Topic: Would you trust a brand new computer for creating a paper wallet? (Read 197 times)
I would not trust an out-of-box computer, possibly with a bunch of third-party applications installed, but an old computer which has been regularly used (including online activities) is not a good option too. Linux Live CDs have been mentioned already, and one of the best such systems created with security in mind is Tails (https://tails.boum.org/). Make a USB stick with it, boot your regular computer from it with network cable unplugged (or Wi-Fi switched off), and you can safely generate a paper or cold wallet. It is certainly easier (and safer) that a clean install.
January 30, 2018, 09:24:30 PM
It could be very dangerous to assume that out-of-the-box pre-built computers are completely safe. These often come with third-party applications installed, and unless you can clean them out thoroughly, it could be a disaster waiting to happen. I would advise you to avoid HP and Lenovo because of the following instances of pre-installed spyware:
https://www.engadget.com/2017/11/28/hp-quietly-installs-system-slowing-spyware-on-its-pcs/
https://www.inverse.com/article/36136-lenovo-settles-spyware-laptop-case-ftc-32-states
A clean OS install should solve these problems specifically. One more thing to consider is that they say Windows 10 spies on everything you do, so as another user has said, Linux is the best way to go.
If you want another safe way to generate a paper wallet without tinkering with your existing OS, you could try something like Tails, but that could be a little too complicated for the regular user. An Ubuntu LiveCD or something similar could also work in theory, but I've never tried it myself.
https://www.engadget.com/2017/11/28/hp-quietly-installs-system-slowing-spyware-on-its-pcs/
https://www.inverse.com/article/36136-lenovo-settles-spyware-laptop-case-ftc-32-states
A clean OS install should solve these problems specifically. One more thing to consider is that they say Windows 10 spies on everything you do, so as another user has said, Linux is the best way to go.
If you want another safe way to generate a paper wallet without tinkering with your existing OS, you could try something like Tails, but that could be a little too complicated for the regular user. An Ubuntu LiveCD or something similar could also work in theory, but I've never tried it myself.
January 30, 2018, 08:53:06 PM
It really doesn't matter if the computer is new or old in my opinion. What matters for me is that I make sure that I'm the one who actually installed the software; more preferably a Linux operating system due to it being open source.
January 27, 2018, 07:02:02 AM
I'd rather trust an old system that I know I built and have cleaned thoroughly rather than trusting a computer pre-built by a company that comes with free spyware and backdoors. Well it is still passable if the computer wouldn't be connected in the internet after you have used it on generating a paper wallet but then again there's still a huge possibility that this computers would be connected to the internet since, well, it's brand new. If you aren't comfortable in using one, stick to hardware wallets or better yet use a machine that wouldn't be used again.
January 27, 2018, 03:39:52 AM
Why don't you just get Ledger Nano S or Trezor?
January 27, 2018, 02:42:36 AM
I'll rather trust an old computer that I would retise soon after creating the paper wallet.
January 27, 2018, 12:58:14 AM
I know we all get paranoid at times, but would you trust an "in-box" computer with creating your private keys?
This seems to be the minimal amount of trust required. Unless you happen to have an untampered pc from before BTC was conceived in 2008.
This seems to be the minimal amount of trust required. Unless you happen to have an untampered pc from before BTC was conceived in 2008.
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