Post
Topic
Board Hardware wallets
Re: Should hardware wallets use secure elements for max security?
by
TimDavis
on 20/12/2019, 04:56:13 UTC
Your crypto is particularly vulnerable to physical attacks if your hardware wallet doesn't have a secure element. Physical attacks or a lost device are always going to be a threat to Hodlers, but all the more so if your hardware wallet doesn't have a secure element.

Any thoughts?

While its true that hw wallet can be vulnerable to physical attacks, if you dont have a strong additional passphrase, an secure element could be just as vulnerable. Some wallets have taken additional steps to wipe the private key from the hw wallet if the wallet is opened or tampered with, which is a smart move, but could also be problematic. Having an additional passphrase will provide more protection since its not stored on an hw wallet and you could also split your coins across different passphrases.
There is actually a good reason why a hardware wallet should use a secure element. It ensures that your private key never leaves your hardware wallet, even if your phone or software is compromised. It's like your best final line of defense. Also...what if I forget or lose the passphrase?