How to Log In with a Nostr Extension

On Nostr, we like to say "Practice safe nsecs."

What does that mean?

Basically, you don't want to paste your nsec into every app because the more you do, the more you expose it, increasing the chances of it being compromised.

So practicing safe nsecs means using an extension that can store your nsec locally and allow you to log in to and sign events on websites that support Nostr extensions.

Below, you'll see a quick overview of some popular extensions in no particular order.

Keys.band

Website: https://keys.band GitHub: https://github.com/toastr-space/keys-band

Pros

• Slick interface
• Support for multiple accounts

Cons

• Doesn't support NIP-44 encryption

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1. Install the extension by going here and clicking "Add to Chrome".

2. Once the extension is installed, click on its icon to add an account (i.e. your nsec). The icon should be near the top-right of your browser window.

You should see the following displayed once the icon is clicked. I've already added my account but you should see a button to add one in the same place.

3. Go to a website that supports Nostr login

https://www.longform.space

https://bullishmarket.onrender.com

4. Click on the "Login with Nostr" button. This will initiate a popup from the extension to authorize the action (in this case getting your public key).

5. After confirming, you should be logged in. In the case of longform.space, you'll see all your drafts and published articles.

Congrats! You logged in with Nostr! 🤙