Enhance your hardware wallet private key security with an additional offline device.

The latest update of the Ballet Crypto app (v2.0) introduces a new function that has been frequently requested by many Ballet users: Air-gapped transaction signing. Air-gapped Signing is an advanced method of sending crypto assets that provides an additional layer of separation between Ballet Wallet private keys and any electronic device that could be vulnerable to hacking or malware. This method requires two devices to send a transaction, one of which must remain permanently offline. It is an optional feature that is designed for experienced users, but it is safe and easy enough for anyone who wants to learn.

What is Ballet’s Air-gapped Signing function?

Air-gapped Signing is a method of sending crypto transactions that requires two devices: one permanently offline and one online.

Currently, the way transactions work with the Ballet Crypto app is, during the ‘Send’ process, you are prompted to input your passphrase and encrypted private key (EPK) into the app. This process then allows you to verify that you are the original owner of your crypto, generate the private key for your wallet, sign the transaction, and then generate the final signed transaction message to be broadcast. The Ballet Crypto app does not store or keep a copy of your passphrase or EPK during that entire process. It is only needed for that split second to generate the private key and to sign the transaction. This is still a safe and proven method.

Our new Air-gapped Signing function takes cold storage to the next level by allowing you to verify and sign your transaction on an offline device, such that the private key is never exposed on an online device. The offline device is not connected to the Internet, nor is it connected to any other devices. The entire process is air-gapped, essentially closing the doors to hackers on this device. And this is where your old, unused, or idle smartphone can be useful.

How it works

In short, the process will prompt you to construct a transaction like you normally would on the Ballet Crypto app using the online device. After inputting the recipient address and amount, the app (connected to the internet) would prompt a QR code, which is then scanned by the offline device running the app. The offline device will then prompt you to input your passphrase and EPK to generate the private key and sign the transaction. After that, the offline device will display its own QR code representing the signed transaction, and does not include the private key data itself, which is to be scanned by the online device. The signed transaction message is then broadcast by the online device.

The whole process leverages QR codes to share information visually, rather than using Bluetooth, a wired or wireless connection, or directly through the internet.

For the full step-by-step process, refer to our FAQ here.

Besides Bitcoin, other popular UTXO coins are supported by the new Air-gapped function such as: BCH, XEC, BSV, BTG, BCD, LTC, DOGE, DASH, QTUM, RVN, ZEC, DGB and QTC.

Reiterating the importance of private key security and self-custody

The crucial importance of keeping your crypto offline cannot be overemphasized. The amount of stolen crypto due to online hacks, phishing attempts, and faulty centralized exchange security continues to increase yearly. We recommend our users to never store their crypto on a hot wallet or on a custodial platform or exchange. The consequences are well documented.

At Ballet, improving user experience and private key security is a mission we continually strive for. We hope this new method can meet more advanced professional users’ needs.

For more information on the Ballet Crypto app and how to start using Air-gapped Signing now, check out our page here.

About us

Ballet is a U.S. company that provides simple and secure cryptocurrency storage solutions for the global mainstream market. Ballet is the team behind the world’s first multi-currency, non-electronic, physical crypto wallet. The company was founded in 2019 by Bobby Lee and an international team of cryptocurrency industry veterans. Ballet is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada in the United States, and has an office in Shanghai, China.

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Introducing the Air-gapped Signing Function was originally published in BalletCrypto on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.