The Keeper — Custody & Recovery
Crypto 101 with Vault
Seed Phrases & Key Management
"Your keys, your crypto. No keys, no crypto."
🔐 Seed Phrases: The Master Key to Everything
Your seed phrase (also called recovery phrase) is a set of 12 or 24 words that controls your entire wallet. Anyone who has these words has full access to all your crypto. There is no password reset, no customer support, no recovery — if someone gets your seed phrase, your funds are gone.
Vault is the Guardian who protects the most important thing in crypto: your keys.
🗝️ Custody & Key Management Basics
1. Never store your seed phrase digitally
No screenshots, no notes apps, no cloud storage, no email drafts. If it's on a device connected to the internet, it can be stolen. Write it on paper or stamp it on metal.
2. Hardware wallets explained
A hardware wallet (like Ledger or Trezor) keeps your private keys offline. Even if your computer is hacked, the attacker can't access your keys. For any serious amount of crypto, this is essential.
3. Custodial vs. non-custodial
Custodial (like Coinbase) = they hold your keys. Non-custodial (like MetaMask) = you hold your keys. "Not your keys, not your crypto" means if the custodian fails, your funds may be lost.
4. Backup strategies
Store your seed phrase in at least 2 separate physical locations. Consider a fireproof safe. Some people split the phrase across locations. The goal: survive fire, theft, and forgetfulness.
🏦 Vault's Security Rules
- ▸ Write your seed phrase on paper — never type it into a website
- ▸ Use a hardware wallet for holdings over $500
- ▸ Keep backups in separate physical locations
- ▸ Never share your seed phrase with anyone — ever
- ▸ Test your recovery process before you need it
💡 Key Takeaway
Your seed phrase is your crypto. Protect it like cash — because that's exactly what it is. No recovery, no second chances.