more risky to use wallets directly in the browser or to use an own application for it. The question is definitely very interesting.
In Bitcoin, any security measure we take when it comes to protecting ourselves against possible attacks on our privacy and safeguarding of funds, is going to be little. Everything is a risk, even if we don't perceive it that way.
Browser wallets are always exposed to the Internet and therefore tend to suffer all kinds of attacks from any front, such as phishing, malware, brute force, traffic analysis attacks, among others. It is advisable to use them for small amounts and daily transactions, lock them with a password as secure as possible and never leave them unattended. If they are not going to be used for a while, I recommend deactivating them.
Dedicated applications are usually a bit more "secure", as they tend to follow the policies of the operating system in which they operate and are not always exposed to the Internet. Generally in these some more advanced security features are implemented that are not possible or are more difficult to achieve than in a browser. Nowadays there are solutions that allow us to have "cold" wallets in our cell phone or pc and never connect them to any network.
Here are some of the tips I practice:
1- Keep the software always updated.
2- Keep our private keys in places only known to us (be creative).
3- If we use antivirus solutions, keep up to date with their updates.
4- A lot of common sense when surfing the Internet, do not trust: verify.
5- Use self-custody and FOSS solutions as much as possible.
As a summary and in my personal opinion, dedicated applications are "safer" than those of a browser. It is us as users, with our sense of belonging and security, with daily study and a lot of self-improvement, who must always be alert to any danger that may be lurking in the shadows to get our private keys, never trust.
For you, what are your main concerns or considerations when choosing between a browser-based wallet and one with its own Bitcoin application? Which one do you think is more secure? Let me know in the comments, I read you and we learn together!
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