What is a cold wallet?

COLD CRYPTOCURRENCY WALLET

A cold wallet is the best choice for secure cryptocurrency storage. By keeping your secret phrase on an offline device, you guarantee full control and security of your assets.

What is a Cold Wallet?

There are two main types of wallets: cold and hot. The main difference is that the former operate offline, while the latter are constantly connected to the network.

The key feature of a cold wallet is that it only requires network connection for conducting transactions to input or output cryptocurrency.

Thus, a cold wallet is:

a reliable and simple device for storing cryptocurrency offline. It is considered the most secure as it is not tied to the internet and cannot be hacked without access to the physical device. The generation of two keys, public and private, ensures the movement and storage of assets.

What Types of Cold Wallets Exist?

The rapid development and adoption of cryptocurrencies have led to the emergence of various cold wallets, differing in functionality and capabilities. Below are the types of cold wallets.

Hardware Wallet

A physical device for storing cryptocurrency. A hardware wallet creates and stores private and public keys autonomously, using random number generation, minimizing the risk of hacking.

When choosing a hardware wallet, you should select reliable manufacturers to avoid software failures and other risks.

Advantages:

• Security: keys are stored offline, reducing the risk of hacking;
• Virus protection: being offline, hardware wallets are immune to viruses;
• Multifunctionality: support multiple cryptocurrencies;
• Portability and compactness: convenient to carry due to their size.

Disadvantages:

• Loss and damage: temporarily limits access to your funds, as the same device is required for recovery.

!!! NOTE: securely store your keys, otherwise, you will not be able to access your funds.

• Cost: can be expensive;
• Software failures: software problems may arise;
• Trust in the manufacturer: it's important to buy devices from trusted companies to avoid the risk of counterfeits and data theft;
• Inconvenience for frequent transactions: not convenient for frequent transactions.

Thus, hardware wallets are an excellent choice for long-term cryptocurrency storage, though they might be inconvenient if you perform frequent transactions.

Software Wallet

Digital wallets for managing cryptocurrency that can be installed on a computer or mobile phone.

Types and features of software wallets:

Desktop Wallets

Special software installed on a computer for managing and storing cryptocurrency.

Features:

• Stored on a specific computer;
• The wallet.dat file contains the key that provides access to all addresses.

RECOMMENDATIONS:
1) Protect the wallet.dat file with a strong password. This will create a barrier for intruders;
2) Make a backup of the wallet.dat file to recover data in case of password loss.

!!! NOTE: securely store the private keys of the desktop wallet to access your funds from another wallet.

Advantages of a desktop wallet:

• Functionality: support for various features and cryptocurrencies;
• Security: if used correctly and with a strong password;
• Control over keys: full control over your funds;

Disadvantages of a desktop wallet:

• Risk of losing access to funds: if the computer is broken or stolen, without a backup;
• Vulnerability to viruses: risk of attacks when connected to the network;
• Tied to the device: less maneuverability for the user;
• Technical issues: possible software failures.

Thus, desktop wallets are secure and functional but require protecting the computer and creating backups. They are suitable for those who value security and features but do not need mobility.

Mobile Wallets

Programs designed for smartphones. These are essentially mobile versions of desktop wallets.

Features:

• Designed for smartphones and tablets;
• Use QR codes or NFC[1] for transactions;

Advantages of a software mobile wallet:

• Convenience: always at hand;
• Quick transactions: support for QR codes and NFC;
• Functionality: support for various features and cryptocurrencies;

Disadvantages of a software mobile wallet

• Risk of hacking: vulnerability to viruses and hackers, as they are connected to the network;
• Dependence on the device: loss of phone or tablet results in loss of access to funds, if no backup is created;
• Vulnerability: easier to hack than hardware wallets.

Thus, mobile software wallets are convenient and functional for daily use and frequent transactions, but they are less secure and more vulnerable to attacks. For maximum security, it is important to regularly create backups and protect the device from malware.

Multicurrency Wallets

Wallets that allow you to store and manage multiple cryptocurrencies on different networks in one interface.

Advantages of software multicurrency wallets:

• Convenience: all cryptocurrencies are in one application;
• Easy management: easy to track and manage assets;
• Saves time: no need to switch between different wallets;
• Additional functionality: supports cryptocurrency exchange and purchase;

Disadvantages of software multicurrency wallets:

• Security: increased risk of hacking due to network connection;
• Dependence on the developer: updates and support depend on the developer;
• Software failures: risk of errors and technical issues.

Thus, software multicurrency wallets are convenient for users who want to store and manage multiple cryptocurrencies in one interface. They are functional and user-friendly but require high security and caution due to the increased risk of hacking and dependence on developers.

Paper Wallets

A method of storing cryptocurrency keys on paper. Typically, this involves generating and printing QR codes for the public and private keys of the wallet.

Features:

• Storage of private and public keys on paper;
• Used for long-term storage of cryptocurrency.

!!! NOTE: securely store the paper wallet to avoid loss or theft of keys. Refrain from sharing your private key with anyone.

Advantages of a paper wallet:

• Security: not connected to the network, making it impervious to hackers;

!!! NOTE: Do not share this data with third parties. Trust such information only to a narrow circle of people, or better yet, to no one at all.

• Durability: no risk of technical issues;
• Cost: free to create.

Disadvantages of a paper wallet:

• Risk of loss or damage: if lost or damaged, funds become inaccessible;

RECOMMENDATION: Create several copies of paper wallets and store them in a dry and secure place.

• Inconvenient for frequent transactions: not suitable for frequent transactions;
• Vulnerability to physical damage: susceptible to fire, water, and physical wear.

Thus, paper wallets are an excellent choice for long-term storage of cryptocurrency, providing high security at no cost. However, they require careful handling and protection from physical damage. Suitable for users who prefer simplicity and reliability but do not need to perform frequent transactions.

Thick and Thin Wallets

Types of cold wallets classified by the amount of storage they occupy on the computer.

Thick Wallets

Also known as "full nodes," they store the entire cryptocurrency blockchain on your computer.

Advantages of thick wallets:

• Security: stores the entire blockchain, providing a high level of protection;
• Privacy: all information is stored locally, ensuring greater privacy;
• Full control: the user has full control over cryptocurrency transactions;
• Access to mining and staking.

Disadvantages of thick wallets:

• Occupies a large amount of storage: significant memory is required for the entire blockchain;
• Each asset requires its own blockchain: storing each asset requires installing its own blockchain;
• Technically complex process: understanding the technical aspects of the blockchain is important compared to other types of wallets;
• High computer performance: a powerful computer is needed to process such a large amount of information quickly.

Thus, thick wallets provide a high level of security and privacy but require a large amount of storage, understanding of the blockchain, and a high-performance computer.

Thin Wallets

A type of thick wallet that does not require downloading the entire blockchain.

Advantages of thin wallets:

• Minimal computer performance requirements;
• Saves space: requires much less storage on the device.

Disadvantages of thin wallets:

• Less secure: relies on third-party servers;
• Less privacy: may offer less privacy due to using external servers.

Thus, thin wallets are less demanding on the PC and save space on it but may be less secure.

Which Cold Wallet to Choose?

Cold wallets for cryptocurrency are selected based on your needs.

A paper wallet is suitable for small amounts, while a hardware wallet is suitable for large amounts.

Desktop and mobile wallets are useful if you have a separate device.

!!! NOTE: When choosing a software wallet, pay attention to the developers, interface convenience, and security.

RECOMMENDATION: Regardless of the cold wallet you choose, create backups and store them in a secure place.

Below are popular wallets by type.

Hardware wallets:

• Ledger
• SafePal
• Trezor

Software wallets:

• Exodus
• Electrum

Multicurrency wallets:

• MetaMask
• Trust Wallet

How to Increase Security if You Use a Multicurrency Wallet?

For this, you will need a hardware wallet and Metamask:

• Connect your hardware wallet to the computer;
• Link Metamask to the hardware wallet from the available options;
• Next, select the account you will interact with and click "Unlock";
• Now, you will sign each transaction using your hardware wallet.

Conclusion

When choosing a cold wallet, consider your needs and the amount of assets to store. The main function of a cold wallet is to securely store your funds. The wide variety of cold wallets allows you to choose the most suitable option for your needs.

RECOMMENDATIONS:
1) When purchasing a hardware wallet, choose official stores or trusted suppliers. Never buy second-hand.
2) Securely store your private keys. Make several copies and do not share them with third parties.

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[1] NFC (Near Field Communication) is a short-range wireless communication technology that allows devices to exchange data over short distances.