Understanding the security architecture that protects your cryptocurrencies from online threats
The fundamental principles behind Trezor's air-gapped protection
Trezor hardware wallets utilize a security concept known as "cold storage" - keeping your private keys completely offline and isolated from internet-connected devices. This approach provides protection against online threats that target software wallets and exchanges.
When you set up your Trezor, it generates your private keys entirely offline within the device's secure element. These keys never leave the device and are never exposed to your computer or the internet.
All cryptographic operations (signing transactions, verifying addresses) happen within the Trezor device itself. Your computer or smartphone only serves as an interface to broadcast already-signed transactions to the blockchain network.
Private keys are generated offline within the secure element of the Trezor device
Transactions are signed internally without exposing private keys
All operations are verified on the device's display
Only signed transactions are sent to online devices for broadcasting
Key technologies that enable secure offline cryptocurrency storage
A dedicated chip designed to securely store cryptographic information and execute crypto operations.
Private keys never leave the device and are inaccessible to connected computers or malware.
All transaction details must be verified on the Trezor's display before signing.
Device access is protected by a PIN that's entered directly on the device, not on the computer.
A 12-24 word recovery phrase allows wallet restoration while keeping keys offline during the process.
An optional passphrase creates hidden wallets for additional security layers.
When you want to send cryptocurrency, Trezor's offline signing process ensures security:
This process ensures that even if your computer is compromised with malware, an attacker cannot alter transaction details after you've verified them on the Trezor display, nor can they extract your private keys.
Why offline storage provides superior security for your cryptocurrencies
Trezor's offline approach protects against numerous threats that target software wallets:
Since your private keys never touch an internet-connected device, these attack vectors are completely neutralized when using a Trezor hardware wallet.
Common questions about Trezor's offline security answered
Yes, Trezor hardware wallets operate as cold storage devices. Your private keys are generated and stored entirely offline within the secure element of the device. The Trezor only connects to a computer via USB for the purpose of receiving unsigned transactions and sending back signed ones, but the private keys never leave the device.
If you lose your Trezor device, your cryptocurrencies remain safe as long as you have your recovery seed (the 12-24 word backup phrase). You can restore your wallet onto a new Trezor device or any compatible wallet using this seed. This is why it's crucial to store your recovery seed securely and offline, preferably on metal backup solutions for maximum durability.
Even with a compromised computer, hackers cannot access your private keys stored on the Trezor device. The worst they could do is try to manipulate transaction details before they reach your Trezor for signing. However, Trezor's display verification requires you to confirm all transaction details on the device itself, preventing unauthorized transactions from being approved.
Yes, Trezor devices can connect to mobile devices using OTG adapters. The security model remains the same - your private keys stay on the Trezor device, and all signing operations happen offline within the device. The mobile device only serves as an interface for preparing transactions and broadcasting already-signed transactions to the network.
Start securing your cryptocurrencies with offline storage today
Trezor remains the most trusted name in hardware wallets, with a proven track record of security since 2014. As the first hardware wallet ever created, Trezor has continuously evolved to address new threats while maintaining its core principle of keeping your private keys offline.
With Trezor, you get: