Most Blockchains and cryptocurrencies are associated with a private
space for storing the user’s cryptographic keys or private data that
helps the user in sending and receiving the digital currency with the
others. These wallets are popularly known as cryptocurrency wallets
or crypto wallets. Such wallets digitally store a user’s public and
private keys and programmatically helps in sending and receiving
digital currency or sensitive information. Let’s explore the different
types of wallets and their pros and cons on the basis of the type of
device they are associated with.
1.5.3.1 Online wallets
Online wallets, as the name suggests, are wallets where the
cryptographic keys are saved to an online application and can be
accessed through a browser. It’s one of the most convenient ways to
store and use the keys on, as per the requirement. Some of the
examples of such wallets are Exodus, Ledger Nano X, Multibit etc.
Being available on the online websites, these wallets are prone to
security threats. Hence, most online wallets have strong password
policies as well as multi-factor authentication system that might
come in different combinations of password, biometrics, and OTP.
1.5.3.2 Desktop wallets
Desktop wallets are offline wallets that can be downloaded and
saved on a computer. We just need to make sure that the computer
is secure enough and password protected, also that it is not shared
with others. Desktop wallets are far more secure than the online
wallets; however, the data stored in such wallets are often not
portable.
1.5.3.3 Mobile wallets
Mobile wallets are similar to desktop wallets; however, the underlying
data is portable. Hence, they are the most popular form of wallets in
today’s world.
1.5.3.4 Hardware wallets