This tool extracts private keys - the cryptographic secrets that control Bitcoin. Anyone with these keys can steal your funds. Treat them like cash or passwords.

• Use a trusted computer, not a public/shared one
• Ensure your system is malware-free
• Consider disconnecting from the internet while handling keys

cp wallet.dat wallet.dat.backup

Never work on your only copy!

If possible, work on an encrypted drive:

• Windows: BitLocker
• macOS: FileVault
• Linux: LUKS/dm-crypt

DO:

• ✅ Keep private keys local only
• ✅ Use secure connections (HTTPS) when checking balances
• ✅ Delete temporary files immediately after use
• ✅ Use strong passwords for encrypted exports

DON'T:

• ❌ Email private keys
• ❌ Save to cloud storage (Dropbox, Google Drive, etc.)
• ❌ Post screenshots online
• ❌ Share keys with "support" (no legitimate service asks for keys)
• ❌ Use online "wallet recovery" services

Watch for:

• Unexpected network connections
• Clipboard monitoring software
• Keyloggers
• Screen recording malware

Don't leave funds in addresses where private keys have been exposed on your computer.

# Good practice: Test with small amount first
Send 0.001 BTC → Verify receipt → Send remainder

Standard deletion is NOT enough! Deleted files can be recovered.

# Secure overwrite (35 passes)
shred -vfz -n 35 private_keys.txt

# Faster but still secure (3 passes)
shred -vfz -n 3 private_keys.txt

# Wipe free space
# Linux
dd if=/dev/urandom of=tempfile bs=1M; rm tempfile

# macOS
diskutil secureErase freespace 3 /Volumes/YourDrive

# Single file
cipher /w:C:\path\to\file

# Entire directory
cipher /w:C:\path\to\directory

# SDelete tool (download from Microsoft)
sdelete -p 3 -s -z C:\path\to\directory

# Python
import pyperclip
pyperclip.copy('')

# Or just copy some random text

# Bash
history -c
rm ~/.bash_history

# PowerShell
Clear-History
Remove-Item (Get-PSReadlineOption).HistorySavePath

# Linux
sudo swapoff -a
sudo swapon -a

# Windows (requires admin)
cipher /w:C:\

• Hardware wallet (Ledger, Trezor)
• Mobile wallet with strong PIN
• Reputable exchange with 2FA

1. Hardware Wallet (recommended)

   • Ledger Nano X/S
   • Trezor Model T/One
   • BitBox02
   • Coldcard

2. Paper Wallet (advanced users)

   • Generated offline
   • BIP38 encrypted
   • Multiple copies in secure locations

3. Multi-signature Setup (maximum security)

   • 2-of-3 or 3-of-5 setup
   • Keys in different locations
   • One key in safety deposit box

• 🚫 "Wallet recovery services" asking for private keys
• 🚫 Emails claiming to be from exchanges
• 🚫 "Double your Bitcoin" schemes
• 🚫 Random DMs offering help
• 🚫 Software requiring admin rights to "recover" wallets
• 🚫 Websites asking you to enter private keys

1. Fake Support: Scammers posing as support staff
2. Phishing Sites: Lookalike exchange websites
3. Malicious Software: "Wallet recovery tools" that steal
4. Social Engineering: Building trust then asking for keys

1. Immediately transfer funds to a new secure wallet
2. Don't panic - you have time if you act quickly
3. Create new wallets on a different, clean device
4. Document everything for potential law enforcement

# Monitor your addresses for unauthorized transactions
watch -n 10 'curl -s https://blockchain.info/q/addressbalance/YOUR_ADDRESS'

# Check recent transactions
curl https://blockchain.info/rawaddr/YOUR_ADDRESS | jq '.txs[0:5]'

• Bitcoin Security Guide
• Hardware Wallet Comparison
• Andreas Antonopoulos - Bitcoin Security

Remember: Bitcoin transactions are irreversible. Take security seriously - there's no "undo" button!