Privacy on the blockchain isn’t just about the tools you use, but also about how you use them. With the shielding feature in Common, you have a powerful privacy tool in your pocket, but a little privacy hygiene goes a long way to keep you invisible to prying eyes.
Let’s break it down, step-by-step, so you know exactly how to stay private while using Common. Don’t worry, it’s simple and jargon-free!
Don’t Be an Open Book Like Alice
Imagine Alice decides to shield 17.2 AZERO by sending it to the shielding smart contract. Then, she immediately withdraws that exact same amount back to the same account.
Even though no one can prove it, any observer of the blockchain can deduct what occurred. Why?
1. They’re both for the same account.
2. They occur at nearly the exact time.
3. There’s that distinctive amount: 17.2
That’s like wearing a costume and waving at everybody you know. Let’s try harder.
Privacy Hygiene 101: 3 Easy Tips
Want to keep your privacy game strong? Practice these easy steps when using Common’s shielding feature:
1. Use Fresh Addresses for Withdrawals
Every time you withdraw tokens from a shielded pool, use a new fresh blockchain address to do so. It’s like changing into a new outfit before stepping out-you’re harder to recognize.
Good Example:
- Shield some AZERO.
- Withdraw to a different address than the one you deposited from.
Not-So-Good Example:
- Shield AZERO and then withdraw back to the same address.
2. Spread Out Your Actions Over Time
Don’t deposit and withdraw in one go. Give it some breathing room. Ideally, keep your funds shielded for a while and only withdraw when you actually need them.
Good Move:
- Deposit some AZERO today.
- In a few days, or even weeks, make a withdrawal.
Red Flag:
- Deposit and withdraw right away. That’s an easy pattern to spot.
3. Stick to Round Numbers
When depositing or withdrawing, make the amount round: 10, 20, 50, 100 AZERO. weird amounts like 17.2 get more attention. Round numbers are average––you are one of many, invisible within the crowd.
Smooth Operator:
- Deposit 50 AZERO, withdraw 20 AZERO.
Privacy Leak:
- Deposit 42.73 AZERO, withdraw 42.73 AZERO or 21.365 AZERO two times. You know who you are.
Good News: Common Has Got Your Back
Worried about remembering all these tips? Don’t sweat it. Common is designed to make privacy effortless. With native shielding, Common takes care of these privacy hygiene steps for you. It’s like having a personal privacy assistant who makes sure you never slip up.
You focus on using your crypto, and Common focuses on protecting it. Easy, right?
Ready to Be a Privacy Pro?
Now you know the basics of staying private with Common.
Automated privacy-enhancing workflows will be enabled in future releases, so until then–follow these tips and enjoy your crypto journey without the spotlight.
Stay private, stay smart.
Common Extension V1 is already live!
Download the extension and try the shielding feature today.
This is the initial release, but as soon as the external audit is completed, you’ll be free to use Common for shielding!
