GlossaryBeginner
Cold Storage
Keeping crypto keys on a device or medium that stays offline, reducing exposure to remote attacks.
Cold storage refers to keeping the keys that control crypto assets on something that isn't connected to the internet — for example, a dedicated hardware device or an offline backup — rather than on an always-connected phone or computer.
Being offline meaningfully reduces exposure to remote attacks such as malware or remote phishing, though it doesn't remove every risk: physical loss, damage, and user error remain possible, and cold storage still requires careful handling.
Examples
- A hardware wallet kept offline between uses is a common form of cold storage.
- A seed phrase written on paper and stored securely is a form of cold storage for wallet recovery information.