Empowering the Crypto Future: AirGap’s Isolated Modules

In the ever-evolving landscape of cryptocurrency, security remains a top concern. Enter AirGap’s innovative Isolated Modules — a groundbreaking solution that redefines security architecture and gives the community the tools to build on top of AirGap.

Published in

AirGap

6 min readNov 17, 2023

In the fast-paced realm of cryptocurrency, security, and adaptability have emerged as paramount concerns. As the industry matures, the need for innovative solutions becomes increasingly evident.

There are 3 core “values” at Airgap:

OPEN-SOURCE: At AirGap we embraced open source since day 1. It has been part of our DNA and deeply engraved in our vision. Being transparent has been proven to be the best way to earn the trust of tech-savvy people.

ACCESSIBILITY: Another part of our identity is accessibility. We made AirGap the most accessible cold wallet solution out there.

SECURITY: Over the years AirGap has always been at the forefront of new security implementations, whether it’s with our revolutionary Secure Secret Generation mechanism our Social Recovery feature, or since recently our Knox solution we went even one step further.

With the 6th anniversary of AirGap coming up soon, we finally went one step further. by bringing open source, security, and accessibility to the next level.
Enter AirGap, a trailblazer in the crypto security landscape, with its groundbreaking concept of Isolated Modules and a fresh vision that beckons developers and users alike to join hands in building the future of crypto.

While many in the industry focused on building a single, monolithic solution, AirGap envisioned a different future, one where crypto enthusiasts and developers could craft their own unique experiences. This vision gave birth to Isolated Modules.

Isolated Modules: The 2 fundamentals

Security

At the heart of AirGap’s evolution lies the Isolated Modules. The concept is simple yet game-changing — each module operates in its isolation, creating an impervious barrier against vulnerabilities. No longer are crypto applications tethered together; instead, they function as separate entities, reducing the risk of contagion in case of a breach.

Imagine a scenario where one module faces a security threat. In the world of Isolated Modules, the impact is localized, ensuring that other modules remain unaffected. This security resilience stems from the modular architecture itself, creating a shield that fortifies the entire system.

How AirGap used to be structured vs How Isolated Modules is now Structured.

Flexibility

Build your digital space effortlessly with AirGap’s Isolated Modules — think of it like assembling digital LEGO blocks! Add your preferred blockchains without any hassle, creating a personalized digital space tailored to your needs.

But wait, there is more — much more

This breakthrough has far-reaching implications for both developers and users. Developers can focus on enhancing the capabilities of individual modules without compromising the integrity of the entire ecosystem. Users, on the other hand, reap the benefits of heightened security without sacrificing functionality.

The core of this vision is to foster an environment that encourages innovation. AirGap seeks to be more than just a provider of tools; it aims to be a platform that empowers developers to create, collaborate, and customize solutions. This collaborative spirit embodies the ethos of open source and decentralization — values that underpin the crypto revolution.

Rootstock has become the first Isolated Module implementation

It gives us great pleasure to announce that the first independently developed isolated Module has already been created: Rootstock!

Rootstock, a robust smart contract platform secured by the Bitcoin network, is paving the way for AirGap’s Isolated Modules initiative.

Early on, the dedicated Rootstock community and their skilled developers recognized the potential of our solution. Their enthusiasm led to a crucial step forward as AirGap underwent restructuring, enabling us to collaborate effectively. This collaboration culminated in a groundbreaking accomplishment — the inaugural third-party integration. This landmark achievement was spearheaded by Rootstock’s developers, with AirGap’s meticulous code review and audit process adding an extra layer of assurance.

The collaboration between Rootstock and AirGap signifies the remarkable power of joint expertise and vision. This dynamic partnership sets the stage for unprecedented innovation and growth within the blockchain space.

Building on AirGap with Isolated Modules — putting the focus on the community

AirGap serves as the foundation for developing and introducing new integrations as isolated Modules. These Modules can be independently crafted and subsequently sideloaded into the AirGap application, allowing our ecosystem to expand dynamically. For instance, let’s consider an isolated Module named “XYZ.” Once this Module is created, users are required to sideload it manually into their AirGap application. Notably, these isolated Modules, including the fictitious “XYZ,” are not automatically included in the latest AirGap release. This approach is essential to ensure that each integration meets our rigorous quality criteria.

In the event that an isolated Module like “XYZ” aims to be shipped as part of a new AirGap version, a thorough audit process becomes imperative. Before such an integration can be incorporated into an official release, the underlying code undergoes a comprehensive review to ensure its integrity and security. This rigorous commitment to maintaining code quality reflects our unwavering dedication to upholding the highest standards and providing a secure environment for our users.

How will Isolated Modules be installed?

Sideloading a new Module is as simple as A, B, C

Make sure you review the source code of the isolated module of the 3rd party.
Format the SD card.
Copy the downloaded APK to the SD card.
Eject and remove your SD card from your PC/laptop.
Insert the SD card into the phone with the Vault installed.
Locate the APK and install it.
Format the SD card on your phone.

Get started now!

Find the documentation here.

To learn more about Isolated Modules and how to get started join our Webinar where we will talk about how it’s done. More details about the Webinar will be announced soon via our socials. Let others know about isolated modules or subscribe now to reserve your seat!