Limiting Crypto Connectivity Options is a Benefit, Say Hardware Wallet Experts

Shut the Door on Crypto Criminals: Here’s How

We’re used to new technology adding more and more features. From USB to Bluetooth, Airdrop, and Wifi, the more ways to connect, the better… right? In the cryptocurrency scene, however, the opposite might just be true. In fact, hardware wallet suppliers suggest that the fewer your wallet’s connectivity options, the safer your Bitcoin will be. The Foundation Passport is one example of such a device, experts say - which shows that, for crypto connectivity, less is more.

This popular device is specifically geared toward Bitcoin enthusiasts. It’s designed to help you access, trade, and most importantly, protect your digital assets. Now, The Crypto Merchant weighs in on exactly how the Passport passes inspection.

In Exchange for Safety…

You’ve heard of cryptocurrency exchanges - what you might not know is that they’re notoriously security-deficient. They mean well, but the fact remains that any platform hosted online is vulnerable to digital attack. Hardware wallets, meanwhile, are built to safeguard against such threats with the power of cold storage, and Foundation’s Passport follows suit.

But one added security flair separates the Passport from other wallets - and it’s tied directly to its physical design.

• The Passport is laser-focused on Bitcoin. No other cryptocurrencies.
• It exclusively uses QR codes and MicroSD cards to connect with other devices.
• While it does have a USB port, this is only for charging.
• No Wifi, no Bluetooth, no conventional forms of wireless communication.

Yes, that’s a limited number of connection routes - but this is a feature, not a bug. 

Freeze Out Thieves

In an era where cryptocurrency is at constant risk of digital theft over the Internet, sealing your Bitcoin offline is the best way to keep it safe, experts say. That’s where a power-only USB port comes in handy, preventing the outside world from illicitly gaining access. Your Passport can’t connect to computers - which means malware can’t infect your Passport.

What’s more, since this air-gapped device only uses QR codes and MicroSD cards, there are even fewer vulnerabilities for would-be hackers to exploit. Meaning? You retain full control over your assets, safe in the knowledge that your Bitcoin is cut off from the outside world - and the wireless security hazards that are always floating around...

Where to get safer devices

It’s no wonder cryptocurrency traders and investors are always looking for popular hardware wallets, prized for their ability to guarantee crypto security. There are authorized resellers out there that can offer an ongoing supply of hardware wallets and related gear, sourced directly from the respective manufacturers.

You name them: from Foundation to Trezor, Ledger, SecuX, and others, plenty of wallet-makers prioritize safer cryptocurrency management. If you want to safeguard your crypto assets, a cold storage wallet might be exactly what you need.