How can I protect a wallet from being opened?

[bhodson]

I created a wallet and gave it a password. Now when I click on Electrum on my Mac it allows me to open the wallet without entering a password. What if someone just walks over to my computer and does the same? Is there a way I can password protect the wallet from being opened?

[shorena]

I created a wallet and gave it a password. Now when I click on Electrum on my Mac it allows me to open the wallet without entering a password. What if someone just walks over to my computer and does the same? Is there a way I can password protect the wallet from being opened?

No, not with build in methods. Put the wallet file in an encrypted container. Honestly though, lock your screen, set a user password. If someone can just walk by your computer and see your bitcoin balance, they can also install software, maybe even with enough rights to read your password and send it to their mail the next time you enter it.

[bhodson]

Thanks.  But just wondering.  What's the reason for it asking me to enter a password when I'm creating the wallet? When is that password used?

[shorena]

Thanks.  But just wondering.  What's the reason for it asking me to enter a password when I'm creating the wallet? When is that password used?

When you want to spend the coins or sign a message. The password only protects the private keys, not all information about the wallet. IIRC Multibit HD is the only wallet where everything is encrypted.

[Coding Enthusiast]

Thanks.  But just wondering.  What's the reason for it asking me to enter a password when I'm creating the wallet? When is that password used?

When you want to spend the coins or sign a message. The password only protects the private keys, not all information about the wallet. IIRC Multibit HD is the only wallet where everything is encrypted.

http://docs.electrum.org/en/latest/faq.html#why-can-i-open-the-wallet-without-entering-my-password

"This is done in order to minimize the amount of time during which sensitive information is unencrypted in your computer’s memory."


don't leave your wallet open and remove the desktop shortcut so if a random user walked up to your screen he can't just open the wallet or see the balance & addresses.

also as shorena said set a log in password and put your computer in standby or screensaver which requires sign in.