Hardware Wallet Security Protocol

Protecting your digital wealth with the highest standards.

A **hardware wallet** is the gold standard for protecting your cryptocurrency. Unlike software wallets, your private keys are stored offline in a secure chip, making them invulnerable to online threats like malware and phishing.

Core Principles of Access 🔑

1. Physical Confirmation is Key

Access to sign transactions must **always** be confirmed on the physical device's screen. Never approve a transaction if the details on your computer screen do not match the details on your hardware wallet.

2. The PIN Code

Your PIN provides the first line of defense. It protects your device from unauthorized physical access. **Never** input your PIN into your computer—it should only be entered directly on the hardware wallet or via a randomized key layout displayed on your computer (to thwart keyloggers).

The 24-Word Recovery Seed 📜

The **Recovery Seed (or Mnemonic Phrase)** is the master key to your entire wallet. It is typically a sequence of 12, 18, or 24 words that can be used to restore your wallet on any compatible device if your original hardware is lost or damaged.

Critical Seed Security Rules

Advanced Security Measures 🛡️

Passphrase (Optional Layer)

A **Passphrase** (sometimes called a "25th word") creates a hidden wallet, secured by two layers: the Recovery Seed and the Passphrase. This is an advanced feature that adds **deniability** and a significant extra layer of protection, but it requires perfect memory, as a lost passphrase means a lost wallet.

Firmware Updates

Always ensure your hardware wallet's firmware is up-to-date. Only perform updates through the official wallet application (e.g., Trezor Suite) and **never** from links found in emails or third-party websites.