Just a friendly reminder, cold wallet vs hardware wallet, Windows malware

[Lucius]

~snip~
But hey, everybody is responsible for their own crypto and wallet security setup. People can do stupid things or can go safer paths.

For some people, even $50 for such a device may be a high price, because it's an amount that doesn't mean much in the EU or the US, but in some countries you have to work a whole month to earn that. However, I would also agree that anyone who wants to invest in Bitcoin should first learn the basics, then play a little with desktop/mobile wallets, and only then think about whether their future investments will justify the purchase of a hardware wallet.

I also see that there is some confusion with the terms cold wallet and air-gapped wallet, and it should be clearly stated that they are not the same thing. An air-gapped wallet is a device that does not connect directly to the internet, but uses SD cards or QR codes to communicate with the user interface, which makes it maximally secure, while on the other hand, some use the term "cold wallet" generally for other hardware wallets that still have to connect to the user interface online, but generate private keys (seeds) on the device itself.

[Franklyn-wood]

I think it's unrealistic to expect people to buy a hardware wallet first before they buy their Bitcoin. As much as I agree that it is better for security, people who are buying Bitcoin newly need time to understand all these, how to get them and how they are different.
I think if they just know not to put untrusted apps, extensions, videos and things like that on their phone and don't click phishing links, etc, you should be fine, if you use a trusted open source wallet.
Using a hardware wallet alone doesn't keep you safe. There are still security guidelines you need to follow.

No doubt about whether to buy hardware wallet or buying Bitcoin first. Having to know the important steps to follow before doing anything should be the taeget. Before investment are made there should have been adequate understand about it, security consciousnes should be the first in mind before strategies on how to source funds to invest in the business, and when comfort to start.
All this are process needed to be put into consideration likewise in Bitcoin investment. Keeping watch all the time is pretty good. If the hardware wallet are not properly kept on might fall victim of losing investment as well.

[BlackHatCoiner]

Forget Windows malware. Cyber threats will become much worse in the age of AI. The latest models are capable of finding vulnerabilities in critical code, like the linux kernel. You should absolutely not store any significant amounts in hot wallets. They are even less safe now.

And to be fair, I'd invest in a signing device instead of a hardware wallet to just be sleeping easy at nights.

[coinlary]

Forget Windows malware. Cyber threats will become much worse in the age of AI. The latest models are capable of finding vulnerabilities in critical code, like the linux kernel. You should absolutely not store any significant amounts in hot wallets. They are even less safe now.

This got me thinking, doesn’t this pose more of a threat to open source itself?

[TypoTonic]

Considering how expenses hardware wallets are, investors would hesitate to Invest in them first.

It's a good idea, since we need to take security to it's peak when investing in Bitcoin or cryptocurrency. But how many investors would bother about this? Some sees this kinds of news everyday but ignores them thinking it's not possible to happen to them.

That's not a good mindset though, especially if they are going to invest a lot. The cost of a hardware wallet is just minor compared to losing all of their coins. If it's to hold small amounts for daily transactions, then hot wallets are fine, but if it's for long term storage, I'd rather take my time and save up until I can afford one.

Even the best still could be a victim when he's not careful, so no one should think they are in a better position. even with a hardware wallet you could still be vulnerable.

It wouldn't hurt to use a more secure setup. A hardware wallet reduces risk, but of course it's still the person's responsibility to exercise due diligence.

[m2017]

This is just a friendly reminder as why it's still better you invest in a open source hardware wallet first before buying your Bitcoin, things are changing so fast that if what you are using to store your Bitcoin or crypto isn't made specifically ( hardware device ) for this reasons you are taking a big risk.

For some users, the investment is comparable to the price of a hardware wallet or so. In this case, should buy a HW device? Probably not.

The risks are significantly less if the OS isn't from Microsoft.

The day you chose to get a good hardware wallet that's open source is where you mind still stop skipping when such similar news like this shows up online.

Quite the contrary, why would you read such news if, after purchasing a hardware wallet, your assets are completely safe?

A airgapped, open source, hardware wallet is a good investment, that costs less than most mid range smartphones, how you lay your bed is how you will sleep on it.

Approximately $50 + shipping (can get a discount during promotions).