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Crypto Wallet Explained: What is It and How Does It Work?

Crypto Wallet Explained

If you are starting your crypto investment journey, you must have wondered how these intangible digital currencies can be stored safely. The answer to that is simple – Cryptocurrency wallets. Unlike the conventional wallet in your back pocket, a crypto wallet operates in a different manner, as it is designed to store digital currencies.

For those entering the world of cryptocurrency for the first time, gaining a good understanding of crypto wallets is paramount. This article will delve into the essentials, exploring what crypto wallets are, examining their various types, and highlighting the significance of selecting the right wallet to improve the security of your digital currencies. Let’s take a look:

What is a Crypto Wallet?

What is a Crypto Wallet

A crypto wallet is an important tool designed to facilitate the storage and utilization of cryptocurrencies. In the world of cryptocurrency, everything exists digitally on the blockchain, which means there is no physical money to hold. Yet, just like a traditional bank account, individuals and organizations require a means to understand ownership and keep track of their cryptocurrency assets.

The crypto wallet fulfills this need, allowing users to verify their account balance and gain visibility into their cryptocurrency portfolio. It’s similar to a bank account providing a balance, even though there’s no physical currency involved.

This digital wallet not only validates balances but also empowers users to initiate cryptocurrency transactions. For most crypto investors, the crypto wallet is a primary tool for managing their cryptocurrency balances.

Crypto transactions require public and private keys, and these wallets store both of them while presenting a user-friendly interface. Beyond that, some advanced wallets even enable users to engage in activities like buying and selling or interacting with decentralized applications (dApps).

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How Does a Crypto Wallet Works?

A physical wallet is used to carry FIAT currency and bank credit cards but a crypto wallet functions differently. It doesn’t actually store cryptocurrency but rather safeguards the credentials and the private keys, essential for accessing the blockchain of a specific cryptocurrency.

In the traditional banking system, users are assigned account numbers. In the cryptocurrency blockchain, the public key operates similarly to a bank account number. However, merely possessing a bank account number or a public key isn’t sufficient for conducting a complete set of transactions.

Blockchain operates on a public key infrastructure model for cryptography. Both the public and private keys should only be known to users holding a specific asset or cryptocurrency. Both keys are indispensable to access and transfer cryptocurrency. Just as a private personal identification number is required to access a bank account with a bank card, a private key is essential for accessing assets on a blockchain.

To put it simply, crypto wallets safeguard the user’s private key and associated information, while public keys reside on the blockchain. By taking care of your public and private keys, a crypto wallet facilitates secure operations, validating balances, and enabling the initiation or reception of crypto transactions.

What are Public and Private Keys?

Public and Private Keys

In the context of cryptocurrencies and blockchain, a key is essentially a lengthy string of random, unpredictable characters. The public key serves as a means for users to receive cryptocurrency transactions and is openly accessible to anyone within the system. On the other hand, the private key acts as proof of ownership for the corresponding public key and must be securely stored and maintained as a confidential secret.

Think of the public key as similar to a bank account number, shareable without reservation. In contrast, the private key is akin to a bank account password or PIN, requiring utmost secrecy. Each public key is intricately linked with a specific private key in public-key cryptography.

Types of Crypto Wallets

Crypto wallets are generally divided into two main categories:

  • Hot Wallets
  • Cold Wallets

Hot Wallets

A hot wallet is always tethered to the internet and the blockchain network. It serves as a means to send and receive cryptocurrencies while managing your crypto assets online. The are referred to as hot wallets because they are always active and online.

One of the notable advantages of hot wallets is their swift accessibility to crypto assets, enabling users to adapt to changing market conditions. They allow the quick movement of funds between different wallets or their exchange for fiat currency as needed.

However, exercising caution and implementing online safety measures is crucial when using hot wallets. Employing anti-phishing codes, utilizing a VPN, and strictly adhering to trusted links is important to ensure your crypto assets’ security.

Hot wallets can be divided into further sub-categories of software wallets, including:

  • Desktop Wallets
  • Web-based Wallets
  • Mobile Wallets

Desktop Wallets

Desktop wallets are applications that you download and install on your desktop or laptop. These wallets generate a data file to store your keys and typically let you set up a password for secure access. While desktop wallets give you direct control over your keys, it’s important to be aware of potential risks, such as physical damage or the risk of malware/virus infection. Exodus wallet is among the most popular desktop wallets out there.

Desktop Wallets

Web-based Wallets

Web wallets, available through a web browser, stand as another commonly used type of hot wallet. These wallets do away with the requirement for specialized software and can be accessed from any location using a password, device, and web browser. It’s important to understand that with web wallets, the website typically has ownership of your keys. However, some web wallets employ multi-signature technology to enhance user control over their assets. An example of a web-based wallet is MetaMask.

Web-based Wallets

Mobile Wallets

Mobile wallets are similar to desktop wallets and are tailored for mobile devices. Simply by installing a mobile application on your phone, you can transform your phone into your crypto wallet. These wallets provide flexibility for conducting fund exchanges, yet it’s crucial to be mindful of the security risks they may pose. Trust Wallet is one of the most used mobile-based crypto wallet in the industry.

Mobile Wallets

Cold Wallets

Cold wallets, in contrast, keep cryptocurrencies offline and isolated from the internet and blockchain network. This offline storage improves security by distancing private keys from potential online threats.

Cold wallets establish an extra layer of protection against hacking by maintaining private keys offline. The private keys are employed to sign transactions offline, safeguarding against any unauthorized access. Even if the transaction begins online, the signing process occurs offline, shielding it from potential network breaches.

Storing private keys offline guarantees that no transaction can be signed without the explicit authorization of the cold storage holder. However, it’s important to note that integrating a cold storage device or method into your transactions may necessitate additional considerations technological or otherwise.

Cold wallets can be divided into further sub-categories of wallets, including:

  • Hardware Wallets
  • Paper Wallets

Hardware Wallets

Hardware wallets stand as the pinnacle of security. These wallets secure private keys on a physical device, keeping them offline and shielded from online threats. Functioning like flash drives, hardware wallets conveniently connect to computers or other devices through USB. Importantly, even when connected to the internet, the private key remains securely confined within the device. Notable brands in the hardware wallet domain include Ledger and Trezor.

Paper Wallets

Now, for an intriguing twist – you can store your crypto using a simple sheet of paper by jotting down the essential information. Paper wallets are just physical documents that encapsulate all the required data for accessing your cryptocurrency. While this method does provide an extra layer of security, it’s important to note that misplacing the paper document can lead to the permanent loss of your assets. Furthermore, paper wallets might prove cumbersome for partial fund transfers and often involve time-consuming transaction processes.

Custodial vs Non-Custodial Crypto Wallets

A crypto wallet can either be custodial or non-custodial. Let’s take a quick look at what custodial and non-custodial mean in this context:

Custodial Wallets

Custodial wallets are a type of crypto wallet where the custody, or control is overseen by a third party. This third party is often the cryptocurrency exchange where users engage in buying and selling cryptocurrency tokens and other crypto assets. Custodial wallets offer users a straightforward way to hold crypto assets and are directly provided by the custodian or exchange. In most cases, custodial wallets are hot wallets unless you are exclusively using an exchange that offers offline storage.

Non-Custodial Wallets

Noncustodial wallets are crypto wallets where the individual holds the custody, possessing the private keys for their crypto assets on the blockchain and taking responsibility for their security. This category encompasses various wallets, including paper wallets, as well as software wallets managed directly by users. In noncustodial setups, users have full control over their private keys.

How to Choose the Right Crypto Wallet?

When selecting the right crypto wallet, especially for new users, the initial inclination may be towards an online wallet affiliated with a crypto exchange for seamless buying and selling. However, it’s crucial to weigh the options based on individual needs. Here are key considerations for choosing the best crypto wallet:

Cold Wallets for Enhanced Security:

Consider a cold wallet, particularly a hardware wallet, for a disconnected approach to cryptocurrency access. This is suitable for those cautious about online threats and potential hacking incidents. While hardware wallets provide robust security, they may not be as readily accessible as online services, making them slightly less user-friendly.

Hot Wallets for Convenience:

Hot wallets, although not as secure as hardware wallets, offer convenience and quick transaction capabilities. The choice between cold and hot wallets ultimately boils down to personal preference and risk tolerance.

Prioritize Security Features:

For hot wallets, prioritize security features such as strong authentication and multifactor authentication to enhance digital security. In contrast, cold wallets, being offline, inherently mitigate digital security concerns.

Check Cryptocurrency Support:

Ensure that the chosen crypto wallet supports the specific cryptocurrency you intend to trade. Not all wallets support all networks and types of blockchains.

Integration with Crypto Exchange:

Verify if the crypto exchange you use easily integrates and supports the selected crypto wallet technology. Seamless integration will help with fund transfers and prevent potential hassles.

It is important to remember that the choice of a crypto wallet depends on individual preferences, security considerations, and the specific needs related to the chosen cryptocurrencies and exchanges.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, understanding how crypto wallets function is important for beginners to safeguard their assets better. When it comes to choosing a crypto wallet, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Each type of wallet comes with its strengths, purposes, and trade-offs. It’s a matter of personal choice to determine what works best for you.

For those comfortable with higher risk levels seeking regular, quick online payments, the convenience of a hot wallet may be ideal. On the other hand, individuals with a more risk-averse approach, planning for long-term coin holding, might find security in a dedicated offline device, such as a hardware wallet.

Ultimately, the choice boils down to your goals and personal preferences. Diversifying your assets across different wallets is highly recommended. You can keep some of your assets on a hot wallet for active trading and rest in the cold wallet.

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Founder of CryptoKid.com, 17 y/o Technical Analyst & Angel Investor