Basic question regarding bitcoin-qt security.

[Kokomoka]

Dear all.

I am running bitcoin-qt via arch-linux. I would like to improve security by shifting the majority of my stash to an offline cold wallet. I understand the importance of generating key pairs on an offline computer to acheive maximum possible security.

My question is, once I created say a dozen key pairs for my long term cold storage, will entering the private keys into bitcoin-qt as a way to see the balance on my desktop machine threaten thier security in any way?

[DannyHamilton]

will entering the private keys . . . threaten thier security in any way?

Yes.

[Kokomoka]

So I should avoid importing the private keys and simply use a paper wallet then?

[DannyHamilton]

So I should avoid importing the private keys and simply use a paper wallet then?

That depends on what you are trying to accomplish.

If you enter your private keys onto any device that is connected to the internet, then you immediately lost the benefit of generating the private keys on an offline computer.

If you want to track the balance on the paper wallets, there are several wallets that allow you to import the bitcoin addresses as "watch only" addresses.  This allows you to keep the private keys offline and still have software that displays the total balance to you.

[11inches]

My question is, once I created say a dozen key pairs for my long term cold storage, will entering the private keys into bitcoin-qt as a way to see the balance on my desktop machine threaten thier security in any way?

You don't need the private keys to see the balance. You can view the balance using the public key (address). The minute you use your private keys, you should consider stop using the paper wallet.

[Kokomoka]

Okay, thank you.