The Hardware Wallet Experts

An air-gapped crypto hardware wallet is one of the most secure wallets for storing cryptocurrencies. The key feature of this crypto wallet is that it's not connected to any network, such as the internet. This separation helps prevent hackers from remotely accessing the wallet.

The term "air-gapped" means there's a gap between the hardware wallet and any network. It's similar to a computer that's not connected to the internet. This lack of connection makes air-gapped crypto wallets very secure against both hacking and physical tampering.

These wallets are often seen as the safest option for storing crypto. They are protected from attacks that come from the internet or directly in person. All important actions, like confirming a transaction, are done on the hardware wallet itself. Since it doesn't connect to a network, there is no way for hackers to get your private keys, which are the secret codes that prove you own your crypto.

Open source software is a type of program that anyone can use, change, and share. When we talk about a crypto hardware wallet being open source, it means that the code which runs the wallet is available for everyone to see and work on.

In a crypto wallet, open source makes the wallet more open and easy to understand. Anyone can check out how it works and how safe it is. The great thing about an open-source hardware wallet is that it benefits from community input. People with the right skills can help make the wallet better by finding and fixing problems, adding new features, or even changing the code themselves. This means the wallet keeps getting better, and any issues are sorted out fast.

Another big plus is that open-source code can be checked by independent experts. This is really important for something like a hardware wallet, where security is key. When experts can look at the code without restrictions, they can find and fix weak spots or possible security risks. This makes sure the wallet is as safe as it can be.

Also, open-source software can make users feel more confident. They can see the code for themselves and understand how it keeps their crypto safe. It also means they can be sure there's nothing hidden in the software that could put their crypto or personal information at risk.

Tamper-proof means something is made to stop or show signs of any unauthorised changes or access. For a crypto hardware wallet, being tamper-proof means it's built to be hard to open or change without the user knowing. This keeps the private key (a secret code for accessing the wallet's contents) safe. Even if someone gets hold of the hardware wallet, they can't get to the crypto stored on it.

One common way to make crypto wallets tamper-proof is by using tough-to-open cases. These cases are designed to be hard to break into, making it tough for anyone to physically get inside the hardware wallet. Some crypto wallets even have special sensors that notice if the wallet is opened. If this happens, they automatically delete the private key, so a thief can't access it.

Another method is sealing the hardware wallet with materials like epoxy. This makes it hard to reach the internal parts of the wallet. It prevents anyone from messing with the device or adding harmful software. The tamper-proof feature is important for hardware wallets. It adds extra security, ensuring the private key is safe from physical tampering. This is crucial because the private key is the only way to access the crypto in the wallet. If it's stolen or lost, the crypto is gone too.

EAL stands for Evaluation Assurance Level. It's a rating system used to check how secure a crypto hardware wallet is. This certification is given by an independent, international group. It shows that the hardware wallet has been tested and meets certain security standards.

EAL levels go from EAL1 to EAL7, with EAL7 being the most secure. Each level means a higher level of security, so the higher the level, the safer the wallet is considered. The top security level available for crypto wallets right now is EAL7. However most crypto wallets are rated between EAL5+ and EAL6+. This level of security is usually seen in devices used by the military or government.

Having an EAL certification gives a clear, unbiased view of a crypto wallet's security. This lets people who own crypto compare different hardware wallets based on their security levels. It also brings peace of mind, knowing your crypto is in a hardware wallet that's been checked and confirmed to meet high security standards.