The Steemit Platform has multiple passwords or “Keys” to provide security.
This is a short summary of how the Four Different Types of Steemit Keys or Steemit Passwords provide security.
Steemit is a unique cryptocurrency because of its multiple passwords provide protection for your cryptocurrency Steem and Steem Dollars that other crypto currencies don’t provide.
First, let me put these password protections into perspective by explaining that most crypto currencies have one password. This is usually called your “Private Key”. If someone gets your “private key” they can transfer your cryptocurrency out of your account into their account and steal it. Once your cryptocurrency leaves your wallet no one can make them give it back.
However in the case of Steemit our cryptocurrency is protected by four passwords or “Keys”. Normally a cryptocurrency wallet has one password or “private key” used just for transferring money out. Steemit has four passwords and two of them are for transferring money out and one can be used to reset all four passwords. So you can keep your most important password safe, the master password and use the other passwords to perform other functions. I will explain below.
Four Different Types of Steemit Keys or Steemit Passwords.
Instead of one private key and one public key. Steemit has four. They are Posting Key, Active Key, Memo Key and Owner or sometimes called Master Key.
How to use these keys and tips for keeping them secure.
1st: Posting key
- Use your accounts posting key to post, comment, edit, vote, resteem, and follow or mute other accounts.
- Use your posting key to log into Steemit.
- The more you use a password the more likely it will be stolen, so use this one the most often to limit the damage which be done to your account by having a key stolen.
2nd: Active key
The active key is meant for secure or special tasks like transferring funds to and from your wallet, power up/down transactions, converting Steem Dollars, voting for witnesses, updating profile details and avatar, and placing a market order.
3rd: Memo key
The memo key has no purpose right now, but in the future may be used for communications.
4th: Owner key or Master Password
The is the most powerful key you have and you should guard it carefully. It can be used to change all the other keys.** It is best if you store it of an account offline and only used to recover a compromised account. **Your account master password is used to make all the other keys for your account, including the owner key. If someone has your master password, they can steal your account and all your money in the account. The master password a long string of random numbers and letters for maximum account security.
Security Rules for your Steemit Account
1 Save your master password and keep it somewhere safe.
2 Log in with the lowest level password your posting key.
3 Use your active Key only for money transfers or voting.
4 Use your master or owner password only for changing your passwords or recovering a stolen account.
5 Never paste your passwords into Memo boxes and always doublecheck what you have copied and pasted before checking the OK box.
6 Log into your account using the key with the appropriate permissions for what you are doing:
7 Steemit recommends that you NOT share your password or keys with any third party site.
I suggest you utilize the capabilities of these four passwords or “keys” to protect yourself.
Learn more here: https://steemit.com/steemit/@shortsegments/security-rules-for-your-steemit-account
References
- Steemit White Paper
- Steemit Blue Paper
- Steemit FAQ
source
Graphic created by @shortsegments