Air-Gapped Wallet
wallet · security
A signing setup designed to keep private keys on a device isolated from ordinary data networks.
An air-gapped wallet signs on a device kept away from internet, cellular, Bluetooth, and other routine network connections. Unsigned and signed transaction data move through QR codes, removable media, or another controlled channel.
"Air gap" describes communication isolation, not a guarantee that the device has never been connected or cannot be compromised. Firmware, cameras, removable media, supply chains, side channels, and the transfer process remain attack surfaces.
The signer must independently display the network, destination, amount, asset, and fee. If the isolated device cannot parse the full transaction, the air gap may protect keys while providing weak protection against signing the wrong action.
Related terms
Cold Storage
→A custody arrangement that keeps signing keys unavailable to ordinary internet-connected systems.
wallet · security
Hardware wallet
→A physical signing device that keeps private keys isolated while approving cryptocurrency transactions.
wallet · security
Private Key
→Secret cryptographic material used to produce signatures or other authorization proofs.
cryptography · security · wallet
Offline Signing
→Preparing a transaction on a connected device and authorizing it with keys kept on a separate offline signer.
wallet · security