(W39M00) Setting up Metamask (optional installation)

Optional Installation

In this course, we are going to examine different blockchain implementations and security aspects of them. In order to properly examine these security aspects, we are going to use testnet implementations of a blockchain (especially the Ethereum Blockchain) for which we will need a lightweight Ethereum wallet called Metamask.

Metamask is a browser extension supported by Chrome and Firefox that has Ethereum wallet capabilities without the need of retaining a whole copy of the Ethereum blockchain. It is easy to get installed (just go to https://metamask.io/ and add the add-on to your browser) and supports the Ropsten test network, in which we will execute our tests.

After installing the Metamask add-on, you have to click on it to execute it. In the new window, we agree to the terms and conditions and click in the “Create new Vault” or “Create a new wallet”, depending on our browser. We specify our password and the seed will be presented. We have to copy this seed and store it in a secure location in order to be able to restore our wallet in a loss scenario.

Starting our wallet, we are inside the main network where we need real money to get access to some currency and be able to make our tests. For that reason, we select the network button in the top right corner of the add-on and select the ropsten network.

Image 1: Ethereum network change in the Metamask Add-on.

Now that we are connected to the test network, we are able to get some free Ether by the https://faucet.ropsten.be:3001/. We just head to the website, paste our wallet address (which can be found in the Metamask add-on main page) and hit “Send me 1 test Ether”. We can do this more than one time, but 1 Ether is good enough for starting. After a couple of seconds, we will be able to see the Ether available to our wallet and ready for use.

Finally, we have to mention that the use of the test network is done in order to be able to test vulnerabilities and transactions without threatening the integrity of the main network or real assets and not having to manage and spend real money. Also, we have to mention that everything described in this course has to be executed ONLY in places that we have permission or we own.