Crypto Wallets: Everything to Know

By  Beluga Research July 7, 2023

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Summary

  • A crypto wallet is a way to hold cryptocurrencies
  • Wallets keep cryptocurrencies secure using cryptography
  • There are four types of wallets, hardware, software, paper and web
  • A crypto wallet can be accessed from anywhere in the world

Overview

A cryptocurrency wallet is a method for a user to store, send and receive digital assets securely. A wallet contains two essential components, a public key and a private key. The public key is the user's wallet address, which is used to receive digital assets. The private key is a secret code like a password that the holder uses to access and manage the digital assets in the wallet. Hardware and paper wallets are more secure than software and web wallets.

A Brief History

The first cryptocurrency, Bitcoin, was created in 2009 by an unknown individual or group under the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto. At the time, there was no need for a wallet. This is because there was no way to store or send Bitcoin. As the popularity of Bitcoin grew, so did the need for a secure storage solution. In 2011, the first Bitcoin wallet was created by blockchain.info. This wallet allowed users to store and send Bitcoin securely. Since 2011, the cryptocurrency market has exploded. Many new wallets have emerged to cater to the increasing demand.

What is a Crypto Wallet?

A cryptocurrency wallet is a digital storage method that allows users to store, send and receive digital assets like bitcoin and ether. The four types of wallets are:

  • Hardware wallets. These are physical devices that store a user's private keys offline. Hardware wallets are considered to be one of the two types of more secure wallets. They are not connected to the internet. This makes them immune to hacking attempts.
  • Paper wallets. These are physical copies of a user's public and private keys printed on a piece of paper. Paper wallets are also one of the two types of more secure wallets. Like hardware wallets, they are not connected to the internet. They also are immune to hacking attempts.
  • Software wallets. These are digital wallets that can be downloaded and installed on a computer or mobile device. Software wallets are convenient to acquire and easy to use. They are more vulnerable to hacking attempts.
  • Web wallets. These are online wallets that are hosted on a third-party server. Like software wallets, web wallets are easy to get and use, but are open to hacks.

Getting Started

  • Select a wallet. An investor should choose the type of wallet that best suits their needs. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages. A user needs to consider preferences, budget and security requirements before choosing a wallet.
  • Set up the wallet. Follow the instructions provided by the wallet provider. This usually involves creating a new wallet, generating a new public and private key pair and backing up the private key. It is crucial to keep the private key safe and secure. This is the only way to access a wallet's digital assets.
  • Store the digital assets in the wallet. A crypto wallet can be used to store cryptocurrencies, NFTs, utility tokens and other digital assets. The terms of the wallet dictate the rules for its use.
  • Record digital transactions in the blockchain. With a digital wallet, every transaction is verified and validated by a network of nodes.

Unique Aspects

Allows control of digital assets without the need for a third-party. A user does not need a bank or a financial institution to access the digital assets. With a cryptocurrency wallet, the user can send and receive transactions directly to and from other users.

Use the blockchain to record transactions. On the blockchain, every transaction is verified and validated by a network of nodes rather than a single entity. This makes it difficult for anyone to manipulate or alter the transaction history. The blockchain creates a secure ledger for the wallet.

Retain a high level of privacy and anonymity. Wallets do not require the user to disclose their personal information or identity to make transactions. Some wallets may require the user to complete a Know Your Customer (KYC) process to comply with anti-money laundering (AML) regulations.

Range of types. Desktop wallets are software programs that a user downloads and installs on their computer. They offer a high level of security and control. Yet they require more technical knowledge than other types of wallets. They may also be vulnerable to malware or viruses. Popular desktop wallets include Exodus, Electrum and Bitcoin Core - among many others.

  • Mobile wallets are apps that a user installs on their smartphone or tablet. They are convenient and easy to use. These types of wallets are less secure than desktop wallets. They are vulnerable to hacks and thefts. Popular mobile wallets include Mycelium, Coinomi and Edge.
  • Hardware wallets, described earlier as physical devices that store private keys offline, are more expensive than other types of wallets. They may be difficult for beginners to understand and use. Popular hardware wallets include Trezor, Ledger and KeepKey.
  • Web wallets, described earlier as online services that store private keys on servers, are vulnerable to hacks and scams. Popular web wallets include Coinbase, Binance and Blockchain.info.

Advantages

  • Security. Cryptocurrency wallets provide a high level of security for digital assets. Private keys are stored securely. Transactions require authorization using a password or other security measures.
  • Control. With a cryptocurrency wallet, an investor has complete control over the digital assets. Investors can send and receive cryptocurrencies at their discretion. They do not need the services of intermediaries, including banks and payment processors.
  • Accessibility. Cryptocurrency wallets allow an investor to access their digital assets from anywhere in the world, as long as they have an internet connection. This makes it easy to manage assets on the go.
  • Anonymity . Some cryptocurrency wallets provide a high level of anonymity, allowing the user to engage in transactions without revealing their identity. This is particularly useful for those who value privacy and want to keep their financial transactions confidential.
  • Compatibility . Cryptocurrency wallets are compatible with a wide range of digital assets, including bitcoin and ether. This makes it easy to manage a diverse portfolio of cryptocurrencies from a single wallet.

Disadvantages

  • Security Risks. While cryptocurrency wallets provide a high level of security, they are not immune to security risks. If a wallet is compromised, an investor could lose all of their digital assets. It is important to take steps to secure a wallet, including using strong passwords and enabling two-factor authentication.
  • Limited Regulation. Cryptocurrency wallets are not regulated. There is no government-backed insurance to protect a user's assets in the event of a security breach or other loss.
  • User Error. Cryptocurrency wallets require a certain level of technical knowledge to use them effectively. If a user makes a mistake when sending or receiving cryptocurrency, they could suffer a permanent loss of their assets.
  • Price Volatility. Cryptocurrencies are known for price volatility. If the value of a user's digital assets drops significantly, they could lose a significant amount of money.