Keys - What are they and how they are used

I have talked about this subject before . It is most likely the least understood and most important subject for any newbie . Let us try and not only spread the word but also adhere to the following information ourselfs .

We talk about bad actors all the time . We have even developed protocols in our everyday life to prevent thieves from getting into our homes . We lock our automobile doors and don't leave items in the open . We secure our bank cards keeping them deep within our pockets or wallets . Our Pin numbers to them are kept as if national security depended on it . All to prevent any loss . But when it comes to Steemit we are careless . There is no other way to put it . Careless !

In the last 5 days in my small circle I have encountered two people who have had their account hacked . Both times it was because of carelessness . It is equal to dropping you ATM card on the ground with the Pin number written on it.

There are four keys

• POSTING
  The posting key is used for posting and voting. Logging into Steemit

• ACTIVE
  The active key is used to make transfers from your wallet and place orders in the internal market.

• OWNER
  The owner key is the master key for the account and is required to change the other keys.
  The private key or password for the owner key should be kept offline and not used

• MEMO
  The memo key is used to create and read memos.

The Posting and Active Keys are the only keys you should be using . It is the best practice . It will not prevent your account from being hack . It will however allow you access to your hacked account and with your owner key reset your Keys to lock the hacker out .

The only key on my computer is my posting key . I have a thumb drive that I keep all keys on and access it when I need to use my active key .

I have no doubt the most of the newbies have their Owner key stored on their Web Browsers . This also needs to be corrected . Never save your passwords ( Active Key ) in your web browser. Some web browsers ask if you would like to save your password. When you enter your Active Key for transfers , Always say no.

• Here is a post from @reazuliqbal on the noblebot , that will help if you make a mistake an put your key on the blockchain .

@reazuliqbal/introducing-the-noble-bot

• Here is a post on securing your wallet

@isaria/minnow-university-being-mindful-of-your-wallet-transfers-and-keeping-your-steemit-account-secure

These are both goodreads . There a a lot of people that you never see or here that work hard to make your experience here a pleasant one . Do your part

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