As more and more people are interested in cryptocurrencies and seeking easy access to digital currencies, the Metamask extension facilitates connecting to the new web. By installing Metamask, you can readily acquire an Ethereum wallet to access Ethereum enable ‘Dapps’ or distributed applications in your browser. Besides ensuring a private and more secure browsing experience, the extension allows accessing cryptos and NFTs. However, users must take charge of their data and protect it as they cannot afford to compromise with it or lose it due to some lapse on their part.
What you can do with the Metamask extension?
You can either install the Metamask Chrome extension, compatible with Firefox, Edge, and Brave desktop browsers, or use the free mobile app version for Android and iOS. The extension helps to embed Ethereum Web3API in every website’s javascript context, thus enabling ‘Dapps’ to read from the blockchain. In addition, the Metamask browser extension allows user to create their own identities and manage them with the help of local client wallets, private keys, and ‘Trezor’ like hardware wallets. The extension provides a secure interface to users. When a ‘Dapp’ performs a function and writes on the blockchain, users can review the transaction before approving or discarding it.
A ready to use crypto wallet
If you wonder how to access Metamask in Chrome, you can download it from the Metamask download page. Until 2020, the Metamask was primarily a browser extension but is now available as a mobile app for Android and iOS. Metamask comprises two parts – a browser extension and a crypto wallet. The wallet supports all Ethereum compatible tokens, and the configuration of the web browser allows it to interact with smart contracts and ‘Dapp.
Be cautious when downloading Metamask.
Although a simple download helps install the Metamask extension to the browser, ensure that you download the extension from the official Metamask website. Check the closed lock icon on the left of the URL that indicates the website’s trustworthiness with an SSL encrypted connection. Validating the website’s authenticity is extremely important because Metamask is a target of phishing attacks, and any lapse in identifying the correct website can put you into trouble. Therefore, carry out an extra verification by clicking on the closed lock icon and then clicking on ‘Certificate’ to check the certificate details for its authenticity.
Since you must allow Metamask to access and alter data on any website you visit, it is essential to avoid the danger of falling into the trap of mischievous entities who always try to mislead you.
Maximize security
To maximize security when downloading and installing the Metamask extension, you should consider running Metamask in a browser dedicated exclusively to Metamask. It will ensure that your data on other browsers remains safe if something goes wrong.
After downloading the extension, create and set up a wallet without sharing your identification or email address. It opens up the whole new world of Web3.0 before you.
