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Anyone who stores cryptocurrencies in a hardware wallet is also faced with the question of how best to store and protect the recovery seed. Of course, there is the option of simply writing the recovery password, which usually consists of 24 words, on a piece of paper and keeping it in a drawer.
Many hardware wallet manufacturers even include a special card for this purpose, the so-called recovery sheet. However, because the seed is the only backup of the wallet and therefore the only way to access the stored coins in the event of loss, theft or technical damage, simply writing it down on paper is far too insecure from an expert’s point of view. No matter how tidy you are – a piece of paper can quickly disappear.
Seed Storage: Recovery Sheet is not Enough
Water damage or house fires can also be dangerous to the paper and, in case of doubt, destroy the entire crypto assets in one fell swoop. Because without a seed, there is no access to the wallet and without access, there is no way to get to the coins. According to estimates, up to a quarter of all BTC disappear forever because they are not adequately secured.
A Dutch company based in Amsterdam has made it its mission to protect crypto owners from avoidable losses: With their Cryptotag product, seeds can be stored optimally and almost 100% securely. The backup solution relies on robust titanium and genuine manual work – quite appealing, we think.
Cryptotag – Advantages at a Glance
1. Indestructible material
The actual backup consists of a titanium plate into which the relevant letters of the seed are hammered. A water damage cannot harm the Cryptotag. The backup also survives a house fire unscathed: The titanium is fire and heat resistant up to 1660°C. The material is also corrosion-resistant and so stable even under strong impact that the manufacturer Cryptotag even advertises it as bulletproof. Here is the proof!
2. Uncomplicated handling
Sure, writing it down by hand is child’s play and even faster. But also the “setting up” of the Cryptotag, i.e. hammering the seed into the titanium plate, is very easy and does not take long. Below you will find detailed step-by-step instructions, as well as a video tutorial from the manufacturer. Cryptotag is also uncomplicated when it comes to compatibility: The four-letter system works for the seeds of all BIP39 wallets, such as Ledger Nano X or Trezor.
3. Impressive premium backup
Quite apart from the clear superiority over paper backups in terms of security and durability for the seed, Cryptotag is also more attractive for far more superficial reasons: The titanium plate is not only robust, but also elegant, the tools look valuable and the box in which everything is delivered and stored also looks good. And hammering the letters into the titanium itself? Is a lot of fun. And here’s how:
Cryptotag – Instructions for Setting Up
- First, select a robust surface that can withstand the blows without damage.
- Place the Cryptotag plate in the anvil (number 1 at the top left), insert the guide into the top row.
- Select the first letter, insert it into the first box of the guide and hit it hard with the hammer.
- In this way, gradually engrave the first four letters of the 24 backup words.
- Now the matches come into play: If available, use them to burn the old paper backup.
By the way: Don’t worry if your backup words have more than four letters. Crypto wallets that use the BIP39 standard generate words with up to eight letters, but only the first four are crucial. They are sufficient to restore the entire word and thus also the coins in the wallet.
It is all the more important to be there when memorizing the backup words and to check the next stroke letter once more. If there are errors, there is no second attempt, once a letter has been engraved, it can no longer be changed.
Conclusion: who is Cryptotag Worthwhile for?
Cryptotag is a simple and pretty solid way to secure access to your cryptocurrencies. Even damage from water or fire, against which hardware wallets are powerless, cannot harm the titanium backup. If the value of your coins exceeds the price of the Cryptotag, the investment may already be worthwhile for you – but at least it provides a sense of security.
Price: CHF 339,- from the official Swiss sales partner
In order to offer the right product for everyone, Cryptotag is available in two different versions:
Cryptotag Starter Kit
The Cryptotag Starter Kit is the right product for new users. It comes in an appealing and high-quality black box with everything you need to engrave the seed. The scope of delivery includes:
- two Cryptotag plates
- Anvil with guide rail
- Hammer
- Letter pens (A-Z)
- Earplugs
- Matches
Price: CHF 399,- from the official Swiss sales partner
Cryptotag Expansion Kit
If you already have a starter kit, you can buy a Cryptotag Expansion Kit if required: Included are two Cryptotag plates, without further accessories. Anvil, hammer and letter pens from the starter kit can simply be reused.
