I'm currently testing NymVPN (alpha). So far, it performs well on both desktop and mobile. https://nymvpn.com/
What Bitcoiners want to replace by hodling:
Gold
What Monero guys want to replace by using:
Fiat Money
Money gains its value through usage. Every XMR transaction chips away at fiat money's dominance while fortifying Monero's position as money.
“Democracy is a pathetic belief in the collective wisdom of individual ignorance.”
H.L. Mencken
THE MONERO MOON (ISSUE 72) NEWSLETTER IS OUT NOW!
“The highest activity a human being can attain is learning for understanding, because to understand is to be free.”
Baruch Spinoza
Monero's tail emission is like a controlled gold mine: it keeps adding a little bit over time, which ensures there's always enough but never too much. This balance maintains Monero’s value, security and avoids rapid inflation.
🚀 State of Crypto evaluation now available!
Thanks to all participants for your insights—your contributions have been invaluable.
Download the PDF now
Huge thanks to nostr:nprofile1qy08wumn8ghj7mn0wd68yttsw43zuam9d3kx7unyv4ezumn9wshsz8thwden5te0dehhxarj9e3xjarrda5kuetj9eek7cmfv9kz7qg4waehxw309aex2mrp0yhxgctdw4eju6t09uq36amnwvaz7tmwdaehgu3dwfjkccte9emkcann9eehqctrv5hsz9mhwden5te0dehhxarj9ehkuumpw3ejummjvuhsz8mhwden5te0dehhxarj9eek2argvehhyurjd9mxzcme9e3k7mf0qy88wumn8ghj7mn0wvhxcmmv9uqzpy2qgddmfl3d2kag7euqj8p5s6asy9gg6hacsqf480ce62r56zfg4996cm for sponsoring this survey!
“You're all individuals.”
https://video.nostr.build/3de24a86772b7b91a815ce199cfdb812654c234952906eae5455695164388589.mp4
Monero (XMR) Best Practices
for Privacy & Security
1
Use Official Wallets
Always use the official Monero wallet (GUI/CLI) or trusted mobile wallets like Monero.com https://monero.com/ (Cake Wallet https://cakewallet.com/) or Monerujo https://www.monerujo.io/. Download from the official website: https://www.getmonero.org/
2
Keep Your Wallet Updated
Always use the latest version of your Monero wallet to benefit from security updates and bug fixes.
3
Control Your Private Keys
Self-custody is key. Always have control over your private keys and back up your seed phrase securely in multiple locations.
4
Use Proper Network Security
When transacting use a VPN (IVPN https://www.ivpn.net/, Mullvad https://mullvad.net/) or Tor https://www.torproject.org/ to enhance privacy. Avoid public Wi-Fi networks when accessing your Monero wallet.
5
Minimize Address Reuse
Always use a new address for each transaction. Monero automatically generates new stealth addresses, this helps you stay anonymous.
6
Avoid KYC Exchanges
Prefer decentralized exchanges or P2P platforms that don’t require KYC. Platforms like Bisq https://bisq.network/ and Haveno https://haveno.exchange/ can help you trade privately. Find more https://kycnot.me/?t=exchange&q=&xmr=on
7
Practice Good OpSec
Be cautious of linking transactions to your identity. Don’t send Monero directly from an exchange to your personal wallet. Use a proxy wallet.
8
Regularly Check Transaction Privacy
Use the view key sparingly and stay informed about potential privacy leaks. Conduct audits if needed.
9
Education & Vigilance
Stay updated with the Monero community for the latest best practices and security advisories. Knowledge is power. Good starting point is https://libereco.xyz/resources/
10
Consider Cold Wallets
If you hold a significant amount of XMR, consider using a cold wallet. More infos see https://libereco.xyz/monero-cold-storage-with-feather-anonero/ and https://web.archive.org/web/20240518195127/https://localmonero.co/knowledge
12
Run a Full Node
Running your own Monero node helps increase your privacy and strengthens the network. Plus, it’s great for decentralization. Great tutorial from nostr:npub1tr4dstaptd2sp98h7hlysp8qle6mw7wmauhfkgz3rmxdd8ndprusnw2y5g here: https://sethforprivacy.com/guides/run-a-monero-node-advanced/
13
Stay Anonymized When Converting
When converting XMR, use P2P platforms like UnstoppableSwap https://unstoppableswap.net/ or BasicSwap https://basicswapdex.com/. Preserve your anonymity.
14
Legal Awareness
Stay informed about the legal environment in your area regarding cryptocurrencies, especially Monero (e.g. MiCA for EU).
15
Post-Mortem Planning
Ensure there’s a privacy-preserving plan in place for loved ones to access your Monero in the event of your death.
New technical note
History and State of Monero Security Analysis
by Cypher Stack & B.G. Goodell
Aug 17, 2024
An in-depth look at Monero's evolving privacy and security landscape, past challenges, and future directions. Essential reading for anyone interested in digital privacy.
https://github.com/cypherstack/pup-monero-analysis/releases/tag/final
I teach my children that self-custody of coins is part of adulthood.
Why hasn't Satoshi Nakamoto been identified yet?
Because he doesn't use Bitcoin.
The fact that Bitcoin is traceable and can be analyzed means that users are at risk. If someone knows your BTC transaction history, they can potentially trace back your spending habits, sources of funds and even identify you.
Email wasn't designed with privacy in mind.
Most emails are transmitted in plain text, making them easily readable by anyone who intercepts them, including governments, service providers, and malicious actors.
If you must use email, encryption is essential to protect your privacy. The best way to encrypt email is using PGP (Pretty Good Privacy). It allows you to encrypt the content of your emails so that only the intended recipient with the correct private key can decrypt and read them.
But PGP can be cumbersome for everyday use, requiring both parties to have the necessary software and keys set up. In contrast, using privacy-focused messaging apps like SimpleX, which offer end-to-end encryption by default and has no user IDs, is a more secure and user-friendly alternative to email for sensitive communication.
Top 5 Alarming Privacy Quotes from the World Economic Forum (WEF)
1
“You will own nothing, and you'll be happy” – Klaus Schwab, WEF Founder and Executive Chairman (Great Reset theme)
2
“In the future, we might need to consider relocating people to areas where jobs are more available.” – WEF Video on the Future of Jobs
3
“Welcome to 2030. I own nothing, have no privacy, and life has never been better.” – Ida Auken, Danish MP and WEF Contributor
4
“By 2030, your medical history could be shared automatically with hospitals or insurers based on biometric and genomic data.” – WEF Future of Health Report
5
“COVID-19 could be the catalyst for the world to embrace digital identity systems that record everything we do.” – WEF Digital Identity White Paper
If you truly value your privacy, you should be using Monero. No other cryptocurrency comes close to offering the same level of protection. Privacy isn’t just a feature, it’s a necessity.