Wallets, Security & Custody

What is a hardware wallet and how does it work?

A hardware wallet is a physical device that stores the private keys to your crypto offline, isolated from internet-connected computers. It works by signing transactions inside the device itself, so the private key never leaves the hardware even when you approve a transfer on a connected machine. For example, you confirm a payment by pressing a button on the device, which signs the transaction internally and sends only the signed result to your computer. This keeps keys out of reach of malware on the host machine. It is widely considered a strong form of self-custody.

Crypto investments are subject to market risk and volatility. Past performance is not indicative of future returns. This is general information, not investment advice — consider your own circumstances or consult a qualified adviser before investing.