4 ms·

So once I've got my 24 word backup, how is that any safer than storing gold? Anyone who could come steal my gold can come take my hardware wallet, could they no

• lrvick 5y ago
  They can come take your hardware wallet but they can't use it without your passphase/pin and most have a built in self-destruct if you get the pin wrong too many times. Now if someone has an electron microscope and can read the raw memory cells, that is another matter, but not your typical adversary trying to steal for a quick buck at a pawn shop. It is also more durable because gold you can only store in a single location, whereas with a hardware wallet you could put you 24 word backup somewhere hard to access, maybe spread across one or more safety deposit boxes. Then if your funds ever feel at risk, you can simply erase your hardware wallet and go on vacation with confidence knowing you can trivially restore it when you get back with a trip to the bank.