❓ • WHAT IS A HARD/COLD WALLET ❓
A hard or cold wallet is a physical device used to store your private keys offline. Unlike online wallets (such as Phantom, Exodus, Metamask, or any other), it is not constantly connected to the internet, significantly reducing the risk of cyberattacks.
☠️ • Note:
Remember that no wallet actually stores cryptocurrencies; they only store private keys, which allow you to move your assets. This is what hackers target, they try to steal your private keys or trick you into using them online to grant them control over your funds.
❓ • How so?
Hackers use various methods, such as:
• Sending malicious tokens designed to trick you into authorizing spending through their contract token.
• Making you download software that scans your personal files for saved passwords in text documents or screenshots.
• Deploying tokens with malicious contract functions that block trading and drain your funds when you attempt to trade them.
⚙️ • How does a hard wallet work?
A hard wallet stores private keys off-line. To make a transaction, the user connects the wallet to a device (via USB), manually signs the transaction by pressing a button on the physical device while offline, and then the device transmits the signed transaction to the blockchain, without exposing the private key to the internet. In addition, the device requires a PIN (an alphanumeric password of your choice) to authorize transactions. Both the software and hardware are designed with specific, tamper-proof security technologies.
🛍️ • Which one should I buy ❓
Reliable examples of hard/cold wallets include Ledger and Trezor. There are other devices available, but it's up to the user to explore and choose their preferred option.
