Is Trezor sure?

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Is Trezor sure? Complete analysis of the safety of Wallets Trezor

You plan to buy a Wallet Trezor to secure your cryptocurrencies , but you wonder if it's really reliable? The short answer is: yes, Trezor is sure , provided that you understand its safety mechanisms, its limits, and the good practices to follow. This article provides you with a detailed response.

Table of contents

Is Trezor sure: what are we talking about exactly?

Trezor is a range of hardware wallets (wallet hardware) designed by Satoshilabs . Today it includes several models:

  • Trezor Model One : the oldest, minimalist, without secure element
  • Trezor Model T : touch screen, Shamir Backup compatible, without Secure Element
  • Trezor Safe 3 : Compact with Secure Element
  • Trezor Safe 5 : The most advanced to date, touch screen, secure element, microSD, shamir

These wallets are designed to store private keys offline , that is to say the information that makes it possible to sign transactions on the blockchain . Without these keys, no one can access your funds. For more details between the models, we invite you to read our detailed comparisons between the Trezor Safe 5 and the Model T as well as between Model T and Trezor One.

Is Trezor secure?

Yes, Trezor applies a rigorous safety approach, with several protective layers:

100 % open source firmware

Unlike some competitors like Ledger , Trezor firmware is completely open source . It is published on Github and auditable by any developer. This means that there are no opaque areas in the code, and that any possible flaw can be identified and corrected quickly.

Material insulation of private keys

Private keys never leave the aircraft. All critical operations (generation of the SEED, transaction signature) are done inside the Wallet. Even if your computer is compromised, your funds remain intact if you only validate what you see on the screen.

Independent verification screen

Each transaction or operation is displayed on the Wallet screen. This allows you to check the address and the amount, regardless of what is displayed on the computer. A scam cannot force you to validate a transaction to a bad address without you seeing.

Pin and Passphrase code

Upon ignition, the user must enter a PIN code to access the device. If someone tries to force the code, waiting times increase exponentially. It is also possible to add an passphrase , which acts as a second password and creates an invisible parallel portfolio for anyone who does not know it.

Secure Element (Safe 3 and Safe 5)

Ledger models SAFE 3 and SAFE 5 models now include Element Secure : a certified chip designed to withstand advanced physical attacks. It protects the SEED against extractions by electron microscopy , current analysis or laser fault injection . Associated with open source firmware, it strengthens security without sacrificing transparency. For more details between the Ledger and Trezor , we invite you to read our comparison of the Ledger and Trezor .

PIN encryption via microSD card

Model T and SAFE 5 allow the PIN code to encrypt using a microSD . Concretely, this means that without the inserted card, the device becomes unusable, even if someone knows your code. It is more physical protection.

Is Trezor sure: what are the possible risks?

Like any security system, a Wallet Trezor is not infallible. Here are the main risks, and how they are mixed:

Loss or theft of the portfolio

If your Trezor device is lost or stolen, it does not automatically mean that your cryptocurrencies are in danger. Several mechanisms prevent a third from accessing your funds:

  • Compulsory PIN code : without this code, the device is unusable. And after each incorrect attempt, an increasing waiting period is imposed, making the attacks by multiple trials unrealistic.
  • Passphrase (optional) : If you activate this function, it acts as a secret password that gives access to a separate wallet. Even with the SEED, a thief will not be able to access this hidden content without the correct passphrase.
  • Seed recovery : if you lose your device, you can restore access to your funds on a new wallet by entering your recovery sentence. As long as this seed is kept in a safe place, your assets remain accessible only to you.

Loss of the SEED

If you lose your recovery sentence (SEED), you definitively lose access to your funds. Trezor offers a more robust solution: the Shamir Backup .

Phishing and user handling

The most frequent attacks do not target hardware, but you: false sites, false firmware, hasty confirmations or even real physical attacks. For the former, it is always necessary:

  • Download Trezor Suite from the official website
  • Check each transaction on the wallet screen
  • Never communicate your seed, even to the support

Is Trezor sure: what is the Shamir Backup and why is it safer?

The Shamir Backup (SLIP-39) is a backup method that allows you to divide the SEED into several parts (for example 5), and to define how necessary to restore access (for example 3 of 5). You can then:

  • Store each share in a different place (trunk, home, close to confidence)
  • Limit risks in the event of theft or loss of a fragment
  • Reduce the impact of a single security flaw

This system is only available on the Trezor Model T and SAFE 5 .

Is Trezor sure: which model is the most secure?

ModelMaterial securityShamir BackupSecure ElementMicroSD card
Model OneOpen source firmware, external screenNoNoNo
Model TOpen Source firmware, microSDYesNoYes
Safe 3Open Source firmware, Secure ElementNoYesNo
Safe 5Open Source firmware, Secure Element, MicrosdYesYesYes

In summary: Is Trezor sure?

Yes, Trezor is one of the most secure systems to store your offline digital assets His conception is based on proven principles:

  • Open Source Firmware publicly audited
  • Complete insulation of private keys
  • Independent screen to check each transaction
  • Physical protection via Secure Element and Microsd
  • Advanced backup option with the Shamir Backup

Security also depends on the user: do not lose your seed, never communicate it, and check each operation on the device screen. The most recent models such as SAFE 5 or SAFE 3 offer an additional layer of protective for those who want to maximize their safety.

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