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What is Trezor?

Trezor is a pioneering hardware wallet that revolutionized cryptocurrency security when it launched in 2014. Unlike software wallets that store your private keys on internet-connected devices, Trezor keeps your keys completely offline in a secure hardware device. This "cold storage" approach provides unparalleled protection against online threats, malware, and hacking attempts.

Your cryptocurrency assets are only as secure as the private keys that control them. Trezor ensures these keys never leave the device, meaning even if your computer is compromised, your funds remain safe. The device features a secure chip that performs all cryptographic operations internally, displaying transaction details on its screen for verification before you approve anything.

Device Verification Process

Device verification is a critical security step that ensures your Trezor is genuine and hasn't been tampered with. When you first connect your Trezor, the device and the Trezor Suite application perform a cryptographic handshake. This process verifies the device's firmware signature, confirming it was created by SatoshiLabs, the company behind Trezor.

During setup, you'll also perform visual verification by comparing codes displayed on both your computer screen and the Trezor device screen. This dual-verification system prevents man-in-the-middle attacks and ensures that what you see on your computer matches what the device is actually processing. Never skip this step, as it's your guarantee of authenticity.

Recovery Seed Importance

Your recovery seed is a list of 12 or 24 words generated by your Trezor during initial setup. This seed is the master key to all your cryptocurrency holdings and must be protected at all costs. If you lose your Trezor device, the recovery seed allows you to restore all your accounts and funds on a new device. However, if someone else gains access to your seed, they can steal everything.

Write your recovery seed on the provided recovery card using a pen, never store it digitally. Photographs, screenshots, cloud storage, or password managers are all vulnerable to hacking. Store the physical card in a secure location like a safe, and consider creating multiple copies stored in different secure locations. Never share your recovery seed with anyone, including Trezor support staff, who will never ask for it.

Onboarding Best Practices

The onboarding process sets the foundation for your cryptocurrency security journey. Take your time during setup and never rush through the steps. Ensure you're in a private location where nobody can see your screen or the device display. Before starting, verify that you downloaded Trezor Suite from the official trezor.io website, as phishing sites commonly distribute fake versions.

During setup, you'll create a PIN code for your device. Choose a strong PIN that you'll remember but others won't guess. The Trezor screen shows a randomized number grid that only you can see, protecting your PIN from keyloggers. You'll also have the option to enable advanced security features like passphrase protection, which adds an additional layer of security beyond your recovery seed.

After completing the initial setup and securely storing your recovery seed, test the recovery process with a small amount of cryptocurrency before moving your entire portfolio. This verification ensures you wrote down your seed correctly and understand the recovery procedure. Remember, self-custody means you are your own bank – there's no customer service to call if you lose your seed or forget your PIN.