Is Your Trust Wallet Safe? The Hidden Risks of the MT19937 Pseudo-Random Number Generator

04/22/2023 09:49 • Metaverse Matters • 92 views

Founder of Slow Fog: There are risks in using TrustWallet browser extensions to create wallets from November 14-23 last year

In recent years, cryptocurrency wallets have become an essential part of the digital financial world, offering users a secure way to store, track and manage their digital assets. Trust Wallet, a popular wallet option for iPhone and Android users, is a trusted name in the world of cryptocurrency, but is it really that safe to use? In this article, we explore one of the hidden risks that Trust Wallet users may be facing, and what you can do to keep your assets protected.

The Danger of the MT19937 Pseudo-Random Number Generator

On April 22nd, the founder of Slow Fog, Yu Xian, quoted Trust Wallet’s announcement on social media stating that if users use the Trust Wallet browser extension and create a wallet between November 14-23, 2022, the wallet will be at risk. The fundamental reason is that the MT19937 pseudo-random number generator used by the TrustWallet browser extension at that time did not provide sufficient randomness, resulting in the private key being cracked.
But what does this mean exactly? Simply put, the private key is the secret key that is used to access a cryptocurrency wallet. This key is generated randomly, and the stronger the randomness, the more secure the wallet will be. However, if the randomness is insufficient, it becomes easier for hackers to guess or crack the private key.
This is where the MT19937 pseudo-random number generator comes in. This algorithm is designed to generate random numbers that are theoretically unpredictable, but over time, flaws have been discovered that make it easier for hackers to predict the output. This is particularly problematic in the context of cryptocurrency wallets, as hackers can use this weakness to gain access to the private keys of unsuspecting users.

What Can You Do to Keep Your Trust Wallet Safe?

If you’re using Trust Wallet, you need to take immediate action to protect your digital assets. Here are some steps you can take to minimize the risks:

Update your Trust Wallet browser extension

The first and most critical step is to update your Trust Wallet browser extension to the most recent version available. Trust Wallet has already released an update that fixes the security vulnerability, which means that all users should update their wallet to the latest version as soon as possible.

Move your funds to a new wallet

If you created your Trust Wallet between November 14-23, 2022, there is a possibility that your wallet has been compromised. To be on the safe side, it is recommended that you move your funds to a new wallet and then transfer them back to Trust Wallet once the issue has been resolved.

Enable two-factor authentication

Another important step is to enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your Trust Wallet account. This will add an extra layer of security to your wallet, making it harder for hackers to gain access to your digital assets.

Use a hardware wallet

Finally, consider using a hardware wallet, such as a Ledger or Trezor, to store your digital assets. Hardware wallets are physical devices that offer an additional layer of security and are nearly impossible to hack.

Conclusion

The crypto landscape continues to evolve, with new threats emerging all the time. The recent security vulnerability discovered in Trust Wallet is a stark reminder that even the most trusted crypto wallets can be vulnerable to attack. As a user, it is essential to stay vigilant and take precautions to keep your digital assets safe. By updating your wallet, enabling two-factor authentication, and using a hardware wallet, you can reduce the risks and minimize the likelihood of losing your digital assets.

FAQ

Q: What is a Trust Wallet?
A: Trust Wallet is a crypto wallet that allows users to store, manage, and track digital assets, such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other cryptocurrencies.
Q: What is a private key?
A: The private key is a secret key that is used to access a cryptocurrency wallet. It is critical to keep this key secure, as anyone with access to it can take control of your wallet and your digital assets.
Q: What is two-factor authentication?
A: Two-factor authentication (2FA) is an additional layer of security that requires users to enter a second authentication factor, such as a code sent to their mobile device or email address, in addition to their password.

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