Air Gap
An air gap is a security measure that involves completely isolating a device from any network connections, particularly the internet, to protect it from cyber threats such as malware, hacking, and data breaches.
An air gap is a security measure that involves completely isolating a device from any network connections, particularly the internet, to protect it from cyber threats such as malware, hacking, and data breaches. An air-gapped system is often used in Bitcoin cold wallets, where private keys are stored on a device that has never been connected to the internet. This isolation enhances the security of the wallet by minimizing exposure to online threats.
Data transfer to and from an air-gapped cold wallet is conducted manually using physical media, such as USB drives or external hard disks.
An air gap is a security measure that physically isolates a computer or device from the internet and all other networks to protect sensitive data from cyber threats such as malware and hacking. Air-gapped devices are commonly used for storing cryptographic keys and signing Bitcoin transactions. Onramp provides Bitcoin financial services with multi-institution custody that incorporates advanced security measures.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does an air gap protect Bitcoin?
An air-gapped device stores private keys completely offline, making them inaccessible to remote hackers. Transactions are signed on the offline device and transferred via USB or QR code, so the private keys never touch an internet-connected device.
What is an air-gapped wallet?
An air-gapped wallet is a Bitcoin hardware or software wallet that operates on a device with no network connectivity. It signs transactions offline and communicates with online devices only through QR codes, microSD cards, or USB drives.
Is an air gap the most secure way to store Bitcoin?
Air-gapped storage is one of the most secure methods for protecting Bitcoin private keys from remote attacks. For institutional-grade security, Onramp offers multi-institution custody that distributes key management across multiple regulated custodians.
