I'm trying to figure out when exactly it makes sense to invest in a good hardware wallet for self-custody. I currently use Electrum on Tails OS on my spare laptop.
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72 sats \ 1 reply \ @megaptera 23h
Maybe you don't even have to if you don't plan to do a multisig wallet. I mean if you maintain a clean setup with your tails OS and your key management this is a quite solid setup.
A hhw could be more comfortable but I doubt it being more secure.
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0 sats \ 0 replies \ @DrBrader99 OP 23h
I don't know. I think I would be uncomfortable using Electrum for large amounts. I think part of me is influenced by marketing around hardware wallets making them seem essential. Even if the security gain is marginal
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8 sats \ 0 replies \ @itsrealfake 23h
well... a HWW is really only for spending/sending sats somewhere. it makes the signature for your TX, then you broadcast that into the mempools.
If you're not spending sats, then you probably don't need a HWW.
in terms of custody... the HWW can help you create a new set of addresses and keys, if you feel somehow that the ones you have aren't good enough. but you'll never use the HWW for receiving.
in terms of novelty, it's pretty cool to have one. and if you just want to try one out... see if you can find a used one at your most-local bitcoin meetup, and then create new keys on it... then send 10k sats to yourself and go around trying to spend sats with a HWW... (the joke here, it's not any better).
if you're getting a used HWW, for experimentation only, then you don't need to worry about it being pwnt. and you can just have a little fun with it.
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15 sats \ 1 reply \ @Taj 22h
I think getting a HW is a road new Bitcoiners need to go down, when their knowledge grows, they may decide that they are a gimmick and there are better alternatives, as stackers have mentioned, along with Darth regularly recommending TailsOS set up
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0 sats \ 0 replies \ @DrBrader99 OP 22h
Yes, I am familiar with that.
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10 sats \ 4 replies \ @BitcoinHandsOn 22h
There's a lot of manufacturer propaganda about needing hardware wallets. But I think there's some significant attack vectors with them.
I'd say that you're more likely to have a problem when the entire customer database of your hardware wallet manufacturer gets hacked and put up for sale. Like Ledger has, for instance.
Compared to that, a knowledgeable person with your electrum/TailsOS setup is likely better off.
If you really want one, check out Seedsigner.com.
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32 sats \ 3 replies \ @DrBrader99 OP 21h
The manufacturer being hacked is a real concern. I will look into SeedSigner.
What do you think about Trezor Bitcoin Only, since its firmware and app are open source too?
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0 sats \ 1 reply \ @itsrealfake 6h
I get dozens of emails a week from scammers who got my email from a HWW vendor hack.
its a real problem.
if you are going to get one, have it sent to your local bitcoin club instead of your house
same with seed plates
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0 sats \ 0 replies \ @itsrealfake 6h
same... seedsigner looks boss, that's what I will do for myself at some point.
I still have an extra HWW in a drawer tho, so I don't k ow when I will make the switch
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0 sats \ 0 replies \ @BitcoinHandsOn 21h
I haven't looked into Trezor Bitcoin Only. I would still trust SeedSigner more.
They have a very active and helpful telegram channel - https://t.me/joinchat/GHNuc_nhNQjLPWsS
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10 sats \ 1 reply \ @OT 22h
That sounds like a good setup. Do you really need a hardware wallet? Is it to make signing more convenient?
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0 sats \ 0 replies \ @DrBrader99 OP 22h
For me knowing it could be secure without it, having the physical device gives a bit of extra peace of mind.
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0 sats \ 0 replies \ @e7b4655b65 3h
when bitcoin stack in $ value > cost of wallet
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