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11/17/2024

Blockchain Dark Forest Survival Handbook — A Self-Rescue Guide After the Major DEXX Hack

help reshape certain production relationships and partially solve the "trust" problem. The reality, however, is quite harsh. Widespread misconceptions about blockchain make it easy for bad actors to exploit vulnerabilities, repeatedly targeting user wallets and causing significant financial losses. This is the dark forest. To address this, Yu Xian, founder of SlowMist Technology, created the Blockchain Dark Forest Survival Handbook. This handbook (current version V1 Beta

Blockchain Dark Forest Survival Handbook — A Self-Rescue Guide After the Major DEXX Hack

help reshape certain production relationships and partially solve the "trust" problem. The reality, however, is quite harsh. Widespread misconceptions about blockchain make it easy for bad actors to exploit vulnerabilities, repeatedly targeting user wallets and causing significant financial losses. This is the dark forest.

To address this, Yu Xian, founder of SlowMist Technology, created the Blockchain Dark Forest Survival Handbook.

This handbook (current version V1 Beta) contains approximately 37,000 words. Due to space constraints, only the main sections are listed here as a guide. The full content can be found on GitHub.

We chose GitHub as the primary release platform because it supports collaboration and makes it easy to track historical updates. You can Watch, Fork, and Star the repo. We hope you'll also contribute to this handbook.

Introduction

If you own crypto or are interested in the crypto world, this handbook is well worth reading and putting into practice. Some foundational knowledge is required, but don't worry about the learning curve — much of this knowledge becomes clearer through hands-on experience.

In the blockchain dark forest, always keep these two core security principles in mind:

  1. Zero Trust: Maintain skepticism at all times.
  2. Continuous Verification: If you choose to trust, you must be able to verify your assumptions — and make this a habit.

Key Sections

  1. Creating a Wallet
    • Finding the official website: Use Google, trusted sources like CoinMarketCap, or ask someone you trust.
    • Downloading and installing the app: Verify file integrity to ensure it hasn't been tampered with.
  2. Backing Up Your Wallet
    • Types of Mnemonic Phrases / Private Keys: Phrases used to recover a wallet (12-word, encrypted, multi-sig, Shamir's Secret Sharing).
    • Backup methods: Cloud (Google/Apple), paper, hardware (USB, hard drive), and memory — though memorization requires extra caution.
  3. Using Your Wallet
    • AML (Anti-Money Laundering): Be aware of on-chain asset freezes and only transact on reputable platforms.
    • Cold Wallets and Hot Wallets: Use cold wallets (imToken, Trust Wallet) for safer transactions. Exercise caution when interacting with DApps (DeFi, NFT, GameFi, etc.).
  4. DeFi and Blockchain Security
    • Ensure smart contract safety, review access permissions, and read security audit reports.
    • Blockchain security basics: chain security, VM security, HTTPS communication security.
  5. Privacy Protection
    • Operating System: Keep software updated; don't install apps from untrusted sources.
    • Mobile Devices: Avoid rooting or jailbreaking; don't install apps from unofficial app stores.
    • Network: Avoid public Wi-Fi; choose reputable routers and ISPs.
  6. Human Security
    • Stay alert to phishing attacks on Telegram, Discord, and other Web3 platforms.
  7. Attack Vectors in Blockchain
    • Common attacks: asset theft, malicious mining, ransomware, money laundering, and more.
  8. What to Do When Your Assets Are Stolen
    • Immediate action: Stop the bleeding, preserve the scene, analyze the root cause, and trace the origin of the attack.
    • Closing the case: Once the root cause has been fully analyzed.
  9. Common Misconceptions
    • "Code is law."
    • "Not your keys, not your coins."
    • "We trust in Blockchain."
    • Cryptographic security is not absolute.
    • Getting hacked is nothing to be ashamed of.
    • Always stay current on security practices.

Conclusion

Once you've finished reading this handbook, put what you've learned into practice and internalize it. If you have new discoveries or experiences, share them with the community. If you feel the information is too sensitive, you may contribute anonymously.

Thank you to legal and security professionals worldwide, cryptographers, engineers, ethical hackers, and everyone who contributes to making this space safer — including Satoshi Nakamoto, the founder of Bitcoin. Finally, thank you to all contributors to this handbook; the list will continue to grow. If you have any ideas or feedback, don't hesitate to reach out.