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[codex] Clarify hot vs cold wallet taxonomy #449

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[codex] Clarify hot vs cold wallet taxonomy #449

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Clarify hot vs cold wallet taxonomy
welttowelt Apr 7, 2026
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Narrow hot vs cold wallet edits
welttowelt Apr 7, 2026
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11 changes: 6 additions & 5 deletions docs/pages/wallet-security/cold-vs-hot-wallet.mdx
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Expand Up @@ -38,9 +38,9 @@ are stored on device with minimal connectivity.

> ❓ Did you know?
>
> Most cold wallets come with some way to connect to the internet, such as via a USB connection. This technically makes
> them "hot" when connected. However, the key distinction is that they are not continuously online and are designed to
> minimize exposure to online threats.
> Most cold wallets still need a way to exchange transaction data with a connected device, such as via USB, Bluetooth,
> QR codes, or SD cards. This does not make them hot by itself. The key distinction is whether the private key remains
> isolated from the internet-connected system during signing.

### Types of Cold Wallets

Expand All @@ -50,8 +50,9 @@ exposing the keys to a connected internet device.
- **Software Wallets on Air-Gapped Devices**: Standard wallet software installed on a device that is permanently
disconnected from the internet, used for offline transaction signing.
- **Brain Wallets**: Private keys that are memorized.
- **Account Abstraction Wallets**: Using smart contracts to manage keys and transactions without exposing private keys.
- **Multisig Wallets**: Require multiple signatures to authorize a transaction, enhancing security.

Account abstraction wallets and multisig wallets are separate account and authorization models, not types of cold
wallets. Either approach can use hot signers, cold signers, or a mix of both.

### Use Cases

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