Hardware Wallet
Definition
A hardware wallet is a physical device that stores cryptocurrency private keys in secure elements, isolated from general-purpose computers. Ledger, Trezor, and similar devices protect keys from malware and remote attacks. Post-quantum hardware wallets are emerging to support Kyber and SPHINCS+ algorithms.
Technical Explanation
Hardware wallets contain secure microcontrollers or secure elements that perform all key operations internally. Private keys never leave the device. Users approve transactions on the device screen, signing occurs internally, and only signed transactions output to the connected computer.
Post-quantum challenges: larger key and signature sizes require more secure element memory, processing capability, and display/communication bandwidth. SPHINCS+ signatures (potentially 40+ KB) take longer to transfer and verify. Firmware updates and potentially new hardware generations address these requirements.
SynX Relevance
SynX wallet architecture supports hardware wallet integration for Kyber-768 and SPHINCS+ operations. As hardware manufacturers add post-quantum support, SynX users can leverage hardware security. Currently, software cold storage provides equivalent key isolation for quantum-resistant assets.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does my current hardware wallet support post-quantum?
- Most current devices don't yet. Firmware updates or new models will be required.
- Is software cold storage as secure as hardware wallets?
- Properly air-gapped computers provide comparable security; hardware wallets add convenience and tamper resistance.
- When will hardware wallets support PQC?
- Manufacturers are developing support; expect availability as NIST standards mature in deployment.
Hardware-grade security for quantum-resistant crypto. Secure options with SynX