What is Hardware Wallet?

A hardware wallet is a small physical device dedicated to protecting your private keys. The keys are generated and kept inside the device and never leave it. When you want to send funds, the transaction is signed inside the hardware and only the signature comes out, so malware on your computer cannot steal the keys.

This matters for anyone holding meaningful amounts. Because the secret stays offline, a hardware wallet defends against most remote attacks, including drainers and clipboard malware, provided you verify details on the device screen.

Example: to move funds, you connect the device, review the recipient and amount on its own screen, and physically press a button to approve; nothing signs without that confirmation.

Safety note: buy hardware wallets only from the manufacturer or an authorised reseller, never second-hand or from a marketplace listing, because tampered devices exist. Set it up yourself, record the seed phrase it generates, and never enter that seed into a computer. The device protects keys, but you still must verify every on-screen transaction. Related terms include cold wallet, seed phrase, self-custody, and blind signing.