What is an air-gapped wallet?
An air-gapped wallet is a type of cryptocurrency wallet that is completely disconnected from the internet and any form of wireless communication.
This type of wallet aims to provide an additional layer of security against potential hacks and exploits by signing transactions in an offline environment.
While air-gapped wallets are generally considered to enhance security, they require a high level of user responsibility and may be more suitable for those who manage substantial amounts of assets for the long term.
Understanding Air-Gapped Wallets
An air-gapped wallet is a cryptocurrency wallet that is designed to remain disconnected from the internet and any form of wireless communication. This includes Bluetooth, wifi, NFC (near-field communication), and sometimes even USB drives. The term “air gap” comes from the concept of having a physical “gap of air” between the wallet device and any online networks or wireless communication, aiming to provide an additional layer of security against potential hacks and exploits.
How Does an Air-Gapped Wallet Work?
Air-gapped wallets aim to facilitate transactions while remaining disconnected from the internet and wireless communication. They rely on scannable QR codes or micro-SD cards, which are small removable memory cards in which transaction data can be stored. These wallets commonly employ computer-based software applications that support Partially Signed Bitcoin Transactions (PSBTs) for Bitcoin or other similar partially signed transactions for different cryptocurrencies.
Types of Air-Gapped Wallets
Air-gapped wallets can come in a variety of different forms. The most common type is the air-gapped hardware wallet. These are specially-built hardware devices designed to store private keys offline. These wallets generally aim to facilitate transactions without ever exposing the private keys to an online environment or wireless communications. These devices usually have a digital screen to display transaction information and physical or touch buttons to manually approve transactions.
The Security of Air-Gapped Wallets
An air-gapped wallet aims to enhance security compared to other types of wallets. The offline and isolated environment aims to protect them from malware, phishing threats, and hackers. However, it's important to note that while air-gapped wallets are generally considered to enhance security, they are not entirely foolproof and require a high level of user responsibility. They may be more suitable for those who manage substantial amounts of assets for the long term.
The Future of Air-Gapped Wallets
The development of air-gapped wallets aims to address concerns surrounding the security of online wallets and the evolving value of cryptocurrencies. As cryptocurrencies aim to gain mainstream attention, the need for more robust security measures becomes evident. In response, air-gapped wallets have emerged aiming to protect private keys and transactions from online threats. As the cryptocurrency space continues to evolve, it's possible that the use of air-gapped wallets may continue to evolve.
