How to Secure Your Crypto Wallet on Starknet – The Simple Guide To Finding The Perfect Solution
TL;DR – How to Secure Your Crypto Wallet
- For the best security with an excellent user experience, choose the Hardware Signer.
- If you use Braavos only on a laptop, the Passkey Signer is the best option.
- For long-term holding accounts, the Multi-Signer offers the highest security level.
- For teams, groups, or DAOs managing a treasury or smart contracts, the Multi-Owner Account is ideal.
Millions of dollars in cryptocurrency are stolen every year, leaving victims devastated and empty-handed. This usually happens because they fall prey to phishing scams and malware attacks.
Traditional crypto wallets, while helpful, often offer limited protection against sophisticated cyber threats. However, with the advent of smart contract wallets and account abstraction, the landscape of wallet security is undergoing a significant transformation. Smart contract wallets, like those offered by Braavos, make it nearly impossible for hackers to successfully execute phishing and malware attacks.
In this article, we’ll explore the five levels of security provided by Braavos to protect your crypto, whether you have just a few dollars or manage a multi-million dollar portfolio.
Braavos Wallet Security Solutions: A Comprehensive Guide
Here’s a breakdown of the five security levels available with the Braavos wallet, helping you choose the best option based on your needs.
| It protects you from | For whom? | What amount? | When to use it? | |
| Seed Signer | Basic unauthorized access | Individual mobile and desktop users | Pocket change | For testing |
| Passkey Signer | Phishing + malware | Individual desktop users | Painful to lose | Default |
| Hardware Signer | Phishing + malware | Individual mobile users | Substantial stash | Default |
| Multi Signer | Phishing + malware + muggers | Wealthy individual mobile + desktop users | Life-changing money | Hodl account with top security |
| Multi-Owner Account | Phishing + malware + muggers + managing funds with other owners | Very wealthy individuals or, teams/DAOs treasury and developers | Economic empire | Professional use |
Level 1: Seed Signer
The Seed Signer is the foundational level of security for most crypto wallets. It relies on a single factor of authentication: your seed phrase, which is a string of 12 or 24 words. While this is the most basic form of wallet protection, its security is only as strong as your seed phrase management.
If your seed phrase is stored online or on a device connected to the internet, it is vulnerable to theft. Hackers can find it, recreate your wallet, and transfer your assets to their own wallets in minutes. To safeguard against this, it’s critical to store your seed phrase completely offline, such as on a piece of paper stored in a secure location.
However, the Seed Signer is not recommended for significant holdings due to its limited protection. It’s best for testing or holding small amounts of cryptocurrency.
Level 2: 2FA Passkey Signer
The Passkey Signer adds a second layer of protection by utilizing your laptop and biometric data (like your face or fingerprint). It uses your device’s security chip to create and store private keys, which remain encrypted and protected. This setup eliminates the need for a traditional seed phrase, reducing the risk of phishing and malware attacks.
When you attempt to perform a transaction, the Passkey Signer verifies your identity using your biometric data. If your device’s biometrics fail, you can authenticate using your screen lock or password. This dual-factor authentication makes it a robust choice for desktop users who prioritize security and convenience.
You can also manage how your passkey syncs across devices. For enhanced security, disable this feature in browser settings to ensure your private keys remain on a single device, further safeguarding your assets.
The Passkey Signer is ideal for day-to-day transactions and moderate crypto holdings. It’s a great default option for users who want seamless security without the hassle of traditional seed phrases.
Level 3: 2FA Hardware Signer
The Hardware Signer takes security a step further by implementing true two-factor authentication. This method uses “something you have” (your smartphone) and “something you are” (your face or fingerprint).
The private keys are generated and stored in your phone’s secure chip, ensuring they never leave the device. This chip is specifically designed to approve transactions only after biometric authentication, making it a robust defense against malware and phishing. To demonstrate its security, we intentionally leaked the seed phrase of a wallet protected by the Hardware Signer, containing $150,000, without any breach.
In case your phone is lost, bricked, or stolen, your seed phrase is crucial for recovery. You can use it to initiate a time-delayed transaction to remove the compromised Hardware Signer and regain access to your funds. This approach strikes a perfect balance between top-tier security and easy access to your digital assets.
Interestingly, you can enable both the 2FA Hardware Signer and the 2FA Passkey Signer on the same account, allowing you to use either your Passkey Signer on your laptop or your Hardware Signer on your phone. This dual configuration offers flexibility without compromising security.
Level 4: 3FA Multi-Signer
The Multi-Signer is the pinnacle of security for individual users, combining three layers of authentication: seed phrase (something you know), hardware device (something you have), and biometric ID (something you are). This setup protects against online threats and physical coercion.
For an attacker to access your funds, they would need your seed phrase, device, and biometric data, making it an almost impossible task. The Multi-Signer is perfect for those holding large amounts of cryptocurrency, ensuring that even if one factor is compromised, your assets remain secure.
This level is best suited for long-term holdings or significant amounts that require the highest security standard. It allows you to sleep soundly, knowing that your funds are protected against every possible attack vector.
Level 5: ∞FA Multi-Owner Account
The Multi-Owner Account is a game-changer for teams, DAOs, or any group managing large funds. This advanced multisig structure allows up to 7 owners per account, each protected by their chosen authentication methods. To execute any transaction, a predefined number of owner signatures is required, providing a decentralized decision-making process.
Each owner can use different authentication combinations—seed phrases, passkeys, or hardware signers—creating a robust, multi-factor protection mechanism. The account also pays its own gas fees and integrates seamlessly with all Starknet dApps, making it the perfect solution for managing joint assets or overseeing smart contract upgrades.
The Multi-Owner Account offers unparalleled flexibility and security, ensuring that even if one or more owners are compromised, the account remains safe. It’s the ideal solution for professional and high-stakes crypto management.
Final Thoughts: Secure Your Crypto with Braavos
With the variety of security options available, you can choose the best solution for your needs, from basic protection to advanced multi-signature setups. Don’t leave your crypto vulnerable—upgrade to a Braavos smart contract wallet and experience the ultimate in digital asset security.
Ready to safeguard your assets? Download Braavos today and start enjoying top-notch security and peace of mind.
