Bitcoin’s Bullish Breakout: A Look at the Market and the Momentum
Bitcoin has skyrocketed to a new all-time high of $98,907.40, marking an extraordinary moment in its history. With the Fear & Greed Index hitting a staggering 94 (Extreme Greed), the crypto market is riding a wave of unshakable optimism. This surge is not just about numbers on a screen; it’s a reflection of growing adoption, shifting perceptions, and a confluence of global events that are positioning Bitcoin as a cornerstone of the modern financial system.
Bitcoin at a New All-Time High
Bitcoin’s record-breaking performance is driven by a combination of investor confidence, institutional interest, and anticipation of a more crypto-friendly environment following the recent U.S. presidential election. With Bitcoin’s market cap nearing $2 trillion, this rally isn’t just about short-term speculation. It’s a signal that Bitcoin is moving closer to the mainstream as a trusted store of value and a hedge against traditional market uncertainties.
Market Sentiment: Fear & Greed Index Hits 94
The Fear & Greed Index, a popular barometer of market sentiment, surged to an astounding 94, reflecting Extreme Greed. This sharp uptick shows the exuberance in the market as investors pile in, hoping to ride the bullish wave. While optimism abounds, it’s important to approach this phase with caution, as extreme greed levels often precede corrections. Staying informed and managing risks effectively is vital during such dynamic market conditions.
The Election’s Impact on Bitcoin
The 2024 U.S. presidential election has brought new energy and speculation to the crypto sector. A potentially more crypto-friendly administration could herald regulatory clarity and foster growth across the industry.
Pro-Crypto Policies on the Horizon
Key political developments include discussions about replacing SEC Chair Gary Gensler, a move that many in the crypto space view as a step toward fairer and clearer regulations. Dan Gallagher, a potential contender for the role, is widely regarded as a pro-crypto advocate whose leadership could spur innovation and reduce regulatory roadblocks.
The Concept of a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve
One intriguing possibility is the idea of a U.S. strategic Bitcoin reserve. Transforming seized Bitcoin holdings into a national asset would send a strong message of trust in digital currencies. Such a move could catalyze global adoption and inspire other nations to follow suit, further solidifying Bitcoin’s role as a financial powerhouse.
Pro-Crypto Majority in Congress
With 271 pro-crypto representatives in the House and 19 in the Senate, the legislative environment is shifting toward a more blockchain-positive outlook. These developments signal the potential for faster and more favorable regulations, fueling optimism within the crypto community.
How Trezor Can Help You Navigate the Market
In these exciting times, safeguarding your crypto investments is paramount. As Bitcoin reaches new heights, the need for security grows. Trezor hardware wallets provide unmatched protection by keeping your private keys offline and under your full control. Whether you’re trading or holding for the long term, Trezor ensures your journey remains secure.
What’s New in Trezor Suite?
Trezor Suite is evolving to make crypto management simpler and safer. The latest addition — crypto purchases through Revolut — makes it easier than ever to buy Bitcoin directly within the app. This seamless integration ensures that transactions remain secure while giving you full control of your assets.
Looking Ahead
Bitcoin’s journey to an all-time high is more than just a financial milestone; it’s a testament to its resilience and growing significance in the global economy. As we move into this new era of possibility, staying informed and choosing the right tools will ensure you navigate the market with confidence. Trezor is here to support you every step of the way, providing the security and peace of mind you need to participate in this thrilling chapter of Bitcoin’s evolution.
Secure Your Financial Freedom with Trezor
Bitcoin is rewriting the rules of finance, and Trezor is your trusted partner in this revolution. Whether you’re trading, investing, or holding for the future, now is the time to ensure your crypto assets are as secure as they are promising. Explore the Trezor ecosystem today and take charge of your financial freedom as Bitcoin continues to soar.
Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed this article, give it a clap (or a few!) and drop a comment below — we’d love to hear your thoughts. Don’t forget to follow for more insights and updates on the exciting world of crypto security.
Welcome to Trezor Pulse! We’re excited to bring you the latest updates and stories from across Trezor, as we continue to create innovative solutions that empower you to safeguard your crypto. In this edition, we explore the balance of design and security that makes Trezor unique, highlight recent developments, and celebrate moments that connect and grow our community. Plus, Adam Budinsky, our Head of Hardware, has a special message about the philosophy guiding our product design.
Over to you, Adam
Hi there,
Adam here, Head of Hardware at Trezor.
Designing hardware is about more than just creating devices. It’s about giving you the power to secure your financial independence and privacy with confidence, without a second thought. From the start, my team and I have been focused on one goal: building products that balance simplicity and security, so you can manage your crypto with ease.
At Trezor, we’re committed to more than just building for today. Our mission is to design tools that prioritize security, privacy, and usability, empowering you to maintain full control of your crypto for the long term. Because we’re open source, it’s not about asking for your trust — it’s about providing transparency, giving you the ability to verify and audit your security at every step.
Personally, I’m inspired every day by the challenge of making complex technology simple and empowering. Knowing that the products we create help people like you safeguard your financial freedom is what drives us forward.
Thank you for being part of this journey. We’ll continue to build on this foundation, ensuring that your digital freedom is secure for the future.
Adam Budinsky
Head of Product (Hardware) at Trezor
In October, we showcased our Trezor Safe 5 and Trezor Expert service at ETHMilan 2024, Italy’s largest Ethereum and Web3 conference. It was the perfect place to exchange ideas with global blockchain enthusiasts and highlight what sets Trezor apart. Who knows — you might see us at an event near you soon!
Back in Cologne, we engaged with the German-speaking crypto community at the BlockTrainer Community Event. We introduced new features like the Smart Trading Engine and gained valuable feedback. Events like these are vital in shaping our future and strengthening our bond with the community.
When we’re not working on new innovations, we’re building connections that fuel our mission. Our team recently enjoyed a memorable surf trip to Portugal, where we blended adventure, relaxation, and camaraderie. Days were spent catching waves, while evenings were for stories, laughter, and reflection at the cozy Captain’s Log.
Closer to home, our business team came together for a three-day bonding retreat filled with frisbee matches, campfire conversations, and countless moments that strengthened our shared vision. Teamwork drives our success — and this was a powerful reminder of that.
The Trezor Safe 3 continues to impress with its simplicity, security, and ease of use. Over a year on the market, it’s still winning over users, and your stories motivate us every day.
Here’s what some of you had to say:
“Great design, easy set up, good price.” — Edmund
“I highly recommend this wallet for ease-of-use and top-of-the-line security.” — Frank Curtis
“It’s literally perfect for my needs. Simple to set up, simple to use.” — Jonathan Laliberte
We’re thrilled to introduce the Smart Trading Engine in Trezor Suite, making it easier to buy, sell, and swap crypto securely from your hardware wallet. The engine evaluates multiple offers to ensure you get the best deals, providing the convenience and safety you expect from Trezor.
Additionally, you can now buy crypto with PayPal through our partnership with MoonPay, streamlining the purchase process.
And don’t miss Trezor Talks, our new podcast featuring insights from industry leaders and Trezor experts.
Stay secure, stay informed, and enjoy every step of your crypto journey.
Imagine this: you’ve started your journey into cryptocurrency, excited about financial independence and the promise of security beyond traditional banking. You’ve worked hard to build up your assets, watching your balance grow and feeling confident that your funds are safe in your hands — far from third-party control. But there’s one crucial detail that might be slipping through the cracks — your wallet backup.
Now, picture this: one day, you go to access your wallet, but your device is unresponsive or, worse, missing. At that moment, all your wealth hangs on a single factor: your wallet backup. Whether your funds remain secure or are lost forever depends entirely on how carefully you look after your backup.
This scenario isn’t just theoretical; countless individuals have discovered the hard way that without a reliable wallet backup, assets can disappear with no way to retrieve them. The good news? With a proper backup, stored carefully, you can prevent this entirely. Follow these steps, and you’ll ensure your funds remain secure and accessible — no matter what happens to your device.
Important Reminder: Never reveal your wallet backup to anyone, and never type it on a computer, phone, or in any app. Your backup allows direct access to your funds, and exposing it to others or to a connected device puts your assets at risk.
The holiday season is here. A time of joy, celebration, and sometimes, a few “Oops” moments. From spilled drinks, forgotten PINs, damage to devices, mishaps can happen.
This year, Trezor is here to help you navigate the chaos and keep your crypto safe with our special holiday campaign. Enjoy discounts on a bunch of our products, from hardware wallets, to backup devices, limited-edition bundles, and more. It’s time to enjoy an Oops-Proof holiday season!
As you gear up for festive gatherings and family reunions, it’s essential to remember that mishaps can occur. Whether it’s that spilled glass of red wine on your wallet backup card — an “Oops” moment easily avoided with the Trezor Keep Metal(currently at a 50% discount) – or forgotting the PIN to your hardware wallet (which you can reset it in minutes), these little blunders can lead to unnecessary stress.
But don’t worry! Our range of products is designed to keep your digital assets secure, no matter what those little holiday mishaps bring your way.
Going through that Oops moment wondering what’s the perfect gift for the holidays? How about a hardware wallet?
The sleek, stylish, and secure Trezor Model T is currently available at a 40% discount.
If you have a relative or friend just starting their Bitcoin journey, the Trezor Model One — now priced at under $35 — makes an ideal gift. This trusted, proven, and affordable hardware wallet has been the go-to choice for offline crypto security for over 10 years.
At Trezor, our hardware wallets are designed with robust security features to protect your loved ones’ assets from any mishaps. Whether they’re seasoned crypto enthusiasts or new to the space, gifting a Trezor wallet is a step to giving them the peace of mind they need on their crypto journey.
Looking to take your gift-giving to the next level? We have exclusive bundles on sale that combine the best of our hardware wallets and backup solutions. These bundles are crafted to provide everything you need for effective crypto management at an unbeatable price.
Here’s a look at one of the deals,
Trezor Safe 3 Backup Bundle
Secure your crypto with the Trezor Safe 3 Backup Bundle. This stylish package includes the sleek Trezor Safe 3 hardware wallet in Cosmic Black, paired with the ultra-durable Trezor Keep Metal 20-word backup for top-notch security.
With our exclusive discounts, it’s easier than ever to prioritize crypto security this season!
Explore all of our bundles here,
This holiday season, embrace the spirit of giving while ensuring your loved ones’ crypto remains secure. With Trezor’s range of hardware wallets, backup solutions, and exclusive holiday bundles, you can make thoughtful gifts that provide peace of mind in the face of life’s little “Oops” moments.
Explore our full selection of products and bundles today, and let’s make this holiday season a truly “Oops-Proof” celebration! Happy holidays from all of us at Trezor!
You’ve heard this before, Not Your Keys, Not Your Coins. When it comes to your digital assets, security takes the front seat. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or just getting started, understanding how to properly store your wallet backup (also known as recovery seed) is essential for safeguarding your digital assets.
A compromised or lost wallet backup can lead to the permanent loss of your funds, so taking the necessary precautions is critical.
This guide will explore the best practices for securing your crypto wallet backup, highlight common mistakes to avoid, and suggest ways you can keep it safe.
A wallet backup (also known as a backup, recovery seed, seed, seed phrase, BIP-39 seed phrase, mnemonic, recovery phrase) is an ordered list of English words that contain all information necessary for recovering your wallet (i.e., accessing bitcoin or other cryptocurrency funds on-chain). A wallet backup provides full access to the associated wallet (the private key is mathematically derived from the wallet backup) — this is why you must keep it safe.
Think of it as the password to your crypto holdings — it enables you to access, transfer, and manage your funds. Without it, your assets are permanently lost.
You’re given a wallet backup when you set up a hardware wallet like Trezor. This unique phrase is generated during the wallet initialization process.
Losing or exposing your wallet backup means:
You lose access to your funds forever.
No third party, not even Trezor, can help you recover it.
Hence, properly storing your wallet backup is one of the most critical aspects of cryptocurrency security.
Important to know: Your wallet backup is a ‘plain English’ representation of a random number, from which all of your keys and addresses are mathematically derived.
It is an ordered sequence of 12 or 24 words for wallets using the BIP39 protocol, chosen from this list of 2048 words. In the case of the newer SLIP39 protocol, it is a sequence of 20 words chosen from this list of 1024 words
When you write down your wallet backup, the words must be copied down in the same order they appear
You must keep your wallet backup private and safe so that your cryptocurrency is never at risk. Having a safe wallet backup means you can recover your Bitcoin or other digital assets in case of hardware failure or the loss of your device
To keep your crypto assets secure, avoid these common mistakes:
1. Relying on Digital Devices
Storing your wallet backup on a computer, phone, or cloud service is highly risky. If your device gets hacked or compromised, attackers can easily steal your wallet backup, and gain access to your cryptocurrencies.
Rule of thumb: Do not keep digital copies of your wallet backup (this includes screenshots, photographs, emails, Dropbox wallet backup, etc).
2. Sharing Your Wallet Backup
Be careful who you share your wallet backup with. Sharing your wallet backup is equivalent to handing over your crypto assets to someone else.
3. Using Unsecure Physical Locations
While writing your wallet backup down on paper is a common practice, understand the risks that come with it. It is paper, after all! Storing it carelessly exposes it to risks like theft, fire, or water damage.
Here are some of the most effective solutions for securely storing your wallet backup:
1. Pen and Paper Method
Write your wallet backup down on paper in clear, legible handwriting. We recommend using capital letters. Your Trezor hardware wallet ships with a pair of wallet backup cards that you should use for writing down the words when you backup your device — this is a strongly recommended step when setting up your Trezor.
Keep your wallet backup cards safe from theft and damage
Consider making multiple copies and storing them in separate secure locations.
Drawback: Paper is vulnerable to fire, water, and physical damage over time.
2. Metal Backup Tools
We recommend this strongly. Metal backup tools, such as Trezor Keep Metal, are designed to protect your wallet backup from:
Storing your wallet backup in a hidden safe at your house is a great way to control access to it. However, the knowledge of a safe alone is enough to raise the interest of a potential thief, so if you choose to use this storage method, you should keep it in a discreet location, away from the eyes of guests, housemates, or anyone that might spend time inside your home.
Some may consider a safety deposit box at a bank. However, be mindful of bank policies that may allow access to your box under certain conditions.
Here’s a video to learn more,
4. Multi-share Backup
Trezor offers a unique feature called Multi-share Backup. This, essentially, allows you to split your wallet backup into multiple parts and store them separately.
For example, in a 3-of-5 Multi-share Backup scheme, the total number of shares is equal to 5, and the threshold is 3. This means any three of these shares can be used to recover your wallet. This is beneficial as even if one or two of your shares are somehow compromised, the entire wallet backup (recovery seed) is not exposed. This redundancy means you no longer have a single point of failure, as with the regular BIP39 backup standard (i.e., the 12-word recovery seeds used by default on most hardware wallets).
Even if one part is lost or compromised, you can still recover your wallet using the remaining parts. This greatly reduces the risk of losing all backup copies at once.
Learn more here,
5. Multisignature (Multisig) Wallets
For advanced users, multisignature wallets add an extra layer of security. A multisig wallet requires multiple keys to authorize transactions, reducing reliance on a single wallet backup.
Multisig is a method of securing a wallet by requiring approval from multiple private keys stored on separate devices when sending transactions. While Trezor recommends SLIP39 wallets as a simpler yet equally robust alternative in terms of backups, Trezor devices are fully compatible with multisig setups, allowing you to choose the option that best fits your needs.
Here’s more on this,
We founded the hardware wallet industry. Our founders, Marek Palatinus and Pavol Rusnak, were part of a team that introduced Bitcoin Improvement Proposal 39, or BIP39. This is a protocol that was introduced as a means to generate deterministic wallets. It’s a method for creating a human-readable mnemonic sentence — easy to read and write — from random data that serves as a backup to recover your wallet. In summary, the wallet backup (aka recovery seed).
This is now widely adopted in the cryptocurrency industry. Learn more here.
Trezor wallets began with employing BIP39 for the wallet backup (recovery seed phrases). When you initialize your Trezor device, it generates a unique 12, 18, or 24-word wallet backup (recovery seed). This seed is a representation of your private keys and is essential for restoring your wallet’s information in case your device is lost, stolen, or damaged. BIP39 has become a crucial part of Trezor’s security protocol, and it is used alongside other BIPs like BIP32 (Hierarchical Deterministic Wallets) and BIP44 (Multi-Account Hierarchy for Deterministic Wallets) to provide an optimal security model for cryptocurrency users.
Our recently introduced enhanced 20-word backup standard (SLIP39) ensures a more robust process for backing up and recovering your wallet compared to the legacy standard. With an upgraded, user-friendly wordlist and seamless transition to Multi-share Backup, SLIP39 offers superior security with no single point of failure.
Once your wallet backup is securely stored, it’s essential to protect it over time. What we do recommend is taking a moment to assess the most probable threats you face. It is important to understand that everyone has a different threat model, and this can change over time. Consider environmental risks, physical attacks, and remote attacks, while doing more. Read more on this here: https://trezor.io/learn/a/keeping-your-wallet-backup-safe
As such,
1. Regularly check for wear and tear or damage. For an example, if the wallet backup is is stored on paper, periodically check for fading or physical damage.
2. Protect against natural disasters. A case in point is ensuring your wallet backup is safeguarded from house fires, floods, or leaks.
3. Plan for inheritance. If you intend to pass down your crypto holdings, ensure you have a secure and private inheritance plan in place. Use a trusted legal advisor or ensure your heirs understand how to access your wallet backup securely.
Avoid these risky practices to protect your wallet backup:
Do not share your wallet backup with anyone else.
Do not keep digital copies of your wallet backup (this includes screenshots, photographs, emails, Dropbox wallet backup, etc).
Never enter your wallet backup anywhere unless prompted by your Trezor device.
Also, remember, no Trezor employee will ever ask you to tell them your wallet backup, even if you’re speaking with one of our customer support agents.
Pros: Simple, inexpensive
Cons: Vulnerable to fire, water, and damage
Pros: Durable, disaster-resistant
Cons: Comes at a cost (even if it’s only $79)
Pros: High physical security, limits access
Cons: Needs proper storage
Pros: High physical security
Cons: Relies on bank access
Pros: Reduces single-point failure risk
Cons: More complex to set up
Pros: Advanced security
Cons: Requires technical expertise
Trezor combines ease of use with robust security features, making it a top choice for protecting your wallet backup:
Here’s what sets Trezor apart from other wallets,
Trezor has been audited by independent security researchers and verified by its track record throughout its years on the market.
Our software and hardware are open-source and public. By doing so, everyone benefits from the community-tested design of their wallet, providing robust protection against real-world threats.
Trezor devices and the tailor-made software interface Trezor Suite are easy to use, making them suitable both for beginners and advanced users of cryptocurrencies.
Securing your wallet backup (recovery seed) is crucial for protecting your digital assets. By following the best practices outlined in this guide, you can safeguard your digital assets from loss, theft, or damage.
Trezor’s hardware wallets, and metal backup solutions, combined with advanced practices like multi-share backup, come together to offer a reliable and user-friendly way to secure your wallet backup. Don’t leave your crypto to chance — take control of your security today.
We recommend the use of a metal backup like Trezor Keep Metal. We definitely recommend avoiding storing the wallet backup digitally.
This depends on several factors. It is important to define your threat model. Choose a secure, hidden location that accounts for these risks. This video can help.
You lose access to your funds permanently. There is no recovery mechanism for lost wallet backups.
No, storing wallet backups online exposes them to hacking risks. Always store them offline.
Yes. Anyone with your wallet backup can access and steal your funds. Keep it private and secure.
No. Trezor does not store your wallet backup. You are fully responsible for its storage and security.
The good news? They all mean the same thing! But for new users, this terminology can be confusing when securing their assets.
At Trezor, we previously used the term “recovery seed.” However, after seeing firsthand how it caused confusion, we decided to simplify it.
Because honestly, how many new people can understand what a “seed phrase” is? It’s not intuitive, especially when the device we use to secure your crypto is called a hardware wallet. It’s easy to get lost in jargon, which only delays taking control of your crypto!
It’s exactly what it sounds like. If you lose your device and need to recover your wallet, use your wallet backup.
Our wallet backup can look like this:
Or this:
Even this:
(We’ll explain this below!)
Think of your wallet backup as the key or master password to your crypto wallet.
If your Trezor hardware wallet is damaged, you’ll need this wallet backup to recover your funds. Without it, you cannot access, transfer, or manage your funds.
It should be kept in a safe place because without it, you could be permanently locked out of your crypto.
When setting up a new wallet, you’ll be asked to write down a list of 12, 20, or 24-word words.
This list of words, generated by your hardware wallet, is your wallet backup. It represents a private key that grants access to your wallet, which holds your assets securely on the blockchain.
“But what about that crazy list of numbers above? Is that also my wallet backup?”
Here’s a fun fact… your wallet backup doesn’t actually start as a list of words!
It originates as a long, random string of mathematically derived characters, which is then converted into words to make it human-readable… crazy, huh?
Another fun fact:Trezor’s founders pioneered this approach!
Once we found a way to translate private key data into simple words, it became the industry standard.
(Just another reason to choose Trezor… humble brag 😉)
Bitcoin transaction fees are measured in satoshis per virtual byte (sat/vB) — higher sat/vB means faster confirmation.
What does sat/vB mean?
sat/vB = satoshis per virtual byte (the fee rate for your transaction).
Fees depend on transaction size, not the amount of Bitcoin sent.
The higher the fee rate (sat/vB), the more likely miners will prioritize your transaction.
How long do Bitcoin transactions take to confirm?
Bitcoin transactions are typically confirmed within 10–60 minutes, but it depends on the fee rate, network congestion, and transaction size. High-fee transactions confirm faster, while low-fee ones may take several hours or even days if the network is busy. You can speed up confirmation using RBF or CPFP if needed.
How long should I wait before taking action?
If your transaction is unconfirmed for a few hours and fees remain high, consider using RBF or CPFP.
If the network is less busy, waiting 12–24 hours may be enough.
Can I cancel a Bitcoin transaction?
No, Bitcoin transactions cannot be canceled once they are broadcast to the network. However, if your transaction is marked as “replaceable” (RBF-enabled), you can replace it with a higher-fee transaction or send it to a different address. This effectively overrides the original transaction.
What is Replace-by-Fee (RBF)?
RBF lets you replace an unconfirmed transaction with a higher-fee version to speed up confirmation.
Only works if RBF was enabled when the transaction was sent.
Trezor Suite enables RBF by default.
What is Child Pays for Parent (CPFP)?
CPFP lets you spend an unconfirmed transaction with a higher fee, so miners will confirm both at the same time.
Use CPFP if you received Bitcoin with a low fee and want to speed it up.
If you sent Bitcoin but can’t use RBF, CPFP may work if you have an unconfirmed change output available.
What is a mempool, and what is mempool.space?
A mempool (short for “memory pool”) is a temporary holding area where unconfirmed Bitcoin transactions wait before being added to a block. Each Bitcoin node has its own mempool, and miners select transactions from it based on fee priority — higher-fee transactions get confirmed first.
mempool.space is a block explorer that lets you view the Bitcoin network’s mempool in real time, including current fee estimates and transaction status. It’s a useful tool for checking whether your transaction will likely be confirmed soon.
Other Bitcoin block explorers include:
Tip: If you want to track a specific transaction, find the TXID in Trezor Suite and paste it into a block explorer like mempool.space or Trezor’s explorer.
What is Mempool Accelerator™?
Mempool Accelerator™ is a third-party service that lets you pay miners directly to confirm your transaction faster.
Works even if you’re not the sender or receiver of the transaction.
Useful when RBF or CPFP isn’t an option.
Always check the service’s terms and fees before using it.
At Trezor, we pioneered the first-ever hardware wallet in 2013 with a clear goal: to provide a secure and easy-to-use tool for managing Bitcoin and crypto. Hardware wallets are designed to keep private keys offline, protecting them from remote attacks — a task our earlier models have always excelled at.
While hardware wallets offer strong security, no system is entirely immune to physical attacks. Given enough time, expertise, and resources, a determined attacker could theoretically attempt to extract private keys from a stolen device. To mitigate this risk, we introduced the passphrase — a user-defined, extra layer of security for your wallet backup. Unlike the wallet backup, the passphrase is never stored on the device, making it impossible to extract even in the event of a physical attack.
One of the biggest differences between Trezor Safe Family (introduced with the launch of the Trezor Safe 3 in 2023) was the introduction of a dedicated Secure Element. It was introduced as a response to user feedback for enhanced protection in case of device theft or loss. The Secure Element used in the Trezor Safe 5 and Trezor Safe 3 is the OPTIGA™ Trust M (V3). In effect, it is a chip designed to protect highly sensitive information from software and hardware attacks.
While all Trezor models remain secure against remote attacks, the Secure Element in the Trezor Safe 3 & Trezor Safe 5 adds an extra layer of physical security — for example, in case a Trezor device is lost or stolen.
The Secure Element in Trezor Safe 3 & Trezor Safe 5 provides safeguards in:
Prevents seed extraction by fault injection attacks (voltage glitching): A previously known issue with Trezor Model One and Trezor Model T.
Device authenticity verification: Strengthening resistance against supply chain attacks.
A supply chain attack happens when a device is tampered with before it reaches the customer. This could involve an attacker modifying a legitimate device and reselling it.
To combat supply chain risks, Trezor has implemented multiple defense layers:
Firmware security checks a. Firmware revision ID check b. Firmware hash check
Onboarding protection a. Preinstalled firmware detection b. Entropy check workflow c. Firmware upgrade d. Device authentication check
Firmware security checks a. Firmware revision ID check
Trezor Suite includes multiple layers of verification to detect potential tampering. These include:
a. Firmware revision ID check
Firmware revision is a unique identifier assigned to each firmware release. Every time a Trezor device is connected, Trezor Suite verifies the firmware revision against a database of official releases. Here’s how it works:
If the firmware revision does not match, Trezor Suite flags the device as counterfeit.
This check is particularly effective against supply chain attacks requiring a long preparation time. This is on account of the time taken to modify and distribute tampered devices.
Since Trezor regularly releases new firmware updates and Trezor Suite prompts users to update their firmware before setup, a device running unauthorized firmware is likely to fail this check.
Important: As a practice, we always recommend updating your device’s firmware regularly. This is necessary to expand the functionality of your Trezor, apply new security measures, and enable newly developed features.
Here’s more on this:
b. Firmware hash check
The firmware hash check is a cryptographic verification process that ensures the integrity of the firmware running on your Trezor device. This is how it works:
Upon every device connection, Trezor Suite issues a random cryptographic challenge to the device.
The device then calculates a firmware hash, which is compared against the expected hash from the official firmware binary file stored in Trezor Suite.
If the results do not match, Trezor Suite flags the device as counterfeit.
Please note, that this check is only effective if the device is running the latest firmware version. This is why Trezor Suite strongly encourages users to update the firmware regularly.
Here’s more on this:
All Trezor devices undergo additional security checks during initial setup:
a. Preinstalled firmware detection
If a device is detected with preinstalled firmware, the user is prompted to confirm whether they’ve used the device before.
If it’s a case that they have not used the device previously, the device may be compromised, and users are warned accordingly.
b. Entropy check workflow
During wallet creation, Trezor generates a wallet using random data (entropy) from two sources,
Trezor device: The internal source.
A companion app: Typically Trezor Suite, but it can also be another compatible app like trezorctl or Electrum.
Fake or compromised devices typically ignore the input from the external entropy source (Trezor Suite), generating wallets in a predictable, deterministic way, allowing attackers to recreate and access them.
The entropy check protects the user from this behavior and marks the device as counterfeit if it does not pass the check.
Here’s more on this:
c. Firmware upgrade
During onboarding, users are encouraged to upgrade to the latest firmware version, triggering both revision ID and hash checks, as explained earlier in the article.
While users have the option to opt out, we recommend not doing so in light of the security risks around using outdated firmware.
d. Device authentication check
In the case of the Trezor Safe 3 and Trezor Safe 5, the Secure Element plays an important role in verifying the authenticity of your device.
When setting up the device:
Trezor Suite sends a challenge to the device.
The Secure Element signs the challenge and returns it with a unique device certificate.
Trezor Suite verifies both signatures to confirm authenticity.
The certificate is only checked locally and immediately discarded, ensuring privacy. Users may opt out of the device authentication process, but we strongly advise against it.
Learn more here:
a. Tamper-evident packaging
Every Trezor Safe 3 comes with a holographic seal over the connector, ensuring the device hasn’t been interfered with before reaching the customer. Please note, the Trezor Safe 3 packaging does not have a seal.
Here’s what this should look like, depending on when your device was manufactured and packaged.
Any sign of a broken or missing seal is a strong indicator that the device has been compromised. In this case, we encourage you to please contact Trezor Support via our chatbot, Hal.
The Ledger Donjon team demonstrated a way to bypass the authenticity check, and the firmware hash check specifically in Trezor Safe 3, using an advanced voltage glitching technique. The other countermeasures against supply chain attacks remain unchallenged. However, it is important to note:
No private keys can be hacked or PIN extracted using this attack.
The attack requires full physical access to the device. (This includes disassembling the casing, desoldering the microchip, modifying or extracting data using specialized tools, and then reassembling and repackaging the device without leaving any visible signs of tampering.)
If the device is purchased from an official source, it is highly unlikely that it has been tampered with.
This highlights why we always recommend purchasing directly fromTrezor.io or authorized resellers.
Self-custody with a hardware wallet like Trezor remains the safest way to store crypto.
With Trezor, you hold your own keys.
No exchange can freeze your funds.
No third party can access your wallet.
The real risk is trusting third parties; in this case, purchasing a Trezor hardware wallet from sources beyond our officially listed ones.
Even in a worst-case supply chain attack scenario, the attacker would still need to modify and distribute devices at scale, which remains highly impractical.
No. If you bought a device from an official source it is highly unlikely that there is anything wrong with your device. If there are signs of tampering when your order arrives, or you bought it from an unauthorized reseller, just reach out to Trezor Support or start a discussion on Trezor Forum and we’ll walk you through how to check for compromise.
Your funds remain safe, and there is no need for any action on your part.
Secure Elements provide an added level of protection against physical attacks.
Our in-built supply chain defenses include multiple security layers.
Trezor Suite makes tampered devices nearly impossible to distribute at scale.
Security is never static, and at Trezor we are continuously taking steps to improve our hardware and software. Ledger Donjon’s research highlighted one possible attack vector. It, however, does not undermine the core security of the Trezor Safe Family.
At Trezor, we fully embrace such security research because it helps strengthen the ecosystem. We will continue to refine our security measures and remain fully transparent about potential risks.
Finally, we recommend purchasing your Trezor hardware wallet or accessories directly fromTrezor.io or authorized listed resellers, as a best practice for your security.
Solana staking is now available in Trezor Suite, providing a secure and self-custodial way to grow your SOL holdings.
Unlike other staking solutions, staking using your Trezor hardware wallet ensures you remain in full control of your funds at all times, with no intermediaries or custodians involved.
By staking SOL, you contribute to network security and earn up to 7% APY in rewards — all while benefiting from the proven security of Trezor Suite.
Solana staking allows you to delegate your SOL tokens to a validator, who helps validate transactions and maintain the blockchain. In return, you receive SOL rewards, similar to how savings accounts generate interest.
When staking SOL in Trezor Suite, users delegate their SOL to our staking partner, Everstake. Established in 2018, Everstake is a validator trusted by 735K+ users across 70+ blockchain networks.
Fun fact: Approximately $1B of SOL (~1.5% of all staked SOL) staked with Everstake.
When you stake your SOL in Trezor Suite:
Your funds remain in your control
Only you can withdraw them
Rewards are automatically compounded, maximizing your staking potential
You can unstake anytime, with a short cool-down period of 1 epoch (approximately 2–3 days) before your SOL is fully available.
Instead of leaving your Solana tokens unused, staking allows you to grow your holdings while strengthening the Solana network.
Here’s why it’s worth considering:
Grow your SOL holdings: Receive up to 7% APY while holding your SOL.
Support the network: Your stake contributes towards helping secure the Solana blockchain and process transactions.
While many platforms offer staking, Trezor Suite provides the key advantage of complete security while staking your tokens.
Unlike custodial services that hold your funds, staking using your Trezor hardware wallet keeps your SOL tokens in your control at all times.
Trezor Suite makes staking SOL tokens simple & secure. Users benefit from:
100% security Your keys. Your Coins. Your Rewards. You own your keys, and only you can access your funds.
Seamless staking Delegate SOL in just a few clicks through Trezor Suite’s intuitive interface.
Competitive APY Maximize your staking returns with up to 7% APY, among the most competitive rates in the Solana ecosystem.
Automatic reward compounding Enjoy rewards that automatically compound, maximizing your returns over time.
Low minimum requirement Stake as little as 0.01 SOL, making it accessible for all users.
Learn more here:
Getting started with staking SOL in Trezor Suite is quick and easy. Check out our step-by-step guide here:
Is my SOL locked when I stake? Yes, but you can unstake at any time. A short cooling-off period of 1 epoch (approximately 2–3 days) applies before your SOL becomes fully available again.
How often do I receive staking rewards? Rewards are updated and distributed at the end of each epoch (2–3 days), with no manual intervention needed.
Can I stake less than 1 SOL? Yes! With Trezor Suite, you can stake as little as 0.01 SOL, making it easy for anyone to participate.
What happens if I want to stop staking? You can unstake anytime. After the cooling-off period (1 epoch which is approximately 2–3 days), your SOL will be available in your wallet.
Trezor Suite’s Solana Staking offers a secure, user-friendly way to earn up to 7% APY, empowering users to grow their SOL holdings effortlessly.
Keep full control of your tokens while contributing to the Solana network’s security and scalability.
“I bought 2 with my initial order. Set one up to use and put the other one in locked storage. I wanted backup plan in case of total failure and another hardware wallet sell out.
Of course it would partially depend on the value of the assets you want to protect.” – Trezor Reddit User
This is the most common reason to get a second hardware wallet: peace of mind.
Imagine this…
• Your device is damaged • Your device is lost • Your device is stolen
It could be as unexpected as your pet eating your device (surprisingly, this has happened multiple times with dogs.)
Or as dramatic as a misplaced or stolen device.
Think of this device as your emergency backup.
With this backup device, you can be ready to access and secure your funds immediately. There is no need to waste time ordering a new hardware wallet. Just enter your PIN and/or passphrase, and you can immediately access your funds to secure or move them.
To be clear, in this case, you are cloning your original hardware device by restoring the same wallet. They will usually be kept in different locations.
Two things happen after you get into crypto…
You buy a hardware wallet
You tell everyone you know about how crypto changes the world!
It’s ok, the moment you get into crypto, you can’t stop talking about it. We’ve all been there.
Gifting a hardware wallet is a great way to help friends and family start their self-custody journey without leaving their assets on an exchange. You can be there to answer any questions.
Like this Trezor Model T user:
“I Bought This Crypto Wallet as a Gift During Prime Days and Scored a Great Deal! The recipient has shared that it’s easy to use and effectively does the job, which is all I could ask for. So, I guess it’s a solid 5 stars from me.”
And if you’re giving a hardware wallet to someone who might need help getting started?
“You only wanna trade BTC -> BTC only firmware. Otherwise, no need. Except if you have tons of BTC/crypto, then consider getting multiple hardware wallets.” — Trezor Reddit Comment
It’s not uncommon to want one device for Bitcoin and one device for other crypto.
Some users prefer to separate Bitcoin from other cryptocurrencies for simplicity and security. If Bitcoin makes up most of your crypto, this might be you.
Interested in our Bitcoin-only devices? You can check them out by clicking here.
If you’re actively trading but also HODLing Bitcoin and altcoins, keeping separate devices makes sense.
• One wallet for trading — connected and frequently used for transactions.
• One wallet for long-term storage — rarely touched, securely stored.
If you’re HODLing for the long term, you don’t want to spend too much time fiddling with your hardware wallet beyond the necessary updates.
Having one device you only use for trading and another securely hidden away is much easier and safer, as you’ll want your trading wallet to hand quite often.
“My thought was it made sense not to put all my eggs in one basket.” — Trezor Forum Comment
You wouldn’t keep all your money in one bank account, so why store all your crypto in one wallet?
• Multiple wallets mean you can split funds across devices, reducing risk in case of theft, loss, or damage.
• You can also use a passphrase (advanced feature) to create multiple wallets on one device.
You can learn more about passphrases here:
This isn’t a fun question, but it is necessary.
Everyone who owns crypto will have to consider this at some point in their life: If something happens to you, can your family access your crypto?
Do they know where your hardware wallet is and how to access your funds in an emergency?
Giving a hardware device to a trusted family member or executor is not uncommon, and it’s usually part of a multisig setup.
This is becoming more common as the crypto economy becomes larger. Here at Trezor, we hold crypto as a business, so having multiple devices and layers of protection to separate business and personal funds makes sense.
If you accept crypto payments or hold crypto as a company, a dedicated business hardware wallet ensures:
• Clear separation of funds • Easier accounting & security
If you own a business and want to manage crypto, getting a second hardware wallet is necessary to manage the funds and be transparent.
Would you feel comfortable carrying your main hardware wallet while traveling?
A secondary travel wallet can hold limited funds while your main assets stay secure at home.
Pro tip: Use a passphrase to create a separate wallet for travel within your device.
Some people collect trainers. Others collect hardware wallets.
Hardcore crypto users love upgrading to the latest, most secure hardware wallet tech.
But having multiple wallets isn’t just fun, it ensures you’re always using the best hardware to protect your assets.
Given how much hardware wallets are often protecting, the investment is often seen as reasonable.
Bitcoin adoption grows through education.
If you teach friends, host meetups, or run workshops, having a dedicated hardware wallet for demos makes learning easier.
At Trezor Academy, we use hardware wallets for in-person education and to help people learn self-custody the right way.
If you’re involved in similar events, it might be worth getting a spare device!
Need instant access to your funds? Multisig probably isn’t for you.
Want extra layers of security and don’t mind the complexity? Multisig could be a great option!
Multisig (multi-signature) is a highly secure way to store crypto, eliminating the risk of a single point of failure.
Instead of relying on just one wallet, multiple keys (usually multiple devices) are required to authorize transactions. This reduces the risk of losing access due to a lost or stolen backup. Some users choose multisig to distribute signing across multiple locations or even to make it harder to access their own funds, such as requiring physical travel to retrieve signing devices.
Warning:Multisig is not beginner-friendly. If set up incorrectly, you could permanently lose access to your funds. Proceed with caution!
