AirGap — a non-custodial cryptocurrency wallet
Where do you store your treasures?
There are not many options — exchanges, cold and hot wallets. Here, we will discuss one of the wallets that deserves attention.
Globally, all wallets can be divided into cold and hot. Hot ones are connected to the Network, but cold ones aren’t. There are so many implementations, so it is less secure if the wallet uses a device connected to the Network. Today we will consider one attractive wallet that allows you to provide reliable security of funds and other assets.
Understanding AirGap
AirGap is the Shiden Network’s recently integrated wallet. Shiden is a parachain in the Kusama ecosystem. It is the Canary Network for Astar, whose goal is to solve the issue of interoperability in the blockchain ecosystem.
The AirGap wallet was developed by the Swiss company Papers, specializing in projects in implementing blockchain technologies in the corporate sector for more than ten years, which inspires some confidence that the declared capabilities will correspond to reality. The crucial point is that the wallet’s source code is open and posted on GitHub, allowing all interested and competent persons to audit the code and ensure that there are no undeclared and potentially unsafe functions. Open-source code for crypto projects may seem like a matter nowadays. For example, such a popular wallet as SafePal has not yet opened the wallet code and firmware, although they promised to do so long ago. In addition, Papers says that third-party teams regularly audit their application. All this reduces the risks for the end-user, and this is good news.
AirGap Components
AirGap Wallet consists of two applications, AirGap Vault and AirGap Wallet. It makes it possible to use the wallet with two different schemes. AirGap Vault is a private key vault that allows you to access assets and verify transactions. AirGap Wallet — is an interface for displaying assets, generating transactions, staking requests, and displaying your support.
This approach allows you to install applications on different devices. A phone with AirGap Vault installed — can be physically disconnected from any data networks and become a cold wallet. And the second phone, where AirGap Wallet is installed, can be used daily on the Network because it still does not store any private keys. But how to sign a transaction if the applications are on different phones? For this, a simple and elegant solution is used — QR codes.
When you form a transaction in AirGap Wallet, a QR code is displayed on the screen, which you can scan with the second phone where AirGap Vault is installed. After confirming the transaction, a new QR code is generated. It also must be checked with the phone’s camera of the AirGap Wallet.
It’s that simple. No wires, no radio transmissions that can hypothetically be intercepted. In fairness, we note that this data transfer method is not the know-how of the AirGap team. But why not use outstanding solutions? This division of the application into two devices significantly increases the resistance to hacking.
For those who do not need the ultimate level of security and two devices are too inconvenient, it is possible to install both applications on one phone while maintaining an acceptable level of protection.
Another nuance that may seem like a trifle but, in our opinion, shows the seriousness of the development team’s approach is their attention to security. The difference between hardware wallets, that is, separate devices that store your private keys, and installed applications, even on disconnected phones and computers, is that the former has a real random number generator (TRNG). At the same time, the latter uses generators pseudo-random numbers (PRNG). These generators form the mnemonic phrase, and whoever owns it owns the assets. Therefore, all soft wallets are trying to strengthen the algorithms for generating pseudo-random numbers. AirGap asks the user to give access to the camera and microphone for precisely this purpose, and they use the image, sound, and data from the touchscreen to enhance their algorithm. In a good sense, such a geeky approach cannot but affect the overall level of product security and, hence, the user’s assets.
In addition to the main functions of any wallet — storage, transfer of cryptocurrency, AirGap, like many other wallets, allows you to stake coins and receive passive income. Transferring coins to a stake is as simple as possible and takes a couple of clicks. In addition, it is possible to exchange one coin for another directly in the application, without the need for external transactions.
Wrapping up
In our opinion, AirGap is a good solution for storing crypto assets both for those who have been working with cryptocurrencies for a long time and are looking for options to diversify the storage of the assets and for beginners who have just started their journey. So far, the wallet does not support many networks, but the team promises a rapid expansion of their list and an increase in the number of staking offers.
About Shiden Growth
The main goal of the initiative is supporting the Shiden ecosystem particularly the whole community, existing projects deployed on Shiden networks as well as helping new projects to migrate and deploy their dApps or smart-contracts on top of Shiden.
Building the community for the whole ecosystem and providing the media support for the ecosystem dApps, create educational content for the community as well helping to interact it and collecting feedback — it is one of the main priorities for us. Shiden’s dApps will be able tеo gain support and have the opportunity to spread awareness in the community about their products.
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