This is the future, where ownership is real and the physicality of an object, idea or asset is less important than what it represents.

At Gala, we empower people to own their content through web3 tech. Thanks to the innovations of GalaChain, users can actually own the content they interact with. This revolutionary idea was first explored in finance and entertainment… but as demonstrated by the recent GALAthon hackathon event during GDC 2024, its applications are limited only by imagination.

Vast amounts of users and resources are already flowing through web3 ecosystems, and this is just the beginning. Still, many newcomers underestimate the risks of the space, as well as the enhanced security that true responsibility for one’s assets demand.

You shouldn’t have to trust faceless corporations to protect your interests. You should, however, have the skills and knowledge to trust yourself when the power is in your hands.

Welcome to the Guardian Papers

From our staunch desire to both protect and empower members of our beloved community, the Guardian Papers were born. Through this series of articles on the responsibility of ownership, security guidelines and red flags, we hope to empower our community with something more valuable than any physical or digital asset: education. 

We want each of you to have the tools to effectively avoid the scams that can unfortunately still be found lurking in the corners of the Web3 world. We utilize blockchain systems for their unmatched security potential, but there will always be people who make it their life’s work to prey on the under informed, the gullible or – worst of all – the generous. This is a frontier. Frontiers have heroes… but they also have villains.

Understanding and staying ahead of the bad actors is an important part of doing your own research or due diligence– phrases you’ll continue to hear over and over in the web3 world. In this world, your money is no safer than your wallet, your wallet is as safe as your private keys, and your private keys are nothing short of sacred to you. Lose your firm, secure grasp on any of these things and your assets may be as good as gone. This is decentralization. There is no big bank ready to protect you and replace funds that were taken fraudulently. It’s all on you. The power is with the people.

Almost anyone can enjoy all the empowerment of the web3 space… as long as they also understand and accept the responsibilities.

Trust Yourself

Do not let these warnings make you afraid, but instead rise to the challenge of practicing basic security measures to keep your stuff safe! You are more capable of protecting yourself than any corporate bank, but you will have to spend some time and energy taking this power and responsibility into your own hands. This is still totally new, and we all have to learn new habits and routines.

The web2 world encouraged us to focus on simplicity and trust in the financial system. The convenience of cash transfer apps, debit cards and anytime/anywhere banking have taught us that money can move quickly and smoothly behind the scenes with little effort on our part. While highly convenient, it is easy to forget that this system requires trust of countless entities who are essentially strangers to you. With web3 tech, we are rapidly moving toward eliminating the need for trust. When trust is removed from the equation, a scammer’s power over victims is vastly reduced. You have the power to fight bad actors, you just need to learn to use it!

Owning crypto may not require you to trust a bank, but you must always trust yourself. You must trust yourself to never lose your seed or recovery phrase. You must trust yourself to take careful and deliberate actions when trading, transferring, purchasing, bidding, etc. You must trust yourself to follow the income tax laws of your country, realizing that while only you can hold yourself responsible, others will certainly hold you accountable.

Be a Watchdog

We understand that there will always be those who take advantage of anything with value. Become vigilant. Pay attention to the actions of those around you. Help your early adopter peers by watching their backs. These impersonators, imposters, phishers and frauds will always pollute the most successful blockchain communities. Their power will be continually reduced as web3 evolves toward its true potential. There is a constant battle between those here to engage with blockchain systems in the correct ways and those that are just here to try and take from others.

The Reality of Scams

Focus on protecting yourself and your fellow community members through open communication. Enhanced community looking out for each other… that’s making sweet and delicious lemonade out of some really bitter lemons.

Scammers and cheaters are not going anywhere, but the more people we can empower throughout the world, the fewer people will be driven to these types of malicious activities… and the more we’ll all be able to protect ourselves and each other. Doesn’t it feel good to be part of the solution for the big problems?

Within the Gala team, there are ongoing and passionate conversations about the importance of building a road for our growing community that is always safer and straighter than the one before. We’re proud to have been rated the most secure altcoin in the world, but there’s always room for improvement.

Upcoming Papers

This article is merely an introduction to the Guardian Papers series, which will be published over the coming weeks and months to ensure basic security information is available to all newcomers to the Gala community. 

Each relatively short article will have the intention of raising awareness to a specific security concern, but these articles are far from the whole story. We encourage every one of you to always stay vigilant and informed, and please, do your own research.

Stay tuned and stay safe!

Our mission of empowerment is becoming a reality, and as any friendly neighborhood Gala community moderator would tell you, with great power comes great responsibility.