A colourful, informative demo page about hardware wallets and safe crypto custody.
Why choose a hardware wallet?
Owning your private keys is the foundational principle of cryptocurrency ownership. A hardware wallet like Trezor stores your private keys in an isolated, tamper-resistant device so they never touch an internet-connected computer. This significantly reduces the risk from remote attacks, phishing, and malware.
This page explains core benefits, gives practical setup instructions, and shares best practices for keeping assets safe while staying flexible enough to use DeFi, NFTs and on-chain tools.
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Key features & how they help
Isolated private keys: Private keys are generated and stored on the device; signing happens on-device.
Recovery seed: 12–24 words that let you recover funds if the device is lost; must be stored offline and secret.
Passphrase support: An optional extra layer: even if someone has your seed, a passphrase is required to access funds.
Open-source firmware: Community-audited code increases transparency and trust.
Broad coin support: Bitcoin, Ethereum, and many tokens and blockchains are supported via companion apps and integrations.
PIN protection: Local PIN defends against casual access.
Each of these components plays a specific role in reducing attack surface while keeping control firmly with you.
Quick setup guide
Follow these steps to get started safely:
Buy from an authorized vendor—avoid secondhand devices.
Unbox and confirm tamper-evident packaging before connecting to a computer.
Visit the official Trezor setup page and install the recommended bridge/app when prompted.
Create a new wallet on the device. Record your recovery seed on paper (or steel) and store it offline in a secure place.
Set a strong PIN and enable a passphrase if you need an extra hidden wallet.
Test recovery by restoring on a spare device or emulator before storing the device away.
Tip: never type your recovery seed into a website or cloud note. Seeds typed into a device-only entry are safer.
Security tips & best practices
Keep your seed offline in multiple geographically separated locations if holding significant amounts.
Consider metal backup plates to protect from fire and water damage.
Use a passphrase for deniable or hidden wallets — but remember: losing the passphrase means losing access.
Keep firmware up to date, but verify update instructions from official sources.
Beware phishing sites: always verify domain names and bookmarks before connecting your hardware wallet.
How Trezor compares
Hardware wallets trade some convenience for strong security. Compared with software wallets (mobile/desktop) Trezor dramatically reduces remote attack risk. When choosing a hardware wallet consider:
Open-source vs closed-source firmware
Supported coins and ease of integration
Device build, display, and usability
Community reputation and updates
FAQ
What happens if my Trezor is lost or stolen?
If you have your recovery seed, you can restore your funds to a new device. If you didn't back up the seed, funds are unrecoverable — this is why secure, redundant backup is essential.
Can hackers extract keys remotely?
Because keys never leave the device and signing occurs on-device, remote extraction is extremely difficult. Local physical attacks are a different threat model.
Should I use a passphrase?
Passphrases add an extra secret layer and create hidden wallets. They increase security but also increase the chance of accidental loss if you forget the passphrase.
Resources & further reading
Official documentation, setup pages, community guides, and backup tools are essential links you should consult when using any hardware wallet. Always prefer official sources for firmware and downloads.
Official setup and support pages
Community security audits and firmware changelogs
Tools for safe seed storage such as metal backup kits
Setup checklist
Confirm package seals before unboxing
Initialize new device — do not restore from seed offered online.