Is your cryptocurrency safe? #加密货币
What is a digital wallet? A digital wallet is like the wallet you use for cash, except it contains cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum.
Three types of wallets
Cold Wallet (Offline Vault)
Simply put: A wallet that is not connected to the internet, super reliable. How it works: Private keys are stored in a device that is not connected to the internet, so hackers cannot attack it. Suitable for: Long-term holders who buy cryptocurrencies and plan to hold them for several years. Advantages: Relatively reliable. Disadvantages: Inconvenient to use, cannot trade at any time.
Hot Wallet (Mobile Payment)
Simply put: A wallet connected to the internet, as convenient as mobile payment. How it works: Private keys are on your phone/computer and can be traded at any time. Common Apps: imToken and other wallet software. Suitable for: People who trade frequently, daily small payments. Advantages: Super convenient, can be used at any time. Disadvantages: Risk of being hacked.
💾 Hardware Wallet (Stable USB Drive)
Simply put: A dedicated hardware device, like a USB drive with a password. How it works: The private key is locked in a dedicated chip and can only be used when connected to a computer. Well-known brands: Ledger, Trezor. Suitable for: Users who want both reliability and convenience. Advantages: Reliable + relatively convenient. Disadvantages: Need to buy equipment.
Core Concepts (Using Received Information as an Analogy)
Private Key = Password to Open Information. A super password that only you know. Never tell anyone. If you lose it, you will not be able to recover all your money!
Address = Address to Receive Information. A collection address used by others to transfer money to you. Like "zhangsan@xxx". Can be shared publicly.
Public Key = Verification System. Automatically generated verification information to prove that the transaction was indeed sent by you. Generally, you don't need to worry about it.
How does it actually work? Receiving money: Tell others your address. Spending money: Use the private key to sign and confirm the transaction.
Selection Suggestions. Large amount of long-term storage → Cold Wallet. Daily small transactions → Hot Wallet. Balance stability and convenience → Hardware Wallet.
Friendly Reminder. Private key is the lifeline: multiple backups, no screenshots, no uploads to the network. Put small money in hot wallets: convenient for daily use. Use cold wallets for large money: reliability is the main priority. Give the address freely: only for receiving money.
Remember: Private key = your password, address = your account, losing the private key = losing all your money! Choose the right wallet according to your needs and use cryptocurrency safely!