What is Hardware Wallet?

A hardware wallet is a special type of bitcoin wallet which stores the user’s private keys in a secure hardware device.

They have major advantages over standard software wallets:

  • private keys are often stored in a protected area of a microcontroller, and cannot be transferred out of the device in plaintext
  • immune to computer viruses that steal from software wallets
  • can be used securely and interactively, as opposed to a paper wallet which must be imported to software at some point
  • much of the time, the software is open source, allowing a user to validate the entire operation of the device

Type-1

The most advanced hardware security gear on the market. It boasts multi application execution, and packs enterprise-level crypto-capabilities into a lightweight handheld device designed and crafted in France. It is architected around a Secure Element, featuring a touchscreen and USB & Bluetooth* connectivity.

Battery-powered, Bluetooth* and USB enabled, the type-1 can operate with any computer and smartphone.

  • Battery 500mA LiPo
  • BLE 4.1, USB 2.0 Full Speed, NFC (requires firmware update)
  • Windows, Mac OS, Linux and Chrome OS
  • 3.5 inch display, Full color, 320×480 pixels, LED-backlit
  • Strongly secured and isolated inside a Secure Element, locked by a PIN code.

Type-2

It is a Bitcoin, Ethereum and Altcoins hardware wallet, based on robust safety features for storing cryptographic assets and securing digital payments. It connects to any computer (USB) and embeds a secure OLED display to double-check and confirm each transaction with a single tap on its side buttons.

When you own cryptocurrencies, you need to protect your confidential data and the access to your funds. Secrets like private keys are never exposed: sensitive operations are isolated inside your hardware wallet within a state-of-the-art Secure Element, locked by a PIN code. Transactions can’t get tampered with, they are physically verified on the embedded screen with a simple press of a button.

It includes Bitcoin, Litecoin, Ethereum and Ethereum Classic companion apps, and other blockchain-based cryptocurrencies. You can send and receive payments, check your accounts and manage multiple addresses for each currency from the same device. This also supports the FIDO® Universal Second Factor standard that simplifies the authentication process on compatible online services such as GMail, Dashlane, Dropbox or GitHub.