The fact is: using an offline computer with USB keys is two orders of magnitude better than just maintaining a hot wallet. If the alternative methods of doing an offline transaction are inconvenient and/or unreliable (such as using QR codes, because they're not big enough for all tx), then many people will simply use hot wallets because they're easier.
That doesn't mean that there shouldn't be an alternative solution available. But it's a matter of balancing user tendencies (aversion to complexity) with the security advantage. Everyone understands USB keys and how to move a file. Not everyone can get their webcames working, or scanner and printers with OCR, etc. I'd rather them use offline+USB key than give up and just use a hot wallet.
Topic: Why would the Armory client (secure) recommend using a USB drive (unsecure)? (Read 1497 times)
November 07, 2013, 12:07:31 PM
November 07, 2013, 04:25:58 AM
USB devices are prone to spreading viruses, why would you go through the trouble of creating an off network machine with armory to set up your bitcoin wallet only to move data from a USB drive back and forth from a networked computer which could infect your off network machine with a virus?
Was it not USB drives that were used to spread a virus that took out one of Iran's nuclear reactors?
Would not QR codes be a better means of transferring coins from an off network computer to a networked machine?
Or even just burning a CD (CDs are cheap now).
Was it not USB drives that were used to spread a virus that took out one of Iran's nuclear reactors?
Would not QR codes be a better means of transferring coins from an off network computer to a networked machine?
Or even just burning a CD (CDs are cheap now).
true, but with bitcoin at $300, just buy a dedicated comp, with a dedicated usb drive and even if you pick up a virus putting armory onto the dedicated comp, never let it touch the internet and never let the USB touch another computer again and you should be fine.
November 06, 2013, 11:59:31 PM
USB devices are prone to spreading viruses, why would you go through the trouble of creating an off network machine with armory to set up your bitcoin wallet only to move data from a USB drive back and forth from a networked computer which could infect your off network machine with a virus?
Was it not USB drives that were used to spread a virus that took out one of Iran's nuclear reactors?
Would not QR codes be a better means of transferring coins from an off network computer to a networked machine?
Or even just burning a CD (CDs are cheap now).
Was it not USB drives that were used to spread a virus that took out one of Iran's nuclear reactors?
Would not QR codes be a better means of transferring coins from an off network computer to a networked machine?
Or even just burning a CD (CDs are cheap now).
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