Good morning Steemians!

I am hoping you are having an awesome Sunday today.

Source

As I was clearing my WhatsApp Chat group finally after all the General Elections in Malaysia fever is dwindling down, I came across this really interesting image that was shared by a fellow group member.

This has suddenly struck a cord in my memory and heart to have a reminder to myself and especially to newbies in Steemit about how transparent this social network blockchain is.

The moment we take on this account in Steemit, looking beyond the money (earnings), this is a totally transparent non censored platform for all to have a chance to have their own voice.

But it also have come to my attention that many hackers are attempting to trick members into giving up their passwords / private keys for their own advantage.

Some could even be betrayed by friends / team members

I am just throwing out my concern right here. As I understand that I have several friends who manages their children accounts hold their passwords; which is perfectly valid because they are their guardians for their children; and some even help their parents by maintaining their passwords; because this is family

But I feel that there is a line that cannot be crossed unless there is a mutual understanding especially when it comes to mutual acquaintances; unless it is a public face account like @gtpjfoodbank for instant where this group could hire ghost writers to help post latest information if possible, nothing more.

But what happens when a friend ask for your private key (like posting key) to say that they will upvote for you?

Or even post on your behalf ?

I personally would say: Thanks but no thanks.

The Power of Posting Key

It not only helps on upvoting but it is has the power to post, comment, and flag. There are plenty of services like Steem Auto, which not only you can set up a fan based upvotes and trail a popular account, you could also plan your posts in the future; without anyone to assist you.

This was screen captured directly from the website

Well you may call me a "phobia" and becoming too sensitive on the security side, but I treat my account as who it represents - ME. Unless I can fully trust, or there is a recorded agreement that my ghost writer (I hired / appointed) will ensure that whatever he / she does keeps my integrity intact and not being manipulated for whatever reason behind it, I will not trust anyone with my private keys.

As the late Kapar Sigh has mentioned,

There are no permanent enemies or permanent friends.

This account is your face, your identity, your future. Because it is blockchain, you need to know that NO POSTS CAN BE REMOVED (you can hide it but it will stay FOREVER) as long as there is power source, Internet and the witnesses of Steemit stays strong around the world.

It is not like Twitter / Facebook / Instagram.

Heck, even during the most recent Mark Zackerberg testifying to the US Congress is unable to confirm 100% that your information is totally removed from the system when it is deleted / your account is removed.

More so in this Steemit platform.

Your content is part of the blockchain now, your post, your comments, with all your data from your wallet to you transactions. So please keep that in mind that whatever decision you make to trust anyone with your private keys except yourself, you need to know the consequences and never ever think you can point the finger back to the people you have entrusted your key with.

I know I could really be pulling this out of context, but think this Bible Verse does give a stern warning for a lot of recent, not only in a church context, but also in real life.

Beware of false prophets (friends / family). They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Are grapes gathered from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles?
Matthew 7:15-16

I purposely change prophets to friends or family, because they are categorised under the same genome - human beings.

Humans are not perfect.

Even if we give the benefit of a doubt most of the time.

Heck even #steemit account password has a clear warning of it

(I personally believe this is targeted for ALL private keys)

So think twice, trice, if EVER anyone ask you to give your posting key (or any private keys) unless the account is a community account; if you do not want to be accused as an accomplice if something bad happens.

Just my thought of the day. I hope this post gives you some realisation as much as it has given me an awaken reminder.

Until then

Thank You for Your Time

Please click on the logo to read why I have this project of 1000 SBD at the first place.